If you use a plastic outboard gas tank, it’s important to clean it regularly to keep it free of debris and corrosion. Fortunately, cleaning a plastic gas tank is a relatively easy task that can be done with just a few simple supplies. This article will show you how to clean your plastic outboard gas tank using these steps.
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How Do You Clean A Plastic Boat Gas Tank?
Before you add gas to your plastic boat gas tank, you’ll want to make sure the tank is clean. Any debris or dirt in the tank can clog up the fuel line or cause engine problems. And while it’s easy enough to clean a metal gas tank, cleaning a plastic one requires more care. Here’s how to do it:
First, remove the gas cap and inspect the inside of the tank for any dirt or debris. If you see anything, use a soft brush to remove it. Next, fill the tank with warm water and add a mild soap. Swish the water around until the sides of the tank are using. Then, use a sponge or cloth to wipe down the inside of the tank. Rinse the tank thoroughly with clean water and dry it off before adding gas.
You can ensure your plastic boat gas tank is clean and ready for use by following these simple steps.
How Do You Whiten A Plastic Gas Tank?
Most plastics are made from petroleum products and will eventually turn yellow or brown with age. Sunlight will also cause this to happen faster.
If you have an old white plastic gas tank that has turned yellow, there is a way to whiten it. You will need to purchase a quart of bleach and a pint of household ammonia.
Do not use a higher concentration of bleach, as this can damage the plastic. Mix these two ingredients in a bucket and pour the mixture into the gas tank.
Fill the tank the rest of the way with water, and then let it sit for 24 hours.
After 24 hours, drain the tank and rinse it out several times with fresh water. Your plastic gas tank should now be bright white again.
How Do You Clean A Plastic Gas Tank Without Removing It?
Even if you want to remove the gas tank and clean it, it won’t be easy because of its location. It is placed in a tight space that needs some maneuvering so that you can get to it.
Cleaning the plastic gas tank without removing it is not impossible. Here are the steps on how to do it:
- You need to add one cup of baking soda to 2 cups of white vinegar inside the plastic gas tank.
- Then, fill the tank with water three-quarters of the way.
- The cleaning solution will then break the bond of sticky residues and will dissolve the buildups.
- Leave the solution for at least 6 hours or overnight so that it can work on dissolving even the stuck residues inside your plastic tank.
- Siphon out all the dirt and gunk from your plastic tank and dispose of them properly.
- Wash your plastic gas tank with fresh water to get rid of any remaining dirt and debris inside the gas tank before adding a new batch of fuel to it.
Will Vinegar Clean A Gas Tank?
Vinegar is a safe, natural, and effective way to clean your gas tank. It’s the best choice for removing rust from a gas tank without using harmful chemicals on the environment.
The safest method of chemical rust removal involves mixing vinegar and baking soda to fill (or nearly fill) the tank. Let the mixture sit until it bubbles up and changes color with the rust particles. Then rinse thoroughly to ensure it’s empty.
The Bottom Line
So you have cleaned your plastic outboard fuel tank, and now you are ready to enjoy your boat without the fear of it breaking down on the water.
Well done! This article has given you all the information you need to know about cleaning a plastic outboard gas tank. We hope this information helps you with your project.
