The tank on this atv has some grudge at the bottom and I will like to remove as much as I can. It is a plastic tank. Any recommendations?

 

If your going to remove the tank for cleaning I would just use some parts washer solvent. Maybe 1/4 gallon and slosh it around for a while and repeat if necessary to get most of it out. After that I'd start using seafoam with every tank full of gas for a while. If the tank is that bad I'd clean your carb and replace the filter if you have one as well. No doubt some of it has made it that far.

 

What He said or just use some gasoline and if it is stuck in real good then try some brake and parts aerosol cleaner in there.
I do`nt think I would try the aerosol carb cleaner as it just may kind of melt the tank.

 

alright, this may sound crazy: BUT, can one use crushed ice and COMET? i've seen that concoction clean a coffee pot like nobody's business. add COMET, add ice, slosh around, dump/rinse. clean. i've never heard of seafoam. i reckon cycle shops carry it and what all is it good for?

 

Thanks for the replies! Initially I was thinking on using automotive degreaser and a pressure car wash nozzle. Now I have a few more options. I was thinking on the carb or the brake cleaner but I could not remember which one was the one that could hurt plastics. Brake cleaner is in my list now but it will be last resort.
I have use seafom in the past to decarb carburetors and to fog carbs in my boats but yeah, I don't see a reason why it would not help. Right now I just use stabilizer on the mix.
I will be cleaning it in a couple of days, maybe a week so if anyone has any other tips bring them in!
Thanks!

 

Any solvnt (gas, diesel, keroseen, Seafoam, ect) and about three hands full of sharp gravel. Then, shake, shake, shake.............shake, shake, shake...........The gravel will polish the inside of the tank like chrome if you shake it enough. I use a little sand too sometimes depending on how hard it is to get out of the tank.

 

That process is very similar to what is used for steel tanks where screws and nuts are used. But this tank being plastic do you think that is not too aggressive? Have you used it before in a plastic tank with good results?
Thanks for your input and everyone else too.

 

Use a dishwashing detergent (i.e. Dawn) and water with a handful of BB's or shot. Shake until clean. Dry thoroughly.

 

IMHO it's not. Polypropene is tough stuff. That is what some skid plates are made of.

 

Don't wear your arms out shaking it, stick it in the clothes dryer for 10 mins on no heat. (Wait till wife goes to walmart) LOL.

PS Make sure you tear down and clean the fuel shutoff valve, too. I'd also replace the valve o-rings.