I’m getting my boat ready to go for a spring break trip to Lake Michigan. I have had this gas tank for about 5 years now and i’m not running the best of oil most of the time since my engine is older, so i’m betting there is some gunk in the bottom of the tank that could be clogging my lines at some point, or just get clogged up somewhere.
Is there a detergent that i can use to break up all that crap and clean out the tank? Can i use just regular dish soap? Thanks!
I don’t think I would put soap/bubbles in there. I’d cover the bottom with some fresh gas, let it sit a couple days, then swish it around to break it loose, and dump out. I am guessing it is a 6 gallon tank, removable. Do this twice, I would think it would be good to go. 
big G 
Alright, i’ll give that a try. I wasn’t sure if there was any sort of chemical that can be used to break this stuff down. I’m planning on taking out the pump and screen and cleaning that out too.
Why not invest in a new plastic tank? if you are that worried about junk being in there?
At most I’d put some fresh gas the tank, shake it up and pour it through a filter/strainer (in case of chunks) and put that in my truck with a 7/8 full tank of gas.
A 6 gal. plastic tank is less than $15 at Fleet Farm or Gander. With the price of gas it might be the cheaper option. 
You guys raise a valid point…a new tank may be cheaper… I bought this tank new about 5 years ago but i’ve never cleaned it. I will take a look at a new tank.
Pretty hard for me to beleive there is gunk or anything in the bottom of your tank. Have you popped the filler cap and looked inside? I’m thinking the worst you’ll find is some dirt or other foreign matter. But that stuff just needs to be dumped out.
I’d be more concerned with water in the mix or just plain bad gas.
Today’s fuel starts to go bad in just a few weeks.
diesel fuel will clean up any sludge.
It is (or actually “was”) the cheapest degreaser we had at the farm.
Running a 6 gallon tank of straight gas on my 4 Stroke I noticed some little chunks down in the bottom of my tank last summer. I poured the remaining gas through an old 4 stroke mower and then washed out the tank with water. Yes I know water and gas do not mix but the key is to not re-fill the tank until she is bone dry.
After flushing the tank and screen, I let her sit for a few days in the heat and she was a dry as could be and clean! I’d say save yourself some cash and give this a try.
Dave
I have had the same two 6-gal tanks for over 10 years now. all I ever do is run seafoam and cheap oil in every tank of gas. and have never had a problem with dirt or sludge in my tanks or carb. they also sit empty every winter and I don’t have a problem with rust or condensation.
Over the years i’ve ran in to old gas tanks that were rusted on the inside. I dumped in some sand and water and put the cap on. I shook the tank until the rust was gone from the sides then turned it upside down and flushed with a garden hose. I did this until all the sand was gone then let it set in the sun for a couple days until dry. Then put in about a quart of gas and shake for a chemical rinse. This method works and is a good way to clean up an old rusted and dirty gas tank. Ive never had a engine plug because of left over rust or residue. If the tanks just got residue in it dishsoap and water then a through rinse, then let it set in the sun until all the water evaporates.
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