cleaning out 38 gallon gas tank

[FlatBlackBurb]

so after my truck stalled out, i towed it home and dropped the tank. sure enough the gasket had failed and the tank was full of dirt. i poured all the fuel out, filtered it, and put it into my caddy, but there's still dirt in the tank. is there some kind of cheap, home method for cleaning all this crud out? thanks

 

[kennyw]

Can you get a shop vac attachment in there?

 

[FlatBlackBurb]

thats not a half bad idea. ill try it thanks

 

[kennyw]

Just be careful due to gas vapors being highly flammable.

 

[mdm365]

Yes in deed I agree with ^^^^

 

[dbabicky]

I would not use a shop Vac. The electric motor, the plastic hose, ect. ect. all lead to sparks and static electricity. Very foolish move if you ask me. Christ, bed liners and cell phones have caused flash fires with gasoline fumes. THINK ABOUT IT !!

 

[mnstrburbon]

I have heard of using a small 2 foot or section of chain and slosh it around also breaks loose all the lose scaley rust. I think they said they used meratic acid can be had at home improvment stores cleans off rust good.

 

[rjpastor]

I know you want an inexpensive, home fix, but unless you get all the crap out, you'll be doing it again soon. A couple of suggestions: 1) check with your local radiator shop, they will probably tank it for you - might not be too expensive, 2) check Eastwood.com - they have a couple of products for gas tanks.

 

[Jason4x4]

I know a guy that lost a house due to a shop vac and gasoline, and he almost lost a kid.

 

[FlatBlackBurb]

thanks for the tips guys i appreciate it. i was thinking about the whole static electricity thing right after you guys mentioned it. come to think of it it would probably be easier to just wipe the inside down with a rag. the thing about my tank is it's really clean rustwise... theres some rust on the outside but i plan to sand it down and paint it before i put it back in my truck. the inside just has some dirt in it. that's about it

 

[Stomis]

If you filter the gas enough times it will get it out. Hell bio diesel guys start with french fries in their fuel and end up with clean stuff.

As for the tank I'm wondering how much 50 gallons of rubbing alcohol would cost lol. That would flush it and would evaporate real quick.