Help required - what is the best way to clean a petrol tank?

[redders499]

Hi all,
This is my first post, so hope I am doing this right!!

I may be asking for more advice as this is the first Moggy I have attempted.

I have a '69 1000, which has been standing unused for 25 years or so. I was wondering what the best way is to clean out the petrol tank.

I have drained it down, and am about to remove it, but the petrol that came out stinks and is more like oil!!

I have heard steam cleaning is the way forward, but obviously don't have one.

I would really appreciate any ideas and thanks again everyone.

Cheers

Neil

[JOWETTJAVELIN]

Welcome.

Buy some fresh petrol and swill it out vigorously using this. In a case such as yours I would use a tank-sealing compound, especially those of U.S. origin which seem to work well. Allow the tank to dry in fresh air and assess the corrosion by tapping with a hammer and listening for the differing sounds of thin and good steel.

[redders499]

That's great, cheers jowettjavelin.

I will give it a whirl!

[bmcecosse]

Someone filled it with pebbles and water - strapped it to a cement mixer, and indeed did 'give it a whirl' I rather suspect that you will find a 25 year old tank to be paper thin - and a new one may be on the cards.........

[redders499]

You are probably right, just seeing if I can retain any bits as most are rusted to pieces!! Cheers

[redders499]

Removed the tank, swilled it out with petrol and left to evaporate. It's in pretty good nick as it happens, so will probably refurb and retain, as a replacement is very pricey!

Cheers all

[JOWETTJAVELIN]

Always best to make do and mend where poss.