rusty tank!!

[mclabaugh]

hey everyone, its me mike from the lonestar state here.. ive got the smallest problem, i have searched all forums for an answer, couldnt find one.. so heres my question...has anyone else found lots of rust in their fuel tank?? and if so how can i rid of it?? the car has been outside for 3 years undriven. and the fuel door has been stuck, so i reached in through the access door in the trunk and opened it. only to find a filler neck that is caked with rust.. i have been told that these tanks are hermetically sealed meaning u cant just take some screws out and see whats up. any help will be appreciated.. im trying to get the car ready for a new motor implant very soon... thanks in advance.

 

[Mr.PFloyd]

mine was rusted also. What i ended up doing because i only had a small hole was weld in new metal on the filler, bondo it a bit and then i put a thin layer of fiberglass on it. worked like a charm. and this is a common problem on any car that sits for a while. I dont necessarily see what you're asking though so if you can clear that up i can help
-Thomas

 

[mclabaugh]

i found rust at the filler hole.. how do i know if if continues further like in the tank?? if i cant look "in" the tank.

 

[Mr.PFloyd]

i found rust at the filler hole.. how do i know if if continues further like in the tank?? if i cant look "in" the tank.

you could always do like i do and assume 90 percent of the rust is not visible. so cut the filler. If it's fine then weld it back together!
Make sure you dont weld with some fuel residue left over tho...

 

[mclabaugh]

my whole thing is i hope its not in the tank>> that will suck bad!! i dont want to get to ignition with the new motor and then clog the fuel pump or fuel filter. i guess ill have to do more investigating in the fuel tank area before i go further.

 

[Mr.PFloyd]

thats another good idea, check the insides of the fuel filter and get someone to analyze it. it should give you a good idea of whats goin on in there. And if you can get a sample of the fuel currently in tank and send it out to get analyzed.

 

[The Reaper]

or how about you take out the Sending unit from inside the hatch and use a flash light to check it

or drop it and look at it through where the fuel pump goes in?????? its not hard

mine was bad and i use da gallon of muratic acid and it cleaned it up pretty damn good but then i ended up getting a new tank from a parts car about 7 months later

 

[Satan]

My FP went out and we found lots of rust... still dunno where it came from, but ended up using another tank and pump from a parts car. Replaced the filter too...

We lft the cap loose for a very long time, during perpetual swaps. I'll have to go back and double-check the filler neck, but had not noticed anything before. Good luck!

 

[supra90turbo]

or how about you take out the Sending unit from inside the hatch and use a flash light to check it

nope.
the access panel in the hatch is only to unplug the fuel pump wiring harness, not remove the sender through. You have to drop the tank to remove the sending unit.

I would suggest dropping the tank and then assessing the situation from there. The car's already going to be down judging from the statement "im trying to get the car ready for a new motor implant very soon", so you should drop the tank and assess whether it just needs to be cleaned out or replaced.

 

[The Reaper]

not on my 86.5 or my buddy's 91

you can't get to the FUEL PUMP thru the hatch but the sending unit i switched out 4 times without dropping the tank

you take off the screws to gain access to the sending units screws and wiring. then you remove the screws to the sending unit and pull it out

i looked at 3 different gas tanks in junk yards this way before i said i wanted it or didn't want it.....and they were ALL still in the car

 

[bgrieger]

If there are holes, look in the yellowpages or online for a "gas tank renu" centre near you. They use an epoxy sealant after removing all rust and brazing or welding up holes. It's very tough, and the tank is cleaned out so you have nothing left to clog a pump later. I've had mine done at one and the work, including some custom stuff for an external fuel pump, was top notch. Also saves the potential for you to blow yourself up trying to weld or braze it yourself at home.

 

[buckshotglass]

I would do like 90 Turbo said. Drop the tank. It's really the only way to know its clean, and if it is shot and needs replacing, you already have it out.

I could have my old tank out in like 7 minutes, if it was already empty. Nate can do it in 5.

 

[mclabaugh]

thanks to everyone, i do plan to drop the fuel tank this week!! i'll letcha know if it gets outta hand!!

 

[willfish]

just do like what supra90turbo said.

I had to drop the tank to put in the walbro fuel pump. there will be enough sun light to look inside after the you take off the sending unit, and or use a flash light also...


Will

 

[gixxer750]

nope.
the access panel in the is only to unplug the fuel pump wiring harness, not remove the sender through. You have to drop the tank to remove the sending unit.

wrong..... it can be taken out.