[Drewboy22]

First off, howdy. Thanks for the site and the info I have already gained for reading the forum.

I am starting to work on my dads 68 and am having more questions than answers. My question for this post is about the fuel tank. It has had gas in it for at least 12 years and I am sure that there is some varnish in the tank. (I am hoping there is no rust) What is the best way to clean out a tank? Should all the fuel lines be replaced?

Thanks for the help!

Drew

[Lucky68]

Welcome,
Fuel tanks are reasonably price, so if it were me, I would replace it with a new one. If your dead set on reusing the old one, remove it, take it to a good radiator shop, and have them boil it out. Your fuel lines should be fine, just give them a good flush first.

[Havin' Fun]

Fwiw, mine sat several years also. They had it "cleaned". Now, a few years later, pin hole leaks are showing up. I'd replace it if is an option for your situation, leaking fuel stinks!

[Drewboy22]

Thanks, I will see what it looks like when I get if off.

Drew

[Everett#2390]

PB Blaster for the bolts/nuts to make them come of easily.
Patience is needed.

[Fred Ficarra]

IMHO a fuel tank is not treasured for 'originality'. Safety first, not to mention all the trouble they are to clean. New ones are worth the cash.
Wait a minute! It's not just my opinion,,,,,,,

[RichSchmidt]

Just remember that if the trunk floor is rusty,the top of the tank may have hole in it.If the tank is rusty on the outside I would replace it.A good indicator of how rusty the inside will be is by how much gas was in it.The more gas that was in it when parked,the less rust it will have since there is less room for air and less condensation in the tank.A stable tempature in the storage area reduces rust too.You still need to check,but this miight help you make the call if the tank looks clean.

[Drewboy22]

Thanks guys! I took a quick look at it last night and did not see and rust on the outside, however the tank is empty. I will be able to see more once I get the tank off but I will start pricing them just incase. Thanks for the help

Drew

[Brandan]

keep us posted on how this turns out Drew

[Drewboy22]

Will do. Here is where I am at right now.


I have the block at the machine shop and parts on order.

Drew