Best Way to Clean a Fuel Tank

[LaMamelle]

So, my 86 XT has eaten two fuel pumps now, and quite a few fuel filters because of vanish still sitting in the tank.  The tank doesn't appear to be rusty in any way, which is great, but the poor thing had been parked for 10-13 years, with about a 1/8th of a tank of gas, which I can only assume has turned into a thick layer of gunk on the bottom of the tank. I did drain out that gas and tried to flush out all the old stuff but that clearly didn't do the trick. I've seen a million recommendations online about cleaning varnish out of a tank but what have people here had the most success with? Should I just throw some fuel treatment or seaform or something and let it sit for a couple of days, or should I just take the whole tank out and get shaking it with vinegar and rocks? I would hate to take the tank out, only because I know how annoying it can be, but I guess it would be just as annoying to keep buying fuel filters 😆.

[el_freddo]

I’d say the most effective way would be tank out and clean with whatever method of choice.

You could source a good, clean tank, put that in and be done with it too. 

[moosens]

Whenever a severe fuel tank issue comes up i offer that I sent mine Moyer in PA

They have their own non epoxy patented formula they use after completely removing all rust snd they’ll do any repairs as needed. 
 

Mine was from a 79 4wd wagon same tank as a Brat. It cost $500 total with shipping. The tank looks bulletproof and should last through my kids lives. 
 

Ok $500 isn’t for everyone so use one of the many methods. But from what you’ve described it seems severe to me. 
 

Folks have done motorcycle tanks in cement mixers with the tank wrapped in moving blankets. Think up your own method or research. Lots of folks have used nuts n bolts and cover the holes - after adding some solution like gasoline, swish it around but with a car tank thats quite the chore. So maybe something similar to the cement mixer method. 
 

I own a condo and it was better for me to open the wallet. 
Good luck. 
 

pardon any typos, phone is being unkind. 
 

Moyer: http://www.gas-tank.com

Unsecure site it says but they’re fine and you can bet if you do business with them it’ll be secure.

Nice people on the phone too. 

 

[moosens]

To those wondering about tank treatment and fuel compatibility Moyer claims theirs is good for all contemporary fuels. 
 

I used my tank for a little over a year then removed it because the new owner is making the wagon electric. So I kept that tank and it looks like the day I got it back on the inside, and out. 
 

Enjoy !