how do I clean an old gas tank that has black tar like c

[bwsmith]

how do I clean an old gas tank that has black tar like crud in the bottom?

 

[Steve@Advance]

You can try some E85. That makes good cleaner.

Back in the day you could take one to a radiator shop and they would hot clean it. Not many real radiator shops left anymore.

If this is something a tank can be bought for, that might be the easiest and final fix. Fighting an old nasty rusty tank is sometimes more frustrating than it's worth! Do all the work only to have it start leaking.

 

[Welding man]

lacquer thinner. a piece of chain and a steam cleaner, then a can of sealer.

 

[504]

I agree, E-85

 

[rustred]

Nothing a hotsy wont fix. Did that to one and no looking back
for other cleaners. Steam is the trick

 

[StuckRusty]

Muriatic acid. I had the tar thick in my JD40 tank. The acid will liquify it and allow you to rinse it out.