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Topic: possible gas tank cleaning - Gas tank needs cleaned  (Read 2983 times)

Offline eakanator

  • Rome, Ga
  • Joined: Apr 2004
  • Posts: 254

possible gas tank cleaning - Gas tank needs cleaned

« on: May 02, 2004, 07:31:25 PM »
Unless someone knows a product, may need to see about having the gas tank boiled out or something. Didn't think it would be to bad when I took the gas tank off, but after pouring out the 15 year old gas ( the gas tank was half full) it was nasty and still full of stuff. Any advice? Can a radiator shop clean this? Now that I know this should I blow the line out going to the carb?
Thanks
Ron

Offline vwherb

  • Club Member
  • McDonald, TN
  • Joined: Dec 2001
  • Posts: 1789
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possible gas tank cleaning - Gas tank needs cleaned

« Reply #1 on: May 03, 2004, 08:27:00 AM »
There is a radiator shop on Brainerd Rd. I have used in the past and I think the name of it is Choo Choo Radiator. It's in the 3300-3400 block of Brainerd Rd. Your tank definately needs to be boiled out and if there is any large amount of rust, it will need to sealed. Call and ask his price for doing this and then check the ads in Hot VWs or VW Trends for new gas tanks. You might be better off just buying a new one.

As for your line, I would definately blow it out and also put some new gas thru it before I hooked it back up.


                                                                        :cool:

Offline eakanator

  • Rome, Ga
  • Joined: Apr 2004
  • Posts: 254

possible gas tank cleaning - Gas tank needs cleaned

« Reply #2 on: May 03, 2004, 08:47:57 AM »
Thanks, I've called the two shops here in Rome this morning, one shop gets $85 for boiling and lining, the other is $85 plus however many gallons it holds. Before I drop it off, I'll look and see what else is available.
Ron

Offline Bugz

  • Burlington, NC
  • Joined: Feb 2004
  • Posts: 917
    • Charlton Wiggins - Latitude 35° Imprinted Sportswear

possible gas tank cleaning - Gas tank needs cleaned

« Reply #3 on: May 03, 2004, 09:16:06 AM »
You're probably better off to just order one brand new. JCWhitney.com has them for $59 + shipping.

Offline eakanator

  • Rome, Ga
  • Joined: Apr 2004
  • Posts: 254

possible gas tank cleaning - Gas tank needs cleaned

« Reply #4 on: May 03, 2004, 09:32:59 AM »
Cheez, I can't believe that, I just called advanced Auto and they wanted $190..   $59 plus shipping is only $11.. I assume that the one I have is considered to have a external filler.
Ron

Offline eakanator

  • Rome, Ga
  • Joined: Apr 2004
  • Posts: 254

possible gas tank cleaning - Gas tank needs cleaned

« Reply #5 on: May 03, 2004, 11:43:53 AM »
Well, went ahead and ordered the tank from JC Whitney, paid an extra $5 shipping, to get here before the weekend, but that's still less than boiling & lining..
Ron

Offline Zen

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  • LaFayette, GA
  • Joined: Dec 2001
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possible gas tank cleaning - Gas tank needs cleaned

« Reply #6 on: May 03, 2004, 06:03:26 PM »
I know you've already ordered it, and it is the cheapest way to go, but, if done right, you may be better off by having an old one cleaned and lined.  The bottom line here is that these things are made from a cheap grade of metal that will, sooner or later, rust.  Replacing it will get you by for several years, but if you keep the car long enough, sometime down the road you'll be dealing with this problem again.  If it's properly cleaned and lined and the outside cleaned and "painted" with a rust blocker such as POR-15, you'll never have to deal with it again.  Eastwood (and other places) sell the chemicals needed to clean/line a tank at home . . . but for the cost of the kit you can have a professional do it for you.

The old saying "Take my advice . . . I'm not using it!" applies here.  I've always just replaced the tank . . . and usually with a used one that was only slightly better the one I was replacing.  But, that's getting old.  If I have the cash, I'll have the next one fixed.

Offline Anthony

  • In front of the computer
  • Joined: Dec 2001
  • Posts: 1136

possible gas tank cleaning - Gas tank needs cleaned

« Reply #7 on: May 03, 2004, 09:27:34 PM »
That must make me even cheaper.  Buy a couple of gallons of diesel.  Throw a handfull of lug nuts in the tank with a little diesel.  shake and dump.  Repeat until it comes out clean.

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