Fuel tank Flush?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 131
Likes: 0
From: Shreveport Louisiana
Fuel tank Flush?
So today I was driving the 91, and under acceleration the engine was stuttering, and eventually flat out died. I Pushed into an empty lot and got to diagnosing it.
The fuel pump was priming, and the injectors were all good, so I figured replacing the fuel filter would do it.
An hour later and one new fuel filter, problem solved.
On the way home it was fine, but I got on it once at a low speed in a turn and it stuttered once, and it is really bugging me now. I don't want to keep replacing fuel filters outside the garage.
This car was sitting for a while before I bought it and I think there is some gunk in the tank, is there any way to get it out of there?
Post pics of the tank removal and flushing if you got them!
The fuel pump was priming, and the injectors were all good, so I figured replacing the fuel filter would do it.
An hour later and one new fuel filter, problem solved.
On the way home it was fine, but I got on it once at a low speed in a turn and it stuttered once, and it is really bugging me now. I don't want to keep replacing fuel filters outside the garage.
This car was sitting for a while before I bought it and I think there is some gunk in the tank, is there any way to get it out of there?
Post pics of the tank removal and flushing if you got them!
Last edited by JohnnyLT1Runner; Jun 30, 2011 at 11:38 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,107
Likes: 171
From: Dublin CA
What was your fuel level when the car stuttered? If it was low and you were in a turn, the fuel may have shifted away from the pickup.
You could pull the fuel pump and check the filter on the pump to see what shape that is in. If the filter is on the pump, you should not be picking up any of the "gunk" in the tank.
If you really want to clean the tank. Remove the pump to gain access to the tank. Check the bottom with a flashlight. Then if you really feel the need or desire to clean.....get a length of 3/8" clear tubing about 5 feet long. Stick one end into the tank and suck on the other end....WATCH THE GAS ADVANCE up the tubing.....be sure that you don't suck in a mouthful!!!
. Then drop the end you were sucking on into a container to capture the syphoned fuel. Use the end in the tank like a vacuum cleaner and suck out the gunk. BE CAREFULL...no flame sources nearby!!!!
You could pull the fuel pump and check the filter on the pump to see what shape that is in. If the filter is on the pump, you should not be picking up any of the "gunk" in the tank.
If you really want to clean the tank. Remove the pump to gain access to the tank. Check the bottom with a flashlight. Then if you really feel the need or desire to clean.....get a length of 3/8" clear tubing about 5 feet long. Stick one end into the tank and suck on the other end....WATCH THE GAS ADVANCE up the tubing.....be sure that you don't suck in a mouthful!!!
. Then drop the end you were sucking on into a container to capture the syphoned fuel. Use the end in the tank like a vacuum cleaner and suck out the gunk. BE CAREFULL...no flame sources nearby!!!!
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 131
Likes: 0
From: Shreveport Louisiana
The gauge read half, but it was probably less than that. How would I go about accessing the pump? I can get to it from under the rear, right? Or do I have to (reluctantly)remove some body panels?
Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 3,729
Likes: 190
From: Custer, WI
Removing the pumps in these cars is really easy. You just have to remove the fuel filler door (should be 4 torx screws in each corner), and there are 8 or 10 ( I don't remember) 10mm bolts that hold the pump/pickup assembly. It just pulls right out. can be done in about 20 minutes.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34,873
Likes: 487
From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
The last thing you want to do is to remove the tank. 
It's a PITA to do as the rear bumper cover has to come just to start.
You should check the fuel pressure to make sure the pump itself is not dying or dead.
Once the fuel pump is removed and the tank is empty and dry, you can use old towels or rags to wipe up the bottom of the tank. While the hole is relatively large, you should tape the rags to the end of a stick to do any cleaning.
Don't use a vacuum to suck out any debris in the tank.
The FP has a metal "strainer" on the end of the pickup tube. It's replaceable and not expensive. It might be a good idea to replace it when the pump is out.
It's a PITA to do as the rear bumper cover has to come just to start. You should check the fuel pressure to make sure the pump itself is not dying or dead.
Once the fuel pump is removed and the tank is empty and dry, you can use old towels or rags to wipe up the bottom of the tank. While the hole is relatively large, you should tape the rags to the end of a stick to do any cleaning.
Don't use a vacuum to suck out any debris in the tank.
The FP has a metal "strainer" on the end of the pickup tube. It's replaceable and not expensive. It might be a good idea to replace it when the pump is out.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 17,700
Likes: 1,667
From: moraga ca
I decided to cut my fuel tank in thirds to get it out rather than remove the bumper.
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
From: Mandeville Louisiana
I had the rubber liner in the fuel tank with a crack in it and the metal inner tank was rusting. I drained the tank with an outboard motor fuel line with the primer in place. One end in the tank and the other into a can to dispose of fuel/water combination. I then replaced the tank. Its not that bad.
http://photobucket.com/johnscorvette
It is easy to clean after the fuel is removed. Smooth rubber lining should come squeaky clean.
Good Luck,
John
http://photobucket.com/johnscorvette
It is easy to clean after the fuel is removed. Smooth rubber lining should come squeaky clean.
Good Luck,
John
Last edited by jhimer; Jul 1, 2011 at 11:48 AM.
