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realpank · 03-10-2015, 07:55 AM

My mechanic has been troubleshooting my rough idle on my 454.

Has now come down to crud in the gas tank(after replacing fuel sending unit, fuel pump, hoses and carburetor)

I'm hopeful they can just clean it out and reinstall. Has anyone had one refurbished? Or had to replace with an aftermarket?

Thanks in advance,
Chris

perryg114 · 03-10-2015, 08:45 AM

You need a good fuel filter. Ever since Ethanol came out corrosion and other issues have occurred on stuff that sits for long periods of time. The stuff absorbs water which creates rust and other corrosion. Replacing the tank might be the shortest and cheapest route. A plastic tank will reduce corrosion and condensation problems. Also a sealed fuel system where the cap is not vented will help. Usually the tank vent is connected to a carbon canister that is vented to the intake somewhere. This keeps moisture out of the system. Sitting for a long time is not good. Is it fuel injected or carburated? Carburetors and ethanol don't mix. The water content and two or three different metals don't play well together. If it is driven every day it is not such and issue but RV's that sit for months at a time are at risk.

Perry

mayco · 03-10-2015, 10:15 AM

I took the gas tank from my '59 Chevy pickup to a radiator shop where they cleaned the inside and then lined the inside with a plastic. They pour it in and it then hardens. The tank was full of crud when I brought it to them, never had a single problem after. I believe its very common.

realpank · 03-10-2015, 11:22 AM

Thanks Mayco and Perry,

Good comments, It has sat for a long time, I'd rather keep the original and see if I can get it coated. How much did that cost Mayco?

Curious on how a plastic one would fit into the space?

wxbuoy · 03-10-2015, 12:13 PM

I had same issue with mine as well. Also small pin hole leaks and cracks in the original hose are an issue as well. Recommend replacing all the rubber fuel lines when you do the tank.

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martin300662 · 03-10-2015, 12:57 PM

The previous owners had severe filter blocking issues, and even after fitting an uprated unit still had blockage every 50 miles or so. This was total down to rust in the fuel tank. He tried flushing and plastic coating but it was still an issue, so I had a custom aluminum tank fabricated and installed before it shipped (at the time I was trying to drive it back rather than ship).

This is also approx 5% larger than normal, and since then the filter has never blocked

mayco · 03-10-2015, 01:43 PM

If I remember correctly it was surprisingly cheap, obvioulsy a lot smaller tank and it was several years ago but Im thinking it was about $75........,less than a hundo I know. May be an option for you. Pretty simple cure other than having to remove the tank, thats never any fun. I bet you can find a place locally that will do it.

perryg114 · 03-11-2015, 08:55 AM

The same thing we use on trailer frames is also used to coat gas tanks. It is called POR15 and they make a gas tank coating formula. It is a milky white paint that coats and seals off the rust. The motorcycle folks call it creaming the tank.

Perry

martin300662 · 03-11-2015, 10:19 AM

The stuff we tried before replacing, was Kreem....used a lot by the motorcycle guys (Kreem | Fuel Tank Liner) , I have used it myself successfully on bike tanks, just my MH tank was too far gone.

NavyCorpsman · 03-11-2015, 12:12 PM

If you can find ethanol free gas, use it. All alcohols are hygroscopic and take on water. Ethanol containing fuels will cause the "gray death" plus rust and corrosion. Methanol / Methanol based fuels cause the "White death". You should see a racing carburetor and the aftermath of that reaction. These fuels when stored over time will react with just about everything they come into contact with. If you plan on parking it over a period of more than a month, I would drive it to empty, and idle until the fuel is consumed from the carb / fuel rail.
For the short term, I have used "Stabil" with satisfactory results.
If we could limit the EPA and their constitutional overreach, we could have high quality fuels for our toys at a much cheaper cost. Until then, it's going to be a high maintenance, high cost issue. If you have noticed, plastic fuel tanks are now the norm.......

jhenry · 03-11-2015, 01:25 PM

I have a 1988 325 There are a number of filters I would replace these first they are located at tank on electric fuel pump - passenger side on frame - carb filter, You have two fuel pumps, the electric fuel pump at the tank was my problem so I replaced it along with filters! also add fuel stabilizer each tank fill up till old gas is gone You may need to change filters a number of times I had this problem took these steps worked for me I also found a gas bowl filter off an old oldsmobile put this on frame to replace that filter and this was a big help_ Jonathan

realpank · 03-13-2015, 01:17 PM

Thanks Guys,

Have gone through all the filters, some of which may need replacing, and they are pulling the tank today. I'm hoping "creaming" it will be the solution. I will enjoy describing that one if successful.
Cheers,
Chris

martin300662 · 03-13-2015, 02:36 PM

If you are going the Kreem route, I would advice using their tank prep product first, although when you see what it rips out from the inside of the tank you may have a panic attack!!!!