gummed up gas tank

[Glenn]

what is the best way to clean a gas tank that has been sitting for 44 years and has gooey molasses type glued to the inside of the tank. the saving factor is there is no rust. going to paint the tanks so that is not a worry.
has anyone used media blasting
or what is the favorite chemical route?

thanks
moose

[23JDCA 808]

I would start with safest, least volatile and cheapest solvent; then work up the list. Do it outside and away from open flame. Try a little bit of paint thinner. If that doesn't work, let it dry out. Then maybe gasoline, and maybe lacquer thinner at the end. There will be other solvents suggested; that's all I could think of. ...bill

[Ohio-Rider]

I agree with Bill. Since your painting the tanks later, your free to try anything you can think of. Be sure to do it outside and wear your rubber gloves. I would probably begin by filling the tank about 1/4 of the way with gasoline and add a big handfull of 1/2" flat washers and swish,turn,flip,shake,ratlle and roll. -Steve

[Robert Luland]

Glenn you can also try MEK. At least I think thats how it goes. To say the least this is the only stuff that I found that eats out cream tank liner. I figure if it can eat that stuff. Gummy gas would be an easy chore. Bob

[Kojack]

Just about any carburetor cleaner will dissolve it. Berryman makes a good one that comes in gallon cans. Don't use the aerosol type, it'll evaporate too fast.

[exeric]

I second Bob's choice of MEK. Great stuff and a super strong solvent. Just don't drink it.

[T. Cotten]

Shell Premium summer blend will even eat powdercoating.
(Wear gloves and safety glasses when using it... in a well ventilated area.)

....Cotten

[Glenn]

thanks for the replys

cotton
i got your float
thanks

Glenn

[Glenn]

cotton would you have the spring that goes on the throttle shaft under the throttle cable holder

glenn mills

[T. Cotten]

Glenn!

My business is a service shop only (I cut floats personally), and I have no wish to conflict with all my friends who run mail-order parts operations.

If you do not have a local independent shop to support, try Kick-Start Mcy Parts 616-245-8991

Good luck!

...Cotten

[Glenn]

thanks

glenn