Fuel Can Gunk

[rboltz]

I picked a few very nice, on the outside at least, GI gas cans. Inside there is varnish and "thick gunk" from gasoline that has evaporated and gone bad. Under the thick gunk the metal is great. I thought ethanol might dissolve this stuff but not in a week it hasn't. Any suggestions?

[osut362]

carb. cleaner?......al

[militarypotts]

This may sound dumb, but are you using the cans for fuel storage or just for looks on the truck? I say that because I used to keep 5 gallons in the Jerry can on the side of my truck, then I thought to myself if someone hit my truck broadside on the drivers side it could be a bad scene. Now my spare mounted can is empty except for a small amount of oil on the bottom to fight rust buildup. I have a spare plastic Jerry can in the bed at the rear drivers side corner. Just my opinion. As for the gunk, is that stuff still flamable? If not, maybe some heat to soften it. It's a challenge for sure. Just be very careful. Good luck to you.

[Pineyguy]

Maybe a degreaser would work better then ethanol? I've had good luck with the Castrol stuff and Greased Lightning.

[glenn]

Radiator shop? Can boil the gunk out. Not sure what it would do to the outside paint though. I have had good luck with hot parts washers but again the outside. There are some gas tank restoring companys that might be able to help you. I think Hemmings usually has a few ads for them.

[wrecker]

When I left Hawaii, the moving company didn't want to smell any gasoline in my extra cans or they would not transport them. The guy told me to slide the open can on the exhaust pipe of a running car and let it sit for about 30 minutes. The heat completely eliminated all gas fumes. It might work with your gunk. I would try a few more chemicles first, but then try the heat as a last resort.

[jeeper]

How about a pressure washer? I bet you could stick the tip in and hit a good portion of the sides and bottom anyway.

[rboltz]

How about a pressure washer? I bet you could stick the tip in and hit a good portion of the sides and bottom anyway.

I'm gonna try that. Since it is like a thick goo, it may blast off the bottom.

[randyscycle]

Ron, one thing I've done is to use a length of chain and put it inside the can, then put the can in your dryer, padded by a large comforter or sleeping bag. BE SURE THE HEAT IS TURNED OFF! Let it tumble for an hour or so (it will be noisy) and then check the progress. I've used that on a number of motorcycle tanks to good results.