Removing oil residue from aluminium tank

[HedgeHopper]

Is there a specific reason to do this instead of all the other easy ways to carry some water?, could you just use the space for tool storage perhaps?

[RichP]

Is there a specific reason to do this instead of all the other easy ways to carry some water?, could you just use the space for tool storage perhaps?

Unfortunately the space is designed just for fluids and it saves having to carry extra bottles etc. and it keeps the weight nice and low.

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[RichP]

Put salt in it and shake it about and leave for 24 hours add half a cup of water and shake again and leave fill completly with water and leave another 24 hours flush out then let it dry and let the oxidation happen.
coke can also work ( the sugary harmful drink not the white powder one )

That sounds very scientific and worth a go - thanks very much.

[RichP]

Would one of those petrol tank sealants work? The kind that coats the inside of the tank and seals the rust and crap in.

That's an alternative worth looking at - i'll have a look and see if it works with aluminium

[Mikekitts81]

would engine flush not work then use soapy salt water a few times to wash it all out and finish off with apple cider vinegar to give it abit of a wash with a light acid . should get rid of any funny taste . and apple cider vinegar is not as high in acid as stragiht white vinegar so shouldnt leave a horrible vinegar taste once washed out . alot of people use white vinegar in there feul tanks to clean the rust so shouldnt do any harm to it .

[Helicoptermanr22]

Fill with 1/3 of water and boil it on camping gas stove thing

[paul_tim2000]

Do you know anyone with an ultrasonic cleaning bath? If so use whatever cleaning solvent you want to try but fill and seal the tank then put it in the bath, might help remove those ingrained residues deep in the walls.

[chunky butt]

What about a couple of handfuls of gravel, hot water, plenty detergent, good shake up......or a bottle brush you can bend into all the nooks and crannies, plenty detergent.....hope this helps...

[RichP]

Thanks for all the tips! I'm trying the salt and water method at the minute. Just added a cup full of water after letting the salt stand for a day. If this doesn't work I've got a few other methods to try. Cheers Rich

[Andi_Archer]

Given the metal on the tank will be tainted by whatever it contained before can you not once cleaned, install some form of bladder to keep the water in so it wont absorb anything the the tank?