I'm replacing all the fuel lines on my restoration car (1967 Mustang). I thought I better clean out the fuel tank as well. It doesnt look very dirty other than some deposits inside the tank.Can anyone recommend a product for this. I was thinking CLR(removeswater spotsfrom faucets).Or is it fine as long as there is nothing loose to get sucked into the line?

 

CLRis a mild acid solution, so I wouldn't (personally) put it in my fuel tank. How about a pint or so of some Berryman carb cleaner , let it set for a whaile, swish it around and dump it out. (I assume you have the tank out of the car)

 

There are products that are designed to clean out gas tanks, most of which are acidic and are what you'd need to use to properly do the job. B-12 is going to remove all of the fuel-based deposits, but not any rust spots.

That said, replacement tanks aren't that expensive. I wouldn't go through the trouble of cleaning one.

 

Thanks for the 411 on the cleaners. I wasn't aware they were all acid based. (I still wouldn't put them in my tank though)

Ithink the main issue is if there is rust forming on the inside of the tank, unless theres a way to clean and neutralize and coverthat rust, cleaning it with acid may exaerbate the condition and rust thru may be likely.

 

I agree with starfury. They aren't that expensive to buy a new one.

 

You can get a new tank and related items in a kit for about 130$shipped I believe. Definitly worth the money...

I beleive POR15 also makes a product that you can coat the inside of your tank with to prevent rust from ever forming...

 

Gotta agree with the other people here with getting a new gas tank. Saves you the headache (and later posting) of rust/junk in the fuel filter and eventually into the carb. You'll be glad you did and you will have a brand new shiney gas tank in your stang!!!

 

The acid solutions you buy to clean out the tank don't cause rust, they remove it. There is absolutely no reason you should be afraid to put an acidic cleaner in your(empty) fuel tank. It's basic solutions (ie. bleach) that will cause it to rust. Painters/bodyworkers will use phosphoric acid to prep bare metal before priming to remove any rust and contaminants, which will also double as a fuel tank cleaner if there's only very light surface rust.

Most of the cleaners I'm aware of come as a kit. You get the acid (usually a strong muriatic acid solution), sometimes a neutralizing rinse solution, and then a sealer that prevents rust from forming in the future. Or you can just go to your local hardware store and pick up a jug of muriatic acid.

But again, $130 for a new tank and hardware isn't worth it to me to try to clean out a dirty tank. My time is worth more than that.

 

I agree with the masses...just Pony...lol up for a new tank.

FWIW I used CLR in a motorcyle gas tank to clean out some rust....I won't go into specifics...but I will just buy another tank for the bike next time...not worth the effort..head aches and PITA..and it was well over $130.

Good luck

 

I have heard of using the muratic acid to prep but you have to be cautious because if you don't clean it well after use it will rust bad. I am a mason and use it a lot and most of my tools are rusted from the acid.