Tarry substance filled fuel tank
 

Hello All.
Hope everyone is doing ok at the moment.
I have been recommissioning an old 144 which had been sitting for 10 years.
The fuel tank has a thick coating of tar like substance all over it, the fuel gauge float has stalactites of the stuff hanging off it.
I don't know if it some strange return to crude oil of the old petrol, or if in putting in 25 litres of fresh fuel after I got the car, I have dissolved an old tank liner.
Either way, what can I do?
Does anyone know if fuel tanks are still available? I can't see any on the normal suspects sites that look similar. Or does anyone have a useable tank available?

Another thing I was thinking was to give local radiator repair places a call to see if they can clean it somehow.

Any tips or leads appreciated!

It sounds as if the fuel has emulsified or the volatile elements have evaporated. Do you know how much was in the tank before you put the new lot in?

If the tank itself is in good condition, the only way to save it is to empty it completely and clean it out. Bilt Hamber offer a product that might be suitable: https://www.bilthamber.com/fuel-tank-cleaning-kit


Do not try to run the engine - the likelihood is that you'll clog up the filters etc.

I drained the tank from this afternoon and got about 30 litres out. A very dark brown and smells awful.
I spoke to a local radiator rebuilder who has said they can sort it and it's not too dear. Given the thickness of the build up I think I'd rather have them sort it.
Hard to deal with 40 litres of chemical waste at the moment!
However I think their plan is to split the tank, clean it, and then re weld it. Not a job I would want.