Thinking of cleaning you vehicle fuel tank wondering how to clean a fuel tank without removing it. Its possible but a bit lengthy process and will take about 3 to 4 days to clean the fuel tank. Start with removing fuel line, then remove the remaining fuel from tank. Clean the tank using DIY solution like vinegar and warm water or dish washer in warm water or use commercial cleaner. Wait for 24 hours clean with pressurized water. Then apply rust removing solution and wait for 2 hours. Clean the tank and wait for 24 to 48 hours to dry the tank.
You are reading this article, which means you need to clean your car’s fuel tank and you want to do it without removing it. When it comes to cleaning the gas tank, most people decide to clean it without removing it.
The reason behind not removing the fuel tank is that the tank is heavy and it is difficult to move. This article is for those of you who want to clean the tank without removing it.
This article has been written by extensive research so that you can easily complete this task in just a few steps and in a short time. We believe you will succeed if you follow the steps carefully.
Symptoms of Flushing the Fuel Tank
The fuel tank plays an important role in driving a car. Your question may be how do you understand that your car’s fuel tank needs to be cleaned. Let’s take a look at the symptoms:
- Engine does not start even though there is no problem with the battery and ignition
- Low fuel pressure
- More fuel consumption
- Car sputters at high speed
- Engine shuts down when the car is driven in the mountains or attempts to speed up
- Car temperature rises and engine stalls
What Happens if You Leave a Fuel Tank and Not Clean It?
Since the fuel tank is one of the most important parts of a car, there should be no compromise on its maintenance. Now the question is what happens if you leave the fuel tank in a dirty state without cleaning it?
First of all, the fuel filter will get stuck with dirt which is not a good thing at all. Inside the filter is a very sensitive membrane. This part may need to be replaced if damaged.
When the fuel tank gets dirty, the fuel pump is overloaded as it have to work more to push required fuel through the clogged filter. This is very bad for the pump and engine too.
The fuel pump has a specific pressure through which the fuel is sent to the injector. Vehicles are more likely to be damaged if the pump pressure rises.
If debris passes the fuel filter due to high pressure developed by overloaded pump and reaches the fuel injector. It can block or damage the sensitive and dedicated nozzle of the injector. This will further lower the engine performance and increase the damage done to the engine.
Cautions About Cleaning the Fuel Tank
Flushing a fuel tank without removing it is quite a chore and should be done with care. An approved container should be used when you drip the tank. If you do not have such a container, ask the nearest mechanic. However, do not use any kind of pot.
Then, when the fuel tank is cleaned, check that the tank is thoroughly dry before refilling. Otherwise, water will mix with the fuel. Above all, use safety fences such as gloves and goggles all the time. Make sure there are no such thing around that creates fire.
How to Clean a Fuel Tank Without Removing It?
OK then, let’s start our main mission i.e. let’s find out the way of cleaning a fuel tank without removing it.
However, we would like to advise you to open the manual of the car before starting these steps to know the way of disconnecting the fuel lines. This is because the lines are mounted differently in different brands and models. Anyway, let’s get started.
Stage 1: Disconnect the Fuel Line
We hope you have done the deal with the manual. Now remove all the lines attached to the fuel tank and engine accordingly. When disconnecting, make sure that no line is damaged. Make sure not a single line is connected to the engine.
This is necessary to remove all fuel lines as water or cleaning chemical can reach engine through these lines during washing.
Stage 2: Remove the Fuel From the Tank
Disconnecting the fuel lines will make the fuel flow out of tank so be sure to have container for fuel. It is highly recommended to start the cleaning process when fuel level is very low in engine. As you have to deal with less amount of fuel.
To remove the fuel completely and a bit quickly, you can jack the car from opposite end of the fuel drainage point.
Stage 3: Use a Degreaser in the Fuel Tank
You can start this step only if you manage to drain the fuel tank properly. Now take any kind of degreaser or home cleaner and use it in the tank.
For a DIY solution you can use a mixture of vinegar and warm water as a degreaser to clean the tank. if you use baking soda and vinegar as an alternative, you will get better results.
It is highly recommended to use a related commercial degreaser for this as they will deliver maximum cleaning is single use.
However, whichever option you choose, you should allow a minimum of 24 hours after using the degreaser. Because detox or other things take a long time to flush. If you still smell after degreasing, use the degreaser again.
Stage 4: Clean the Fuel Tank Using High-Pressure Water
Are you satisfied with the fuel tank degreasing? Then drain all the detox from inside the tank. For that manage a high-speed washer and wash off all rust, debris, debris, etc.
Sometimes the rust on the walls of the tank is stubborn. So use the pressure washer from different angles. The most important thing is to wear glasses when handling this stage as debris can catch the eye. So be careful.
Step-5: Add the Clean Solution to the Tank and Give It Time
After completing the previous step you have cleaned the surface of the tank but not deeply. Now, you have to use a special cleaning solution on the tank.
It is highly recommended to use high quality rust removing solution will be very useful because its chemical easily dissolves rust and in best manner possible. Alternatively, you can use pro-grade acid-based cleaning solutions.
However, after applying it, you will have to spend about 5 hours letting it sit. But if you do not have much time, then you must give at least 2 hours. Otherwise, the cleaning solution will not work.
Stage 6: Wash and Dry the Tank
After waiting for the given time, wash the whole tank thoroughly with water. Keep washing until the smell of fuel goes away. When done, let the tank dry in the open air. Let the tank dry for at least 24 to 48 hours.
Make sure it is completely dry as it is not wise to add fuel to the wet tank. Lastly, you need to repeat the first job in reverse, that is, connect the lines. At the same time, the task of cleaning a fuel tank without removing it is completed.
Conclusion
So the good news is that you now know the way of cleaning a gas tank without discarding it. You must have realized that the method is not difficult at all but requires a lot of attention and caution.
If you are going to do this for the initial time, don’t make a fuss about spending more money. The equipment needed to accomplish this is also not very expensive. If you do not have them, you can collect them from the nearest auto shop.
We hope you find the advice in this essay valuable. We appreciate you for your time to go over and perceive our perspective. We hope you can now easily clean the fuel tank without much hassle.
