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Author Topic: denatured alcohol to remove tank varnish - post op  (Read 7787 times)

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Offline flybox1

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denatured alcohol to remove tank varnish - post op
« on: February 08, 2011, 12:36:08 PM »
just been thru the search threads on the topic, and have a quick question.
Ive got a small amount of varnish in the bottom third of my tank.  I want to dissolve/rinse it out with denatured alcohol.  the clean areas of the tank dont look like bare metal.  i'm assuming its a tank coating of some kind by the PO.  dont know type for sure....
once i rinse out the varnish, if i have to let it sit, what should i pour in there to slosh around until i get it filled?
thanks...
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Offline BobbyR

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Re: denatured alcohol to remove tank varnish - post op
« Reply #1 on: February 08, 2011, 02:29:26 PM »
You may get better results with Simple Green. The first solvent I tried was Denatured Alcohol and it was great for brake systems did nothing for varnish. Simple Green did the trick. If your tank is coated the Alcohol may attack the coating and leave the varnish.
« Last Edit: February 08, 2011, 05:02:10 PM by BobbyR »
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Offline flybox1

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Re: denatured alcohol to remove tank varnish - post op
« Reply #2 on: February 08, 2011, 02:45:13 PM »
thanks BobbyR.
i'll try SG first.
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Offline Popwood

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Re: denatured alcohol to remove tank varnish - post op
« Reply #3 on: February 08, 2011, 06:13:18 PM »
Given the varnish is left behind resins of gas, a petroleum distillate, and alcohol is of a different family of chemistry, I don't think it would be effective. I don't question Simple Green's ability to break down greasy/oily crud, it works. But other petroleum distillate solvents like paint thinner, VMP naptha, as well as acetone, xylene, etc. will also work. Of course, carb cleaner is very effective and a very hot solvent. Haven't studied what's in it, but likely hot stuff like acetone and xylene, etc. (I am not a chemist, just know enough to be dangerous!)
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Offline BobbyR

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Re: denatured alcohol to remove tank varnish - post op
« Reply #4 on: February 08, 2011, 07:32:17 PM »
I left gumout carb cleaner in some float bowls for 3 weeks while I was out of town, did hardly a thing. Tried every solvent I had in the house, I tried Simple Green and reported the results here. Many have tried it. Given he has a coating I would be careful about using to aggressive a solvent.
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Offline Gordon

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Re: denatured alcohol to remove tank varnish - post op
« Reply #5 on: February 08, 2011, 08:43:42 PM »
Quote from: BobbyR on February 08, 2011, 07:32:17 PM
Given he has a coating I would be careful about using to aggressive a solvent.

+1

Isn't acetone what's typically recommended for removing a tank coating that's damaged or no longer wanted? 
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Offline flybox1

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Re: denatured alcohol to remove tank varnish - post op
« Reply #6 on: February 09, 2011, 07:00:47 AM »
Quote from: Gordon on February 08, 2011, 08:43:42 PM
Quote from: BobbyR on February 08, 2011, 07:32:17 PM
Given he has a coating I would be careful about using to aggressive a solvent.

+1

Isn't acetone what's typically recommended for removing a tank coating that's damaged or no longer wanted? 
just what i was looking for!  the varnish that is in there, is just in the bottom 1/3rd of the tank, and i have enough SG to got at it with a 1:3 water mix, and see how it goes overnight.
again, you guys come thru.  ;D  thx!
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Offline Kong

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Re: denatured alcohol to remove tank varnish - post op
« Reply #7 on: February 09, 2011, 02:27:28 PM »
One of the best solvents I know of for gasoline residue is clean gasoline.
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