Gas tank question
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,861
Likes: 1
From: panama panama
Gas tank question
My car has been sitting since I buyit. dont know maybe 6 or 7 month ago. and before that the car was sitting on a garage with the previous owner. for about 3 years.
I think the fuel in that gas tank most be bad.
1. how do I know if the fuel is bad
2. if the fuel is bad what is the proper way to empty the fuel from the tank.
I think the fuel in that gas tank most be bad.
1. how do I know if the fuel is bad
2. if the fuel is bad what is the proper way to empty the fuel from the tank.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,621
Likes: 206
From: Orlando FL
Pull the pump and look in the tank with a flashlight. Get a long clean stick and stir the bottom. If you see water and other colors than clear gas, then there is debris in the tank. The easiest and safest way to drain it is to use a siphon hose.
If the fuel is clear, there is no real way of telling if it is bad and lost some octane. Drain it if you feel better if there is not much in there.
If the car was inside, the tank itself might be OK but you might have a problem with the fuel sender unit and the wiper may be oxidized and corroded. That may be due to no fuel around it for a long time and no movement.
If the fuel is clear, there is no real way of telling if it is bad and lost some octane. Drain it if you feel better if there is not much in there.
If the car was inside, the tank itself might be OK but you might have a problem with the fuel sender unit and the wiper may be oxidized and corroded. That may be due to no fuel around it for a long time and no movement.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34,873
Likes: 487
From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Removing the fuel pump is a good idea simply to be able to see what the bottom of the tank looks like. With the pump out, there is room to reach into the tank to clean everything. Siphon out any gas, use rags to wipe the remainder of the gas then use a solvent like mineral spirits (paint thinner) to clean the tank. Let everything dry well before putting everything together and adding fresh gas.
There is a gasket between the tank and pump flange. When you remove the pump assembly, the chances are good that this gasket will break when the assembly is pulled off. Unfortunately the gasket is somewhat pricey; anywhere from $10 to $20 depending on the source. Try that auction site or Rockauto.
It's also a good idea to replace the "sock" at the fuel pump pickup. That one is relatively cheap at around $5-6. Can't hurt to replace the fuel filter too.
There is a gasket between the tank and pump flange. When you remove the pump assembly, the chances are good that this gasket will break when the assembly is pulled off. Unfortunately the gasket is somewhat pricey; anywhere from $10 to $20 depending on the source. Try that auction site or Rockauto.
It's also a good idea to replace the "sock" at the fuel pump pickup. That one is relatively cheap at around $5-6. Can't hurt to replace the fuel filter too.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,861
Likes: 1
From: panama panama
Removing the fuel pump is a good idea simply to be able to see what the bottom of the tank looks like. With the pump out, there is room to reach into the tank to clean everything. Siphon out any gas, use rags to wipe the remainder of the gas then use a solvent like mineral spirits (paint thinner) to clean the tank. Let everything dry well before putting everything together and adding fresh gas.
There is a gasket between the tank and pump flange. When you remove the pump assembly, the chances are good that this gasket will break when the assembly is pulled off. Unfortunately the gasket is somewhat pricey; anywhere from $10 to $20 depending on the source. Try that auction site or Rockauto.
It's also a good idea to replace the "sock" at the fuel pump pickup. That one is relatively cheap at around $5-6. Can't hurt to replace the fuel filter too.
There is a gasket between the tank and pump flange. When you remove the pump assembly, the chances are good that this gasket will break when the assembly is pulled off. Unfortunately the gasket is somewhat pricey; anywhere from $10 to $20 depending on the source. Try that auction site or Rockauto.
It's also a good idea to replace the "sock" at the fuel pump pickup. That one is relatively cheap at around $5-6. Can't hurt to replace the fuel filter too.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 312
Likes: 0
From: state of insanity
Most fuel is junk after 3 to 4 months,with a good fuel additive such a stabil might stretch it out to 6 months.you can definately tell by the smell of the gas, if it has a kerosine type smell you know its bad. it never hurts to clean any fuel system before starting, as other members have stated.but don't forget,that same bad fuel is also in the fuel lines,filter,injectors,etc.. if the fuel smells bad,i would flush everything out. good luck.
