Stale gas stink

[JPark]

I have a tank that came my way that has had a lot of gas go way bad in it. It's a super spreader of stench even with the cap on. What's the best way to deal with it? I've had a bit of that with a few old tanks but just being back in service seemed to make it go away.

The associated float bowl took some scraping so it's pretty fossilized.

[MTrat]

Some will disagree, but I have had good luck with lacquer thinner to remove old gas crud.

[Tether]

I agree with MTrat. I have had very good success with lacquer thinner.

[JPark]

Would acetone also work? I prefer working with it. Sort of.

[taber hodaka]

ace tone never worked for me, Lacquer thinner with some clean screws - shake, rattle and roll -. I think vinegar gets the stench out. ---------------- Clarence

[viclioce]

I use Muriatic Acid. Dilute 1:9 to clean slowly if you can’t stay right with it at all times! If you can Stay with it, you can go 1:4, but watch it closely!

Flash rust can happen soon after so be sure once you’re done to coat the tank with a mix of gas & 2 stroke oil. For this, I mix the gas 1:1 with the oil. Thins it enough to coat the inside of the tank! I’m all about not waiting so I use the 1:4 dilution unless there’s very little rust. Victor

[JPark]

Now I just need to get some clothes ready to throw out, and my nitrile gloves, and rattle my random screw collection inside it with some lacquer thinner and the wind behind me. Make like a giant maraca and then rinse out with vinegar. Got it. Repeat with muriatic acid if necessary.

Then I can look inside and find out what I 'won'. I have two other tanks ready for projects - one a nice rat tank! - but this one needs to be either cleaned out or stored at a remote location.

Thanks, guys.

[Bullfrog]

Isn't the acid treatment for rust? Not for well aged gas/oil "varnish" and tar slime?

Ed

[taber hodaka]

Yes rust, but I am not aware of it removing "varnish". Some tank cleaners will not touch the gooie and hardened tar slime. ----------------------- Clarence

[viclioce]

Isn't the acid treatment for rust? Not for well aged gas/oil "varnish" and tar slime?

Ed

Actually, the acid treatment cleans ANYTHING! I’ve had good success with it removing varnished over tarred up rust as well as dry tanks with just heavy rust from sitting for years.

Danny Cooke told me about the Muriatic acid years ago. I’ve learned it’s the fastest way to clean a tank! And so far, I haven’t had one which the Acid ate they rust which caused pits to leak! that continues to hold true! Victor