TR6 Preping a New Fuel Tank

[SherpaPilot]

My 53 year old fuel tank in my TR6 developed corrosion which contaminated my fuel system. The fuel pump, fuel lines and carburetor float valves were replaced. I also decided to replace the original tank with a new one, new sender and associated hardware. The tank was removed quite easily. The new one is expected to arrive almost any day. I feel I need to make certain no small foreign material is in the new tank from manufacturing. What is the best way to flush out the new tank without leaving small droplets of water remaining after the flush. I have been considering an alcohol mixture. Has anyone installed a new tank in their car and if so, did you flush it out with anything prior to the install? This is my first time doing this job. Thanks for any input.

 

[charleyf]

My 53 year old fuel tank in my TR6 developed corrosion which contaminated my fuel system. The fuel pump, fuel lines and carburetor float valves were replaced. I also decided to replace the original tank with a new one, new sender and associated hardware. The tank was removed quite easily. The new one is expected to arrive almost any day. I feel I need to make certain no small foreign material is in the new tank from manufacturing. What is the best way to flush out the new tank without leaving small droplets of water remaining after the flush. I have been considering an alcohol mixture. Has anyone installed a new tank in their car and if so, did you flush it out with anything prior to the install? This is my first time doing this job. Thanks for any input.

I used about a pint of gasoline. Covered or plugged all outlets and shook it well. Drain and then air it out. I can not say I found anything.
Charley

 

[SherpaPilot]

I used about a pint of gasoline. Covered or plugged all outlets and shook it well. Drain and then air it out. I can not say I found anything.
Charley

Thanks Charley

 

[mezy]

if it is a steel tank, then it should be coated on the inside as modern fuel dont like clean steel

 

[mctriumph]

If you want to clean a tank NEVER use gasoline , It is way too explosive. Acetone is much safer
and will dissipate quickly in a well ventilated area. I know a guy who can show you his scars.
Mad dog

 

[Sarastro]

I would definitely choose acetone over gasoline as a cleaner, but acetone is also pretty flammable.

I really don't see why it should be necessary to clean out a brand-new tank. I can understand your concern, after having everything crudded up my the old tank, but a new tank, straight from the manufacturer, should really be pretty clean. Even if there are a few bits of crud, a good fuel filter should take them out easily.

 

[SherpaPilot]

Thanks for the input. Everything I have read indicates only a flushing of the tank may be necessary but as far as coating goes, most input has indicated coating is a "last resort" measure and if not cured properly may flake off. So as you would guess, I'm not going there. I will take a hard look at the new tank once it arrives.

 

[TR4nut]

I would just plan on changing the fuel filter early just like breaking in an engine. I expect the tank will be clean already - I’ve put in two in the past couple of years and never had an issue