How do I clear a fuel tank out fully?

[dubbedup67]

As the title suggests
My bus is still pulling stale fuel n crap through.
I'm guessing there's a bit of silt in the bottom of the tank.
How do I completely clean it?

Cheers
Matt

 

[ZedBed]

Take it out I'm afraid.

 

[dubbedup67]

I was affraid of that.:/
Once it's out do I need to put a solution or something in it?

 

[ZedBed]

Depends what you find when you look in the holes - a swill with petrol might do it, or it might need replacing, or somewhere between. There's only one way to find out...

 

[paul_q]

frost do this kit http://www.frost.co.uk/automotive-tanks-products/por15-car-tank-repair-kit.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
or they sell each part on it own. try some small pebbles in the tank when cleaning, seal it up and give it a good shake.

 

[RichardAlexander]

i have got the same problem and have just found this site if your determined to do it DIY
http://www.ratwell.com/technical/FuelTankRestoration.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

 

[RichardAlexander]

Hmmm nice idea with the kit still got to take the engine out though and the tank and if it's out should I just replace it

 

[ZedBed]

If it's really rusty the kit is quite expensive and time consuming, whereas an import tank is about £100 delivered.

 

[bus72]

Hmmm nice idea with the kit still got to take the engine out though and the tank and if it's out should I just replace it

if you have a type 4 in your bus you can get the tank out without removing the engine..

 

[RichardAlexander]

new at this so is this a type 4 engine

it doesn't look like i can

 

[Mr Brightside]

new at this so is this a type 4 engine

it doesn't look like i can

Nope, engine out

Whilst you are doing that, please relocate the fuel filter away from the coil & put it nearer the tank outlet out of harms way.

They have been known to leak spraying the entire engine with fuel....

 

[bus72]

new at this so is this a type 4 engine

it doesn't look like i can

Nope, engine out

Whilst you are doing that, please relocate the fuel filter away from the coil & put it nearer the tank outlet out of harms way.

They have been known to leak spraying the entire engine with fuel....

yes get that filter out of the engine bay. and no its not a type 4 as has already been said saying that with the engine out
removing the tank will be a doddle

 

[RichardAlexander]

Thanks guys, yeah the fuel filter is going under the bus, it's not mounted next to the coil it's just proped up there while the fuel line is disconnected. I keep hearing how easy it is to take the engine out any tips to a complete novice, bearing in mind my heat exchanger is intact and working, am I best getting some one to do it and learn

 

[Doris]

It's not so daunting taking an engine out, as long as you have a fairly good head on your shoulders. Read through it in your manual first, then go for it.....4 17mm bolts,disconnect fuel line & accelerator/heat exchanger cables. Get a trolley jack under it and sandwich an appropriate sized piece of soft wood under the engine do as not to damage the case or ancillaries take the weight and wiggle it out.I can take one out in 15 minutes on my own as I've done it before,first time..may take you half an hour?

I've not looked but I bet there are loads of videos on you tube. Where you located buddy?

 

[Matt84]

Hi,

When my engine was out I decided to clean my tank - I took it to a place near Walsall ( not sure where you are) , they primarily re-conditioned radiators for classic cars but happily did my fuel tank. They cleaned it with some kind of acid to get rid of the crap, but recommended not sealing it with anything as apparently all products will start to flake off eventually - although mine wasn't actually rusty inside, advice maybe different if yours is....

Anyway, only cost me £30, which I was happy with!

Good luck!

 

[RichardAlexander]

i am based in Luton, thanks for the advice gonna have to do it one day, so Saturday here we come, might take more than half hour though.

 

[RichardAlexander]

i know its a bit late but its done, the engine is out the tank is out and so is the hundred weight of rat bedding ang **** and piss, tank doesnt look well lots and lots of rust, will post piccie when i get the chance, chemicals go in tonight, then its fingers crossed.

 

[RichardAlexander]

ummm this is going to take some work

 

[ZedBed]

Have you brimmed it?
I suspect it may be porous with all the rust.
I wouldn't have it in my bus. Good luck.

 

[RichardAlexander]

no choice really couldn't find a replacement, got the tank repair kit from frost, its been sanded treated primed. Its just going through the internal clean and then the seal so should be good, i know its not the same but i tested it full of water and it seemed fine. if anything its a stop gap till i find a replacement.