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Old 08-07-2021, 10:41 PM   #1
hardtimes
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Default Gas tank conundrum/help.

I have gas gauge out.
Problem is, the TANK threads are gummed badly with some “sealer”.
Need suggestions on how to get the tank threads clean…..without all the sealer ending up inside the tank !

Or should I just try to reseat the gauge with the crud still there ?
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Old 08-07-2021, 11:41 PM   #2
Tom Wesenberg
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Default Re: Gas tank conundrum/help.

I'd remove the sealer. Have you tried lacquer thinner?
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Old 08-08-2021, 12:21 AM   #3
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Default Re: Gas tank conundrum/help.

After lacquer thinner, go nuclear, urethane reducer.
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Old 08-08-2021, 04:28 AM   #4
BRENT in 10-uh-C
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Default Re: Gas tank conundrum/help.

Depending on the sealer used, lacquer thinner is not going to faze it. You will need to use a thread cleaner or chaser to ‘cut’ the sealer out.
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Old 08-08-2021, 06:34 AM   #5
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Default Re: Gas tank conundrum/help.

Dremel wire brush may work. They shed wires so be careful to clean up afterwards with a shop vac.
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Old 08-08-2021, 08:02 AM   #6
Bob from Northport
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Default Re: Gas tank conundrum/help.

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Have someone hold a shopvac near the work area as you clean with a small circular wire brush or dental pic. Should do the job.
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Old 08-08-2021, 09:39 AM   #7
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Default Re: Gas tank conundrum/help.

Be careful using a shop vac around gas fumes!!
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Old 08-08-2021, 10:09 AM   #8
Tom Wesenberg
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Default Re: Gas tank conundrum/help.

Quote:
Originally Posted by nkaminar View Post
Dremel wire brush may work. They shed wires so be careful to clean up afterwards with a shop vac.
That's for sure! I quit buying them because they shed all the wires before I can do just one job.
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Old 08-08-2021, 10:31 AM   #9
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Default Re: Gas tank conundrum/help.

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Be careful using a shop vac around gas fumes!!
Ditto,

How about a fitting for the gas cap opening and use low pressure air into the tank.
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Old 08-08-2021, 01:57 PM   #10
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Default Re: Gas tank conundrum/help.

I would run a string thru the opening and catch it from the inside. Once caught I would either find a rubber stopper or have some one cut me a cone shaped form on a wooden dowel on a lathe. I would thread an eye screw into the stopper and pull it into place closing the opening. Next I would find a dental hygienists set of picks and attack the coating.
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Old 08-08-2021, 02:35 PM   #11
J Franklin
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Unhappy Re: Gas tank conundrum/help.

Anyone with a good tank contemplating using a sealer should read this thread!
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Old 08-08-2021, 04:18 PM   #12
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Default Re: Gas tank conundrum/help.

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Anyone with a good tank contemplating using a sealer should read this thread!
Yeah, I’m guessing that the sob (“restorer”) that created this mess did not have a clue, or care, what he had done !!

I’ve been thru A tank restoration and gas gauge repair thru the decades. This is a worst/first for me.

NOTE:
This tank has a little fuel in it yet…. EVEN IF IT ONLY HAD FUNES,
DO NOT USE anything that uses electricity and/ or can make a spark… around this tank.
May be the LAST thing you ever do in this life !!

If this has to be explained to anyone… well !!!
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Old 08-08-2021, 04:22 PM   #13
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Default Re: Gas tank conundrum/help.

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Originally Posted by mleder View Post
I would run a string thru the opening and catch it from the inside. Once caught I would either find a rubber stopper or have some one cut me a cone shaped form on a wooden dowel on a lathe. I would thread an eye screw into the stopper and pull it into place closing the opening. Next I would find a dental hygienists set of picks and attack the coating.
Take a close look at an A tank screw thread opening. There is threaded area…. AND NOTHING ELSE !
In other words, no plug holding room, at all !
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Old 08-08-2021, 04:34 PM   #14
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Default Re: Gas tank conundrum/help.

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Originally Posted by katy View Post
Ditto,

How about a fitting for the gas cap opening and use low pressure air into the tank.
This idea worth giving thought.
I tried using a long nozzle , on air hose. Bent nozzle to point to gauge opening… to blow loose stuff into car.
Might work if I can get help operating air hose. Not possible for one person ( me) operation.
However, this may be only viable method…. To keep junk from going into tank.

This tank is with perfect paint, and clean inside. Hate to have to remove it, as that will cause a mess.
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Old 08-08-2021, 04:42 PM   #15
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Default Re: Gas tank conundrum/help.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Tom Wesenberg View Post
That's for sure! I quit buying them because they shed all the wires before I can do just one job.
NO WIRE, no sparks= no BOOM !!

I agree about them ‘throwing’ wire.
Ever had such wire(s) … stick in your face and arms.. yikes… I have not fun !

ALWAYS wear face /eye protection !!
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Old 08-08-2021, 04:51 PM   #16
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Default Re: Gas tank conundrum/help.

Quote:
Originally Posted by BRENT in 10-uh-C View Post
Depending on the sealer used, lacquer thinner is not going to faze it. You will need to use a thread cleaner or chaser to ‘cut’ the sealer out.
This is first idea I had also. Then thot… where would one get such a chaser/thread cleaner…for this specific job ??

I thot that … maybe taking/using a discarded old gauge threaded part, use with cleaner, etc… screw in out to break up some.

Keep in mind the goal…. To NOT get any junk in tank.
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Old 08-08-2021, 05:10 PM   #17
Chuck Sea/Tac
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Default Re: Gas tank conundrum/help.

If you get a little in the tank, flush it out!
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Old 08-09-2021, 05:52 AM   #18
BRENT in 10-uh-C
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Default Re: Gas tank conundrum/help.

Quote:
Originally Posted by hardtimes View Post
This is first idea I had also. Then thot… where would one get such a chaser/thread cleaner…for this specific job ??

I thot that … maybe taking/using a discarded old gauge threaded part, use with cleaner, etc… screw in out to break up some.

Keep in mind the goal…. To NOT get any junk in tank.
Just make it for the ones unavailable. Cut slots into the threads perpendicular to the thread direction using a jeweler's file. Whatever you get inside the tank can be flushed out easily since it is not behind the baffles.
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Old 08-09-2021, 08:30 AM   #19
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Default Re: Gas tank conundrum/help.

The rotating brushes with the brass wires will not spark.

I did not thing about the fumes when suggesting a shop vac. Probably a bad idea to use the shop vac.
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A is for apple, green as the sky.
Step on the gas, for tomorrow I die.
Forget the brakes, they really don't work.
The clutch always sticks, and starts with a jerk.
My car grows red hair, and flies through the air.
Driving's a blast, a blast from the past.
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Old 08-09-2021, 09:47 AM   #20
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Default Re: Gas tank conundrum/help.

A tooth brush and acetone might do the job .
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