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ibuzzard

Cleaning a (Real) Filthy Fuel Tank

ibuzzard
12 years ago

I recently bought a older BCS 725,w/8 h.p.Acme engine.It was very inexpensive,but I knew having sat for years,there would be issues.After tank removal,I removed the fuel petcock to clean the tank.

There was so much dirt,almost as if someone sabotaged the previous owner.I was actually knocking dirt hunks loose with a rubber mallet!Oddly,the outside of the metal tank is in surprisingly good shape,thogh the plastic parts on the petcock crumbled to dust

Is there any way for a home-owner to successfully clean such a dirty tank,or should I take it to a radiator shop for boiling out?The replacement tank is plastic,expensive and,I am told by a nearby dealer,not of very high quality.I would like to save the steel tank if possible,but not spend a lot of money.Can it be done?If it is necessary,how do I remove the plastic fuel filler neck from the tank?

Thanks in advance for any help,

Steve

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