How to Clean Your Fuel Tank

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www.delphiauto...
A simple, step by step process for cleaning your fuel tank. A safe and effective fuel pump repair job begins here.
Cleaning the fuel tank is an essential part of a complete fuel repair. Before installing a new fuel pump, it's critical to properly clean the gas tank. Debris in your gas tank will damage your new fuel pump. And the time it takes to clean out the debris - about an hour - is nothing compared to the time it takes to redo the entire job. So save yourself time, hassle and money -- clean the tank before you replace your fuel pump.
*For your convenience, Delphi sells a Fuel Tank Cleaning Kit (FC01). Ask your distributor for more information. Delphi's low-suds cleaning solution is specifically designed to easily treat and rinse up to a 40 gallon capacity fuel tank.
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[@911naimplate]

I see a lot of negative comments below regarding the use of water so PLEASE allow me to weigh in. Its fine to use this method if you remove all of the water and air dry the tank. The advantage of using the hose with water is three fold: 1) Safe HIGH pressure water to remove all of the grime.and deposits. 2) ZERO fumes after the first few minutes 3) No potential for explosion so you can use torches and other HOT items to do any repair work The one thing that this gentleman failed to do was to blow out all of the hoses where water is surely to collect. Otherwise, I do support this method. When completed, take a spray bottle filled with premium octane fuel 91-93 mixed with one ounce of Marvel Mystery Oil & two ounces of Stabil and two ounces of octane booster. Spray the inside of the tank the best you can to coat it and make sure to spray the fuel lines as well but not so much that it leaks all over the floor when you lift up the tank to reinstall it. This process is also excellent prep if you plan on leaving the car laid up for a long time. I hope this helps you guys out.

[@mikewilliams4947]

Pearls for the few who stumble upon them.

[@LoriGuttilla]

Rob M. My 96 chevy van high top has damaged 2 fuel pumps. I was told to change the gas tank. Can this tank be cleaned as you recommended as well? Your reply will be most appreciated. 🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@911naimplate]

​@@LoriGuttilla Hi Lori, depends on the condition of the inside of the tank. If you have a steel tank, there might be too much rust, if its polymer, it will be much easier to prep and get back together. I would have a professional look at it. Without putting my eyes on the tank and getting a look at the inside with a borescope, it’s not possible to give you an accurate assessment. Good luck : )

[@bwest420]

Rob M. What mixture recommendation do you have for a diesel fuel tank cleaning? My welding machine has some gunk inside and the hole is too small to get my arm in to wipe. Thank you for the info!!

[@911naimplate]

@@bwest420 I would look at this video and see if it is helpful. kzbin.info/www/bejne/h3nJZqeDhMZ2kNU&ab_channel=TacticalRepairTacticalRepair There are professional people that can do this for you as well. The goal is to kill the bacterial parasites that collect, something that you never have to worry about with typical gas engines. Lastly, check out this article, it hits the ball out of the park and does a great job at answering you question. www.wpowerproducts.com/news/how-fuel-polishing-keeps-diesel-tank-clean/ Best of luck to you.

[@mikeromes3662]

"I got an idea, let's make the background music just as loud as the guy talking!"

[@ArturoRamirez-ef5jg]

😂😂

[@RossL1946]

@Mike R I know Why have music at all, which is needless, stupid and annoying!

[@TheeDavilaBros]

Lmao

[@gymboah7234]

WHAAAT !

[@SagittarianArrows]

Can hear him fine. Didn't notice until you brought it up!

[@Javelina_Poppers]

I see you have a plastic tank, your method is all well and good but I have a metal tank that the inside coating was failing and sloughing off. Looked into having it vatted to thoroughly clean it, but a new Dorman fuel tank was actually $10 less than having it vatted. Sometimes trying to save buck is more expensive.

[@BugBunny978]

My fuel tank had bricks of coke in it, bought the car from a dealer to

[@AGreedyTree]

I'm about to do my fuel pump and I'm just doing some research to make sure I do everything right. I'm going to thoroughly wash outside of the tank around the lock ring before removing the pump to prevent dirt from falling in.

[@rezagrans1296]

Exakdlee

[@G34RH34D]

What about a gas tank that has a ton of varnish all over it because of old gas sitting in it for years? I have been putting 3 gallons of water in with dawn soap and tilting the tank back and forth and have removed a lot of varnish, but there is still a bunch all over the walls. Any tips on that?

[@robertthomas9349]

I don’t understand why people would put music in the background of an instructional video..

[@OMGWTFLOLSMH]

Uh, because some of us like to dance?

[@ItchyKneeSon]

Could probably hook up a shop vac to the rubber hose (that connects to the filler neck/tube), leave the top access port home open, and just let it run for 20-30 min. to accelerate drying.

[@adelapoly]

Good video. It shows the main fundamental good practice of a good FLS installation. Great job Delphi!

[@toddhamilton8222]

Hey

[@cynthiareed2371]

@@toddhamilton8222 hello this is Raymond

[@cynthiareed2371]

Hey this is me Raymond I can help you hope you can help me somewhere here

[@cratecruncher6687]

Old gas leaves varnish inside the tank. Dishwashing soap and water isn't going to cut it. Also, most tanks have baffling permanently welded into the tank preventing very little access to the surfaces. Metal tanks rust. Water would not be my choice.

[@fradaja]

I was told the varnish helps prevent corrosion

[@cratecruncher6687]

@@fradaja It clogs up fuels systems and leaves you stranded.

[@bbier330]

The hammering music made me go away

[@XroorX]

I would use a $60 electric power washer inside, lather and use shop vac to suck out debris. Then, I would do a rinse with gas and final wipe. Also, Loctite makes a rust arrestor spray for those rusted brackets

[@bugattieb110ss]

This is all fine for a plastic tank, particularly one with a hole big enough to reach all the way into with your whole arm! But what about metal tanks with a much smaller hole with rust and tank baffles inside...?!

[@Apacheoilcompany]

Very nice! Your video is very informative and easy to follow. Thanks for sharing!

[@FixNewsPlease]

Yeah...Instructions: Clean the tank.

[@Redlinesixtynine]

Hi, what's the secret to getting those plastic fuel and vacuum lines off those rusty pump lines? I've got a similar tank here and I'm having a helluva time. Thanks.

[@lukehatfield1940]

I just removed the hose clamp used a flathead to push slightly away from line and pulled straight it worked pretty easy and things been sitting 7 years

[@theodorebridgman1401]

So I know this is 5 years old, but in case anyone else scrolls for this comment -- the screwdriver trick Luke mentioned below works. The other thing to be careful of is a lot of Ford/GM lines are quick disconnect and you need a special tool (which is pretty much a circle of the proper size with a handle) that you insert into the line to push back the retaining springs. They're like $25 or less a set and I bought a few different sets because depending on angle/location different types seem to work better or worse. Something like a W83149 has been the one that worked best for me so far

[@tryDontcry-wh7pb]

From Iraq hello this was helpfully

[@narekhart9862]

Why get it completely dry before using soap and water?

[@v8pilot]

The music is nice but I can't tell what you are saying.

[@davidyunker3080]

It is safe to clean the tank this way. Water is not a bad idea. Simply blow out when you get all the debris out of the tank.

[@MiGG_Aus]

Leave the tank to sit in the sun all day or for as long as possible.

[@mlee6050]

do you clean the tank when brand new and with what? (like people clean jerry cans I not sure if it the same way)

[@jivepatrol6833]

Good video

[@denistan4264]

Very nice your video

[@mobileexpert8563]

It will help it you reduce the volume of your music

[@lisawalls1007]

IM ON THE FLOOR LMAO OMG THAT MUSIC

[@LeroyJenkins666.]

I was going to run delphi pump and strainer but seeing how these ("clean") their customers fuel tanks, ill stick to oem

[@edtrentham7544]

dude, if all you needed to do was rinse with soap and water, it really didnt need cleaning at all !!! when a tank needs cleaning and has to be dropped from vehicle, it is badly contaminated and debri is stuck in place and rusted/corroded and soap and water wont touch it !!!

[@DucatiPaso750]

Many cars from the 1990s and up use plastic fuel tanks. You are referring to the old, rust prone, metal fuel tanks.

[@briannaplummer3421]

How long does a job like this normally take ?

[@sunsetfisherman2391]

So you can show us how to vacuum, and blow it off with the air compressor... but not how to take off the lock ring😂

[@freakyflow]

As not all lock rings are the same Showing one style would not help someone with another style In fact trying to remove it to the video showing Could damage the Ring And or Fuel tank..If you need someone to show you how to do it You would be better off letting someone else with basic know how to do it instead ....

[@littlebitofeverything5495]

Lock rings are the most easiest thing to take out .

[@freakyflow]

@@littlebitofeverything5495 Sure so long you don't live in a snow belt where rust is a issue I have seen them welded to fuel tanks with rust.

[@ArtwellI]

My dishwasher still not working

[@paulbetz27]

So I'm trying to clean how a rear fuel tank from a 78 ford f250. It looks easy to clean and dry when you can get you whole arm in there. I can't do that. The way the tank is designed there is no way to completely drain all of the water out.

[@3beltwesty]

On a Ford Ranger with an 18 Gallon tank I took a giant old beach towel and would throw it to the ends of the tank with my hand/arm inside. After awhile I got it all dry. Another way is to attach a rag to a plumbers snake and fish it around to absorb all the water and gas etc. Some old T shirts attached to a plumbers snake with Zip ties is what I did one time.

[@paulsilverman2944]

Try

[@danielb2145]

My car has been standing for a few years and has rust in the tank, I want to know if I can clean and coat it with something so it does not corrode again.

[@Dannyboy-nj4wh]

The works toilet bowl cleaner and or acid from home Depot . 2 jugs of acid or 10 bottles of the works toilet bowl cleaner let the liquid sit on one side for 24 hrs then flip upside down let it sit for 24 hrs then on its side let it sit for 24 hrs then on the other side let it sit for 24 hrs. It sounds like a hard process but it pays off in the end

[@ilovetoyotatrucks]

I use duplicolor producta for everything- ill be using some duplicolor rust converter in my next video!

[@nitrofiche7206]

@@Dannyboy-nj4wh The acid you're referring to is called Muriatic acid.

[@chauvinemmons]

I have never seen any product that will adhere and remain unaffected in a fuel tank. There's always wishful thinking and somebody looking for the easy way out.

[@mikewilliams4947]

Man that is a HEEEUGE job! How many hours does a shop get for that?

[@mikewilliams4947]

Well maybe if you deliver the tank removed from the car but certainly not R&R, clean and install. Plus you have all the EPA crap to deal with. Not cheap I would imagine.

[@freddygill3425]

Great video. Might want to wear a respiratory mask. That dust from the top of the tank can't be good for ya.

[@Yhrim70]

Clay Pennington... wasn't that they guy from extreme home makeover??

[@dennismoore1841]

What about varnish?

[@michaelthomas7178]

Do not drain into municipal sewer system, extreme fines from EPA.

[@omegabiker]

the water will rust the tank?

[@Davewrench89]

If your tank is metal cant rust plastic

[@nevertoooldgaming_Rave]

I know this is a very old video, but Google put it at the top of its recommended. New viewers! Hello! DO NOT DO THIS TO YOUR FUEL TANK. Just. No. No. No no. No. I'm flabbergasted by how bad this was. Dawn to use to clean your fuel tank? Are you serious right now. Didn't show anything of use like how to properly scrap out the rust from inside the tank, didn't even MENTION that bit. Then ended it, hilariously, by draining it into the goddamn municipal sewer system??? Mental. He also broke the electrical connector which pretty much sums up this "mechanics" overall knowledge base. Do not do this.

[@mrtwister9002]

Is it possible to DIY my fuel pump? I have an impala 2011. I'm just curious how I will drop the gas tank? All I have are jack stands and a hydraulic jack. What if I run the car til almost empty? How much would the tank weigh with about 1/16 of a tank left? Would it be manageable to do by myself then? I've heard it can cost around $ 1000 to bring it into a shop. The pump is only around $90. I suppose I could replace the filter as well.

[@grassyfieldz4578]

First of all the tank in the video is plastic so how would there be any rust inside? second of all it's perfectly fine to do this as long as you ensure the tank is completely dry I wouldn't use the dish soap tho.

[@trumpisaconfirmedcuck5840]

They sell fuel tank cleaner. I'm not talking about the fuel injector snake oil cleaner, I'm talking about stuff you clean the tank with. You're supposed to add water to the cleaner and swish it around then dump it out just like this guy did.

[@BCnAK]

If it is a proper shop and up to building codes then the floors drains pass through a oil/water separator. So slow your roll cowboy. You sound like a real jackass. Dish soap is fine Plastic doesn’t rust And the drains pass through a separatot.

[@drjohnsonhungwell5115]

Drop s road flare inside

[@dougiequick1]

I tried using water ONE TIME and it RUINED the gas tank! For some reason it flash rusted! NEVER again not EVER....flush gas thanks with GAS....maybe alcohol and or something like acetone if that is what it takes to dissolve some gunge ....but NOT H2O! AND I would do final rinse with gas and allow full EVAP before using even then

[@trumpisaconfirmedcuck5840]

This is why I like plastic tanks better. No worry about rusting the tank. That said I cleaned a metal tank once and it didn't flash rust so I'm not sure what you did.

[@WobbleWobble1]

Let me save you guys time we straight up out dish soap and water in the fuel tank and then wipe it out with a rag and then dried it for 30 minutes

[@arthursmith643]

How much per hour is the mechanic charging to clean the tank? The outside has a lot of rust. Toss in a new tank. The cost might be $1200-$1500 but if you plan on keeping the car a few more years you have a brand new tank. Also great selling point when you sell. You can recoup a lot of that money back.

[@Brandon-mx9nv]

We need more people who fix things. Otherwise we will have too much junk on our earth old microwaves, TV’s , fuel tanks etc that people throw in a landfill because nobody fixes anything anymore.

[@four-eight-zero5627]

Times are coming in the US where we are going to have to be more self reliant if you want to maintain freedom. Learning how to fix your shit is important.

[@rezagrans1296]

Jrying the rezijuwil gasoline with shop air (and eSPeshily a cloTH?؟) iz mesy and reel weysd time. Just rins the inside with methyl alcohol or 99% isopropyl, alcohol will jry reel fasd and take out the lidil water lefd very well. Then yooz air kompresur

[@patrickrowley752]

Dude what?

[@ryankessler9470]

?

[@rezagrans1296]

@@patrickrowley752 gadduh reed it az it sowndz bruth;)

[@guillermo9597]

Painful to watch. Background music was TOO LOUD!!!!

[@kennyc388]

Do people also have music playing while they're taking a shit?

[@hendrikdebruin4012]

Anyone has all this equipment at home?

[@jeffbirrell9529]

Yep, just pout it down the rain drain. Kids loving drinking that crud.

[@fradaja]

How do you know it’s a rain drain ?

[@stephenjones6034]

The music spoiled the video

[@tellsthetruth894]

Do away with the annoying music so we can hear what was being said

[@fvhellcat1060]

Phil Collins ?

[@richardspelman7282]

Lose the fucking music

[@fradaja]

Soap and water !! Who knew

[@apmasterl]

1:33 he broke the electrical connector.

[@lisawalls1007]

Lmao smdh

[@Steve-O_462]

How can soap and water Clean out a tank loaded with congealed chemical corrosives? Serious question -I'm not being a smart a**! But considering that Delphi Sells a "Fuel Tank Cleaning Kit" I suppose I have the right to be... Unfortunately, I'm not!

[@60retired]

Ditch the music why don’t you, totally unnecessary and annoying.

[@inthuajith6858]

buttery acid use

[@sc2dave1]

Instead of vacuuming the OUTSIDE of the tank, why not stand it on its side and scrape and left all the dirt fall to the ground???

[@eddielaws1232]

david gingerbread

[@mrk8220]

Man, if he was at this any longer... I suspect he was as high as a kite. Get a respirator, it's worth it.

[@marksieving3043]

Rename this video to "How to half-ass clean your fuel tank".

[@lisawalls1007]

Lmao

[@paulsawczyc5019]

*fun tip - put the tank outside in the sun.

[@seanvahsholtz]

Does he actually get paid to make these video's?

[@foam27]

Glad I'm done with this, I went 100% electric.

[@louinaumov682]

Terrible Production couldn't watch it due to annoying music

[@giodigia666]

Totally inefficient. Ridiculous. thank you for that moment of laugh.

[@MiGG_Aus]

@Ducky1521 I totally agree with Ducky

[@salwanburgess4994]

bad. you disturbed your good work by this THIS UNNECESSARY AND STUPID NOISE PERHAPS CALLED MUSIC

[@adamtineo9551]

Nope...not how it's done.

[@pawef8314]

What the fitch is it? This fuel tank wasn't even dirty inside.. dish soap as a professional cleaning agent..? Tragedy..

[@dougiequick1]

Far from perfect lazy man's way but all I do is siphon to out old gas and just keep adding more fresh gas as it gets near empty the theory being it dilutes anything old and eventually there is virtually no Trace of original old fuel..I also figure the fresh gas that keeps flowing into the tank will agitate any debris at the bottom of tank allowing that to all flush out with the fuel also...sometimes I repeat this several times..... ...BTW who wants to toss gasoline?? SO it helps to have a gas guzzling thrasher vehicle (or a friend or relative willing to take a chance for free gas!) that you don't mind running polluted fuel in ....i mean why waste gas that will still get an old beater from point a to point b bit longer? Even old gas (I mean not ridiculously old of course) poses little risk if sufficiently diluted with fresh fuel.

[@trumpisaconfirmedcuck5840]

Just slowly add the old fuel to the old beater if you do this. LIke add a gallon or less of it every fill up.

[@rodolfogomez382]

I don't think this is an efficient way to clean a fuel tank.

[@caduceus33]

Why play all that nasty music during the video?

[@MrBama14nc]

waste of time

[@PhOeNiXpIoLe]

This is a complete waste of time.

[@YourFavDieselTech]

Sure is. smh

[@BigBand1942]

Yup!

[@andrzejsjkorneluk1981]

PhOeNiXpIoLe forum dla

[@cman4197]

What is the purpose of cleaning the fuel tanks...Unless it has too much water in the tank

[@Monuments_to_Good_Intentions]

chi ming fan in diesel fuel tanks, it can get a bacteria growth inside which is bad for engine performance.

[@zeeesh9806]

Putting water inside the fuel tank is one terrible way to junk your car!

[@mikespain8655]

Nothing wrong with water in fuel tank to clean it. How do you geniuses do it, lick the tank? Just rinse it out and let it dry, then hit it with air compressor.

[@rodolfogomez382]

I think this video must show much more cleaning details and treatments because there is rust inside the tank and this is the main reazon to clean a gas tank, poor video.

[@menovargas8830]

Rust inside a plastic tank???