VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - GENERAL Trucks and Vans Old gas build up like tar

Hi guys

On this old chevy truck I bought, the gas line has a tar like build up (old gas). The gas tank has a t-value that connects to the gas line (Is that T-value stock on 1951 ton and a half?)

Gas is unable to flow out of gas tank.

It is pretty easy to replace the gas lines,
I am wondering if there is any product or method of cleaning the gas tank or do I need to buy another tank

That tank is very gumbed up

any suggestions

Bill T

Hi BillT,

The suggested method is to have the gas tank dipped at a commercial stripper. The tank is then re-tinned.

If after the commercial stripping you don't want to re-tin it, you can coat the inside of the tank with the new sealers that are on the market.

The first method is by far the best if the facilities are available to you.

Yes Bill, they all had that shut off valve on the tank outlet.

If you want to try it yourself and the material is hard then you can tumble with sharp gravel. The pieces should be about 3/4" or so. If soft an gooy then solvents are the only way to go. Unfortunately most available solvents likely will not work. You can try a small test with lacquer thinner or paint degreaser. If you put a solvent in the tank then you will not be able to use the rocks.

Bill, I am picking up the gas tank from my 34
Master from a company named Gas Tank Renew in
several days. Years ago I had the tank cleaned
at a radiator shop and used the gas tank sealer.
However, the sealer just coated the rust and then flaked off over time. Gas Tank Renew cleans, shot blasts, makes repairs, and bakes on a coating to the clean metal. Not cheap, but I thought I would give it a try. They are a national chain and give a lifetime warranty. I can e-mail you with more info if you would like.
I also did not want to have to deal with the nasty solvents (disposal,etc.)!!!

You can also use methol alcohol to loosen up the varnished gas. If you have a chemical supply store, they will have it in gallons. BUT...they can be suspicious if you look like a meth dealer!
Put it in and slosh it around a few times, drain and do again, until the tank is clean.
If the tank is rusty, I would suggest as others, to use bird shot to loosen it up. A friend of mine made a rotisorie with a sewing machine motor, and let it rotate for an hour or so. Did the trick, but stay away from the gravel, can be hard to remove all the dirt residue.

Good luck

The best stuff I have found to dis solve gunk in the fuel system is B-12 a carb cleaner I think from Beemans (sp?) you can get it at any auto parts place or at Wal-Mart it is available in aerosol cans or pour cans and it works good for me, use it straight on carbs and lines, and mix it with gas to keep the carb from gumming up.