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Old Dec 27, 2010 | 09:09 AM
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Default Rust in tank

I am working on a 75' that has not been started in the last 7 years. The engine runs from an external fuel source. I used the fuel pump to get the old fuel old and used some sea foam to loosen the old crud in the tank and lines. I got it to a point were I get a gravity flow before the fuel pump. Now put some fresh fuel in but I get a lot of rust setiment from time to time. Thinking about droping the tank to clean it out. How should I clean it. Anybody done this? Thanks.
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Old Dec 27, 2010 | 10:06 AM
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Hey Bucks, KBS makes a fuel tank rust removal/sealer kit. I have used it and it works fine. It is a three stage procedure. The kit cost around $70. You can decide if it is worth it. Good luck.

peace Bud
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Old Dec 27, 2010 | 10:13 AM
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Originally Posted by bucksy99
I am working on a 75' that has not been started in the last 7 years. The engine runs from an external fuel source. I used the fuel pump to get the old fuel old and used some sea foam to loosen the old crud in the tank and lines. I got it to a point were I get a gravity flow before the fuel pump. Now put some fresh fuel in but I get a lot of rust setiment from time to time. Thinking about droping the tank to clean it out. How should I clean it. Anybody done this? Thanks.
With a new one.

I don't remember if `75 had the bladder, but it might be possible to get it clean enough. I would probably just change it no more cost than they are.

On old cars that you cant get a new one, there are methods. I uses rocks, a concrete mixer, some kerosene. I place the kerosene and rocks inside and tumble them to clean the inside. Drain and wash out with lacquer thinner, and coat the inside with epoxy primer or the commercial tank sealers.
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Old Dec 27, 2010 | 10:20 AM
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75 Has a bladder and if it still does, you can remove the filler neck/sender and reach in and wipe it all out with a cleaner of your choice.
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Old Dec 27, 2010 | 10:40 AM
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Thanks a lot.

I assume that the bladder is not metal... correct me if it is.
If is it not made out of metal where is the rust coming from?
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Old Dec 28, 2010 | 09:26 AM
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wondering if the rust could come from the fuel lines only if the tank has a bladder ...
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Old Dec 28, 2010 | 09:43 AM
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If it has had a lot of water in there, which occurs when the drain is stopped up, the fuel sender assembly can be very rusty.
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Old Dec 28, 2010 | 01:18 PM
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based on my assembly drawings the fuel lines, electrical sensor, sender assembly are all at the top of the tank. Either way I guess it is time to drop the tank and get to it....
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Old Dec 29, 2010 | 09:10 AM
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Default 1975 Gas Tank

Here are some photos

http://picasaweb.google.com/JupiterT...eat=directlink

My 75 sat for over 10 years with gas in it. Best solution is to drop the tank. Once the old fuel was taken to recycle station, I took out the bladder and cleaned it up. Surprisingly, it was in good shape. Had to get a new sending unit.

Another thing to consider: If the fuel or vent line is rusty, you may be pushing rust into carb or back into the tank.

The bladder is there because the Vette had to pass a rear collision requirement. Needless to say, the fuel kept leaking until they stuck in the bladder. So bladder is good!
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Old Jan 7, 2011 | 02:50 PM
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what did you use to clean the bladder ?

Thanks


Originally Posted by TeaEye
Here are some photos

http://picasaweb.google.com/JupiterT...eat=directlink

My 75 sat for over 10 years with gas in it. Best solution is to drop the tank. Once the old fuel was taken to recycle station, I took out the bladder and cleaned it up. Surprisingly, it was in good shape. Had to get a new sending unit.

Another thing to consider: If the fuel or vent line is rusty, you may be pushing rust into carb or back into the tank.

The bladder is there because the Vette had to pass a rear collision requirement. Needless to say, the fuel kept leaking until they stuck in the bladder. So bladder is good!
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Old Jan 7, 2011 | 03:19 PM
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I just used hot water and Dawn dishwashing soap to clean mine and then rinsed with denatured alcohol.
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Old Jan 7, 2011 | 03:23 PM
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Default Dawn Soap

I used Dawn Soap. It worked very well for me.

I figured, if they used Dawn Soap on the birds that got fouled with oil in the Gulf, that it would work well on the Vette's Bladder.

In the past I also used my wife's laundry soap to clean out a TR6 Gas tank.

You could also use Marine Clean from the POR Folks, but its pretty pricey compared to Dawn.

Scott Marzhal: You beat me-- but we agree!!! How bout that!!!
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Old Jan 7, 2011 | 03:41 PM
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Keen minds think alike I guess or something like that.....
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Old Jan 7, 2011 | 04:15 PM
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Originally Posted by TeaEye
You could also use Marine Clean from the POR Folks, but its pretty pricey compared to Dawn.

Scott Marzhal: You beat me-- but we agree!!! How bout that!!!
Marine clean is just one of the numerous Caustic Soda based cleaner on the market.
Works well on grease, not sure on gas.
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Old Jan 8, 2011 | 07:28 AM
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I will probably drop the tank today and get to it. Thinking about blowing the fuel and vapor line out with compressed air once the tank is out and the lines are disconnected at both ends. Has anybody done that ? It would be great not to have to take the lines out.
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Old Jan 8, 2011 | 07:50 AM
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Originally Posted by bucksy99
I will probably drop the tank today and get to it. Thinking about blowing the fuel and vapor line out with compressed air once the tank is out and the lines are disconnected at both ends. Has anybody done that ? It would be great not to have to take the lines out.
You need dry compressed air. Without a dryer, compressed air is extremely "wet".
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Old Jan 8, 2011 | 06:45 PM
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A friend used a kit they make for motorcycle tank which he said worked very well. I will try and find out what he used.

Frank
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Old Jan 9, 2011 | 08:05 AM
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Originally Posted by myoriginal77
A friend used a kit they make for motorcycle tank which he said worked very well. I will try and find out what he used.

Frank
thanks a lot. I appreciate it.
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Old Jan 9, 2011 | 10:39 AM
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For $200 you can get a brand new tank from Quanta. After removing the old one why not replace it? I know I'm great at spending other people's money but I just wouldn't want the old tank.
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Old Jan 10, 2011 | 06:26 AM
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Originally Posted by capevettes
For $200 you can get a brand new tank from Quanta. After removing the old one why not replace it? I know I'm great at spending other people's money but I just wouldn't want the old tank.
I am the same way...
The tank itself is in good shape. The bladder is just dirty but not ripped. So I only need to clean it. The sending unit is basically destroyed. The sock filter was laying in the tank because the pipe rusted through. The swimmer for the gas gauge doesn't move either.
Need a new sending unit. Those are around $200 new.
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