Gas Tank Cleaning

[otis71]

Recently bought a barn find with a coating of solidified gas on the inside of the gas tank. Any ideas on easy cleaning without risking removing paint? Had to toss the petcock because it was so clogged. Keep in mind that there’s no rust, just a gelled coating so vinegar or metal rescue probably isn’t the answer. Thanks.

[T. Cotten]

Recently bought a barn find with a coating of solidified gas on the inside of the gas tank. Any ideas on easy cleaning without risking removing paint? Had to toss the petcock because it was so clogged. Keep in mind that there’s no rust, just a gelled coating so vinegar or metal rescue probably isn’t the answer. Thanks.

It came out of the gas, Otis,...

So today's P4gas should dissolve it even better.

You aught to retrieve the petcock and soak it too.

Be thankful the petcock kept it out of the carb!

VARNISH.jpg

....Cotten

[PaulCDF]

I have had success protecting paint with this product:

caswellplating.com/caswell-seal-masktm-8-fl-oz.html

[T. Cotten]

If you bung the tanks well, Otis,..

Filling them for a soak shouldn't be a paint issue,... unless it finds a leak for you.

I have a tumbler for final scrubbing,

TUMBLER.jpg

Its pulley'd down to about a rev a second. Not terribly efficient.

....Cotten

[otis71]

I thought soaking with gas was a possibility so right after posting I filled it with gas. Will a day or two soaking be enough or is longer in order? The petcock was a cheap chrome aftermarket unit and I have plenty of good ones around here. The carburetor was gooped up too but nothing the ultrasonic cleaner couldn’t handle and the bike is running good with an auxiliary tank.

[T. Cotten]

...Will a day or two soaking be enough or is longer in order?...

Nobody here is psychic, Otis.

But I feel it is a good time of year for it.

Rotate them in the sunshine!

....Cotten