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cleaning a fuel tank?

  • Thread starter Thread starter SMOKEDYA
  • Start date Start date Jul 24, 2009

SMOKEDYA

20+ Year Stangneter
Jul 13, 2003
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Tucson AZ
Jul 24, 2009
#1
  • Jul 24, 2009
  • #1
Hey i'm about to buy this car. it's been sitting for about 4 years. do you think it's a threat to clean out the fuel tank before i try to start it? if so how can i go about doing so? I think i heard you can use deisel?peace






john
 

mob

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20+ Year Stangneter
Oct 3, 2003
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Dallas, TX
Jul 24, 2009
#2
  • Jul 24, 2009
  • #2
I would just siphon the fuel out and put new fuel in it.
 

mc0311grunt

Member
May 24, 2009
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Los Angeles
Jul 25, 2009
#3
  • Jul 25, 2009
  • #3
Like what the above me said just siphon all the gas out and fill with new gas.
 

SMOKEDYA

20+ Year Stangneter
Jul 13, 2003
3,637
8
79
Tucson AZ
Jul 25, 2009
#4
  • Jul 25, 2009
  • #4
i thought gas jelled up and/or seperated when it sat for a long period of time?peace










john
 

jrichker

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Dublin GA
Jul 25, 2009
#5
  • Jul 25, 2009
  • #5
Some gasoline will form gum and varnish as it sits for a long time. The best bet is to drain the tank and then remove the fuel pump. From there you can feel the bottom of the tank to inspect for sticky residue, gum, dirt and rust. Use MEK or acetone to clean up any residue you find. Be careful of the fumes and keep them away from painted surfaces. They are powerful solvents and breathing too much of the fumes isn't good for you.

You will also have an opportunity to check the fuel quantity sender float to make sure it isn't stuck and that it moves freely. Use a little bit of high quality blue silicone on the fuel pump cover seal when you reassemble the tank.
 
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