Cleaning Fuel tank/ Gas Tank snake

[jwrape]

So I know pulling the fuel tanks out are usually not fun to do. I know when I went to try to pull my Carver Mariner tank, it was more of a hassle than it was worth.

I know they make plumbing snakes for pipes, I was thinking that maybe using one of these to see inside the tank and just how much sludge or rust is in there would be benificial to the cleaning process.

Anyone did this before?
I tried to google it and YouTube it but haven't found anything

[P-Dogg]

I recommend a professional fuel polishing/cleaning service if you are worried about what is in your tanks.

[larryeddington]

I found a small snake video device at, where else, harbor freight. It has an 18 to 24 inch flexible probe with two LEDs and camera on end. I know explosion proof will be brought up so don't anyone jump on me. It appears to be well sealed and has a two inch color screen. It also has a video out if you want to put it on a larger video device. But in any case would allow you to view tank via several entrances. Think it was about $70.00. Useful for many hidden spots we have on our boats.

Regarding explosion issue. Normally the gas fumes are way to rich, (read no air) that a tank cannot explode anyway other than in the movies. An old tank setting outside and open entrances is an explosion danger for sure.

[larryeddington]

Harbor Freight has the snake video camera on sale right not for around $80.

[larryeddington]

Harbor Freight has the snake video camera on sale right not for around $80.

[rossjo]

Friend of mine "in the biz for years" charges $300-1,000 per tank to clean them. He uses a BoreScope (you can get a USB bore scope cheap nowadays) to check for rust, and if OK, he uses a wand (not sure what material he uses to avoid sparks) on a vaccuum pump to suck all the crap out. Have to be careful of static buildup and sparks on wand. Nice setup ... doesn't have to remove the tank. Has official watser/water treatment company come and tack away all of the old fuel.