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Cleaning a new petrol tank
Posted: 18 Apr 2020, 08:31
by DannyV
Hi. I have just bought a new petrol tank from BW. The instructions that came with it say it has to be cleaned out before use. Does anyone have any experience of doing this? If so what did you use as a cleaner?
Re: Cleaning a new petrol tank
Posted: 18 Apr 2020, 09:06
by Mocki
If it is to remove the waxy coating then one would think petrol would remove it .... it’s cheap enough these days !
Re: Cleaning a new petrol tank
Posted: 18 Apr 2020, 09:14
by slowcoach
I didn't rinse mine out , bit don't recall any instruction to do so either. Won't do it any harm though ! But Yes use petrol, good idea

Re: Cleaning a new petrol tank
Posted: 18 Apr 2020, 10:29
by bigherb
Make sure it actually fits first, and the filler hole lines up.
Re: Cleaning a new petrol tank
Posted: 18 Apr 2020, 11:59
by DannyV
Mocki wrote:If it is to remove the waxy coating then one would think petrol would remove it .... it’s cheap enough these days !
Thanks. The instructions say use carburettor clearer and then two or three washes of petrol. I have no idea what they mean by carb cleaner but I might give Redex a go.
Re: Cleaning a new petrol tank
Posted: 18 Apr 2020, 12:00
by DannyV
bigherb wrote:Make sure it actually fits first, and the filler hole lines up.
Good point. I'll compare it with the old one before I do anything else to it.
Re: Cleaning a new petrol tank
Posted: 18 Apr 2020, 12:17
by davidoft1
DannyV wrote:Mocki wrote:If it is to remove the waxy coating then one would think petrol would remove it .... it’s cheap enough these days !
Thanks. The instructions say use carburettor clearer and then two or three washes of petrol. I have no idea what they mean by carb cleaner but I might give Redex a go.
Carb cleaner is similar to thinnners, any degreaser that evaporates will do.
Re: Cleaning a new petrol tank
Posted: 18 Apr 2020, 14:42
by ajsimmo
Brake cleaner is cheap by the gallon, and much less toxic/aggressive than "thinners". A couple of washes out with it will do the trick. Check the fit, then paint it (outside, that is). The transit paint they ship in is very thin, and the tank will rust in no time if you don't add some protection.
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Re: Cleaning a new petrol tank
Posted: 18 Apr 2020, 14:45
by Mocki
Ewwwww, he said the Ford word... bloody Scottish!
Re: Cleaning a new petrol tank
Posted: 18 Apr 2020, 16:31
by DannyV
ajsimmo wrote:Brake cleaner is cheap by the gallon, and much less toxic/aggressive than "thinners". A couple of washes out with it will do the trick. Check the fit, then paint it (outside, that is). The transit paint they ship in is very thin, and the tank will rust in no time if you don't add some protection.
Sent from my ONEPLUS A3003 using Tapatalk
Thanks. Brake cleaner is now on order.