How can we clean out the gas tank of our EU3000i Honda generator?

Question

We strain the gas thoroughly and still there's dirt showing in the tank. We don't figure how to remove the tank so we never get the gas truly clean. The trouble doesn't appear to be water in the gas. The gas filter shows pieces of dirt. Last night the generator flickered, died, and wouldn't restart. But only a shot of WD40 to the air cleaner this morning would get the generator to start -- now it runs fine. The manual, of course, doesn't help; we are far away from a Honda dealer and would like to fix this ourselves.

Answer 1

remave the filter, get a new one or back flush with clean fuel carb clean the tank with the filter off. then reinstall & prime to start.

Answer 2

Your fuel tank probably is rusting inside because old fuel was left in it.   Try using mineral spirits or kerosene to flush out your fuel system by filling the tank and flushing it by then dumping the tank by rolling the generator on its side to dump the fuel tank. repeat until all the loose rust and dirt come out. And then replace the fuel filter. Refuel the generator and run to operating temperature.  If you don't run your tank completely dry between uses; use a fuel stabilizer like Stabil or SeaFoam to protect your carburetor and fuel system.  Most fuel starts to spoil within 30 days.