[Farmall] Solvents

[Karl Olmstead]

I would expect acetone or MEK to remove the tar easily.  Carb cleaner, as 
Mike recommends, would work very well.  Hopefully Jay understands that any 
of the 'kits' recommended for fuel tanks are for coating the tank, not 
removing a quarter inch of crud.  All the kits I've seen assume that you 
already have the tank clean.

At least in California, the radiator shop is no longer a viable option for 
cleaning out fuel tanks (or radiators).  Last time I talked to the owner, 
the local shop could only use one solvent... clean water.  No lye baths, no 
boiling, etc.  He just sprays high pressure water at the crud, and hopes for 
the best.  EPA regulations, y'know.

I haven't checked with the local automotive machine shop for several years. 
At that time, the owner was still using a heated lye bath, but was not eager 
to clean my parts unless I was having machining done.  Hazmat disposal 
concerns.  Based on what he told me, and what Spencer Yost recommends, I set 
up my own lye bath in a plastic 55 gallon drum.  Works extremely well.  The 
front frame of a '36 O-12 is soaking in mine right now..

-Karl
-------------------

> In addition to the other suggestions that have been made, you might try 
> some of the common paint thinners you have around the place - turpentine, 
> mineral spirits, lacquer thinner, brush cleaner, MEK, etc. I also like the 
> suggestion to take it to a radiator repair place and have them "boil" it 
> out. Or you could buy a gallon of carburetor cleaner at the auto parts 
> store (I have had good luck with NAPA brand, but I suspect they are all 
> similar).
>
> Except for taking it to the radiator shop, the other alternatives are all 
> somewhat noxious and/or dangerous - work outdoors, and collect the residue 
> to bring to your local hazardous waste disposal site.
>
> Mike
>
> Jay and Diane Liedman wrote:
>> I am trying to clean out an H gas tank that evidently sat partly full of 
>> gas for many years.  There is a tar-like substance about an 1/4 inch 
>> thick on the bottom than is resistant to cleaning with new gas.  Does 
>> anyone know of a good product or solvent for removing this knid of crud?
>>
>
> -- 
> Mike Sloane