kerosene in tank

[bigbore2]

Had a guy tell me he uses kerosene in metal bike tanks to dissolve any gum/varnish and he said it will remove the rust.  Anyone know anything on this.
I have a car been sitting 10 years and i need to clean out the gas tank. Thought i would put in some kerosene and let it sit and then pump it out with the fuel pump into a container.

[Joe Sull]

I've seen a lot of discussions about rust removal over the years, mostly pertaining to removing rust from firearms. A lot of recipes that people swear by. Whats actually made for rust removal is naval jelly. Thing is, when you remove the rust theres a hole where the rust use to be. I've used it on small parts and you can look at the, almost perforated surface in a magnifying glass. A gallon of naval jelly would get the rust out but the walls would be a bit thinner in spots. Good luck, Joe

[Arnie]

Naval Jelly is actually Phosphoric Acid.  Also frequently sold as "Rust Converter".
It causes a chemical reaction which turns iron oxide (rust) into iron phosphate.
If you use it and find pinholes in the parent material, they were there before treatment you just couldn't see them through the rust.
No treatment will replace the original material that has turned to iron oxide.
Iron phosphate will stop the current "rot", and allow you to seal the remaining undamaged material from oxygen and water, which would cause new rust.

[bigbore2]

Pretty sure the gas tank in this car, Saab, is plastic of some type.  Just want to dissolve any gum or gel formed in fuel system and pump it out. Thanx for the replies.