Generator gas tank

Question

I have a question regarding the gas tank on my generator. It is an ELM3000. I have had it for a good number of years now. It got us through the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. I stupidly let it sit up for an extended period with gas in the tank. I just took it to a local shop and had the carb cleaned and everything checked out. The guy at the shop told me that he had to spend a large amount of time trying to clean the tank. He said it was full of crud. He suggested to drain the tank when I did not plan to run the generator and let it sit dry. I came home, cranked the gen to make sure it was running properly and started to drain the tank. I still see all sorts of rust and crud in the tank. Is there any way to clean all this out and seal the tank or can anyone suggest where to find a replacement tank. As anyone familiar with these units knows, they are not too expensive. The gen still runs great and I hate to have to replace it.

gbopp · Answer

Did you ever check into a Motorcycle Gas Tank Cleaner and Sealer ?
It may be what you need. This is one, there are others, just do a Google search.

Also, check Ebay. Maybe you can find a tank that will fit your generator.

katdaddy · Answer

Thanks for that link. I didn't know that stuff existed. I did try to find a tank on Ebay with no luck. Plenty out there, but none my size.

shadow_catcher · Answer

The gas tank on my 72 Saab Sonett had 30 year old gas in it. I ended up taking it to a local radiator shop who tumbled it with weights in it and lined it with tank liner.

skippyspad · Answer

If the tank isn't leaking, drain it into a portable gas can. If you have an inline filter on it, leave the filter on and drain it through the filter. If not, steal a pair of the Mrs. panty hose and stretch them tight over a funnel and use it to strain out the big chunks.
Let it dry good, then take an air hose and blow everything out till no more debris is seen or heard.
Put it all back together and make sure to put a good inline fuel filter on it.

ALWAYS use STABIL. I put it in my spare gas cans every time so no matter what, my small engines have it in the lines and tank. Another bang for your buck item is "Sea Foam," available at most auto parts stores. Cleans the fuel system out nicely. Any of the Carb or Fuel Injector cleaners or the gas line antifreeze typically contain some denatured alcohol. Denatured alcohol breaks down water and lets it run through the engine without screwing things up.

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Generator gas tank

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