It is likely that you will need to clean your gas tank at some point.This may seem like an overwhelming task for the novice.You will be able to clean your gas tank with a little work and knowledge.In the end, you will have a tank that is free of debris and contaminants.
Step 1: The tank needs to be disconnected.
The tank needs to be disconnected from the motorcycle or other machinery.You won't be able to access it or clean it without it being disconnected.Attach the tank with screws or bolts.You need to remove the fuel line and spark plugs for lawnmowers.Remove the petcock, gas cap, and hoses from motorcycles.
Step 2: The fuel line needs to be sealed.
You need to seal it after you disconnected the fuel line.Dirt and other objects can end up in the fuel line, which can cause problems for your engine.Attach the smooth-faced clamp to the line near the carburetor.The line and the engine should be separated.Take the line off the bucket.The line should be allowed to drain into the bucket.
Step 3: The tank needs to be emptied.
Any remaining fuel should be put into a container.If you can't get everything out, use a device to remove fuel from the tank.The tank should be allowed to dry completely.Without draining fuel, you won't be able to clean the engine.You have to make sure you get all the fuel out of the tank.
Step 4: The tank needs to be inspected.
Take the time to look for any problems that might undermine the integrity of the tank.It is possible that defects, rust, or other problems could endanger your engine.You can see inside the tank if you put it out in the open.If you need more light, put a flashlight in the tank.There are rust spots, wear, and defects in the material of the tank.The fuel filter needs to be looked at to make sure it is clean.It should be replaced if it is not.
Step 5: High pressure water can be sprayed into the tank.
If you use high pressure water, you can break the build up on the bottom of the tank.You won't be introducing chemicals that could cause problems for your engine at the same time.Set the sprayer and hose to high pressure.You might need to point the sprayer at different places in the tank.If you have a lot of rust in the tank, use a pressure washer or blaster.
Step 6: The car is jacked up.
The car needs to be jacked up before you can remove the tank.Place a car jack underneath the car and slowly move it into the air.This will allow you to get underneath the vehicle.If you want to securely lift your vehicle, consider using two jacks.Under the jack points of the car, position the jacks.The owner's manual can be consulted for these locations.
Step 7: The gas tank needs to be removed from the car.
Make sure to remove the tank from the car before cleaning it.You will be able to properly drain, inspect, and clean it if you remove it.Remove the screws and straps that hold the tank in place.Don't connect the tank directly below it.To lower the fuel tank, use a transmission jack.
Step 8: The tank needs to be drained.
You need to drain the fuel from the tank after you have removed it.Depending on how old the tank is, how much fuel is left, and the style of tank, the extent of this process may vary.To drain it, use a device to transfer gasoline.Turn the tank upside down and let the liquid drain into a container.sludge and other debris can be moved out with any remaining gasoline.
Step 9: The tank needs to be degreased.
You may need to degrease your tank if it still smells of gasoline after draining it.You can get better results by degreasing the tank.It's a good idea to use a degreaser like Marine Clean.It is possible to mix dish detergent with hot water.Allow the degreaser or soap and water mix to sit in the tank for up to 24 hours.Degreasing the tank for a longer period of time if the degreaser or soap mixture doesn't work after 24 hours.
Step 10: Pressure wash the tank.
You will want to use a pressure washer on the inside of the tank after removing it.This will help remove dirt, debris, and small pieces of rust.It will help clean the gasoline.To clean the inside of the tank, use a pressure washer or garden hose.Light rust can be removed from inside the tank by pointing the sprayer at different angles.
Step 11: You can use a cleaning solution.
Commercial solutions can be used to remove rust and other gunk from the tank.These solutions break down rust.You can rinse and remove debris from your tank after using them.Rust can be dissolved in a tank with professional grade acid solutions.Tanks that have been sitting for a long time should only be used for cleaning solutions.
Step 12: The tank needs to be washed.
You will need to rinse the tanks several times after you use a cleaning solution or degreaser.You may end up damaging your engine if you don't remove all the chemicals from the tank.You can empty the tank and refill it again if you want to get any more debris that didn't wash away.If bubbles or foam are present in the water, rinse the tank.You may have to rinse it 2 to 3 times.
Step 13: Allow the tank to be dry.
Once you have cleaned the inside of the tank, you need to let it dry completely.If you don't, the water may mix with new gasoline and damage your engine or fuel system.If possible, turn the tank upside down.Take the tank out for the night.Make sure the tank is dry.
Step 14: Appropriately dispose of gasoline.
You need to dispose of the gasoline in a proper way after draining it.It may taint the ground water in your community if you don't properly dispose of it.Store gasoline in approved containers.To find out where you can dispose of your gasoline, contact your local waste disposal service.You can bring your old gasoline to a toxic waste disposal site.
Step 15: If you have a question, talk to a mechanic.
If you have a problem that you don't know how to fix, you should consult a professional mechanic.A professional knows how to clean gas tanks and will advise you.If you don't know if you can lift and remove a tank from a vehicle safely, contact a mechanic.They will be able to do it safely.
Step 16: Wear safety equipment.
Safety equipment should always be used when working with gasoline or cleaning solvent.If you don't have safety equipment, you could wind up with a permanent injury.Safety goggles can be used.There are gloves.There are other protective clothing.If possible, remember to work on your tank outside and to properly ventilate your garage.