Cleaning old tractor gas tank

jwb53 · Dec 30, 2020

Today's subject: Old tractor gas tanks. In particular, one on a Ferguson TO-20. It is what could be best described as "yucky" on the inside from what I can see. The radiator shop where I used to get them boiled out has stopped doing that service. Now I am wondering what might be my best plan of attack.

This tank has baffles, so some of the old tricks of filling with gravel, strapping it to a tractor tire, and driving around, won't work...

I'm wondering if putting a gallon or so of acetate in the tank and flushing it around for a bit will do any good??

What have y'all tried and had success with recently on cleaning out old tractor gas tanks?

TIA

Mark-Ia · Dec 30, 2020

E-85 works good.

DeltaSteve · Dec 30, 2020

Take it to a car wash. Spend about 5 dollars in quarters.Or find a buddy with a 'Hotsy'.

Charlie M · Dec 30, 2020

I had a lot of tar like material in the tank of my Super C when I bought it. I cleaned it out with acetone. Took about 5 gallons to do it. Did it outdoors and it evaporates pretty quick in warm weather.

Richard G. · Dec 30, 2020

I have done it with purple power and just water from a nozzle on a hose.
Cheap and does a good job.
May take several soakings and turning to get it all.
Tank I did was VERY CRUDDY.
A friend across the river in GA told me to try this.
Richard

Stephen Newell · Dec 30, 2020

I would use a lye drain cleaner and then pressure wash the inside as best as you can. If you are accumulating gunk chances are the tank is rusting inside as well. You might consider using a fuel tank liner in it after you get it clean. That would prevent the rust damage from getting worse.

Steve@Advance · Dec 30, 2020

If it's original, at that age it stands a real good chance of being rusty to the point of disturbing it will start a leak, and then there is the flaking rust problem.

Aftermarket new tanks are available if it's in the budget, save yourself a lot of despair.

rockcreek4630 · Dec 30, 2020

I use mek if it is really bad I buy it at the hardware store. Other whise as others have said acetone

BarryfromIA · Dec 30, 2020

Has anyone ever considered using a plastic tank there are a lot of sizes and shapes available. If smaller than original you might conceal it in the old tank. Most older tractors don't need many gallons to complete their work day.

RedRamGT · Dec 30, 2020

I've soaked several gas tanks with E-85, and it's done the job for me. I pour in a couple gallons and let the gas tank sit for a few days, then swish it around and pour it out. It'll usually come out with a dark red color - much like red wine.

eas · Dec 30, 2020

yes to E-85 works good and cheaper

jwb53 · Dec 30, 2020

Steve@Advance.

Excellent tip! I hadn't even considered there would be new aftermarket replacement gas tanks out there for the TO-20. There were actually multiple sources. I went with the YT Parts Store. I would quickly have overrun the cost of the new tank in time, materials, and "despair" as you put it. It is ordered and on the way.

Cheers,

JB

johndeerejim · Dec 30, 2020

I just purchased a NAA Ford and the tank needed cleaning. Fortunately, the radiator shop in town still does them. They said it also had baffles and wouldnt coat it but they are boiling it out. I didnt see the baffle they did. My tank had a little turpentine/ten year old gas in it but not alot. The carb was another story. Never thought about E85 but makes sense since the stuff is corrosive. My brother in law used something from Lowes. It was used to remove paint from metal but couldnt remember the name of the product. Not sure if muratic acid would work or not.

J Hamilton · Dec 30, 2020

You're lucky to still have a good radiator shop nearby, most are long gone

Cleaning old tractor gas tank

jwb53

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Mark-Ia

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DeltaSteve

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Charlie M

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Richard G.

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Stephen Newell

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Steve@Advance

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rockcreek4630

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BarryfromIA

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RedRamGT

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eas

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jwb53

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johndeerejim

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J Hamilton

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