How to clean fuel tank?

[radman1]

I bought a used 100 gallon steel transfer fuel tank. 2 compartments with 50 gal each and came with hand pumps on each side. Both tanks were used for diesel but have dirt/crud/rust in the bottom of each. Not bad but needs to be cleaned better. When I shine a light inside, the sides look very good but some stuff is still on the bottom. My guess is some moisturewater got inside and settled on the bottom. I changed the fuel filter on each pump. Any other tricks? I plan to use one side for gas and the other for diesel.

 

[MrJimi]

Do you have a good radiator shop near you? They could make the insides real purty for ya
Jim

 

[slowrev]

Invert and pressure wash up thru the filler holes, then let dry ?

 

[radman1]

Invert and pressure wash up thru the filler holes, then let dry ?

That will be my next plan of action. I'll use my pallet forks to hold it upside down suspended on the forks. Should I just use water and then rinse it out with diesel? I just remembered that I have a power washer. That should do a good job of breaking the crude loose.

 

[erikharwell]

I would put some dish soap, or simple green in there with a little water and let it sit a while, then rinse with the pressure washer.

 

[vallyfarm]

Add some marbles, large ball bearing, etc to get things moving. If you can hang it in the air and shake it a bit every day for a week or two the marbles will roll and scrub the metal clean. Count how many go in, and how many come out. Also, there are several places that seal gas tanks, and a few pour in products to do the same. Mike

 

[Chuck_Lind]

We clean out fuel tanks using liquid Tide and hot water and let it sit for awhile. A couple of cups of liquid Tide should do; then, thoroughly rinse. You can use a pressure washer (don't use Tide in the pressure washer) to get all the gunk off while rinsing.

Works everytime!!!

 

[sandman2234]

How about some Dawn and water and leave it in the back of your truck for a few days, so the sloshing will help remove everything. Give it a quick drive just before emptying it also.
David from jax

 

[BTDT]

I second the radiator shop suggestion.

 

[Mud Dr.]

I've used pressure washers with good success cleaning out our 550 and 1000 gallon fuel tanks that we loaned out to local rice farmers. If you can run hot water in it without damaging your pump, that will help. One of my staple products at the house is a product called "Super Clean". It's available at Walmart in the automotive section. It is the best degreaser I have ever used. Just use caution, eye and hand protection. By all means dispose of your waste properly. Finally I would reccommend using a biocide or algicide to prevent algea growth. If you are not going to fill the tank, try sloshing the treated fuel to coat the walls of the tank.
Steve