how to tell a bad gas tank

[spstan]

I keep having carburetor problems (dumping gas). Fuel pressure is ok. I will take off the carburetor and clean it (plus new needles and seats). But I'm starting to think the problem is the gas tank being dirty and dirt getting past the fuel filter and gumming up the needle and seat. What is the better option? 1) clean the old gas tank 2) put on a used rust free gas tank (from the South) or 3) put on 2 gas filters in line until I can afford a gas tank replacement. Thoughts? Paul

 

[spstan]

I keep having carburetor problems (dumping gas). Fuel pressure is ok. I will take off the carburetor and clean it (plus new needles and seats). But I'm starting to think the problem is the gas tank being dirty and dirt getting past the fuel filter and gumming up the needle and seat. What is the better option? 1) clean the old gas tank 2) put on a used rust free gas tank (from the South) or 3) put on 2 gas filters in line until I can afford a gas tank replacement. Thoughts? Paul

I'm thinking the only way is to put one of those fiber optic cables down the tank (boroscope?) and look for dirt. Is that the only way? Paul

 

[Fury1969WI]

What car do you have (year/model). On the fuselage you can get a good look in the tank - in the car - by removing the sending unit and then using a flashlight to peek inside. A good submersible fiber optic camera that works off your phone is pretty cheap too (like: https://www.amazon.com/Dual-Lens-Ad...g_401578011_d_sccl_1/139-5699963-6160744?th=1 ).

If the tank's not terribly rusty inside (loose scale anywhere) you could just try flushing it out with clean gas or take it to a radiator shop for a better cleaning. Eastwood sells some treatment products but i am not familiar with any of those. Gas Tank Paint & Fuel Tank Sealer Kits

IMO, unless it's just bad gas, like "varnishy" sticky goo that you can drain out, rinse with fresh gas, drain, and go, then you're going to spend more time and probably just about as much to properly clean and reseal an old tank and flush out the lines, fuel pump, etc. You can get a new tank for somewhere in the $300 range. That's not going to get any cheaper IMO.

Fuel Tanks - Vans Auto

Good luck!

 

[livininharrow]

installing a clear fuel filter should show you without guessing. not only will you see any crud but also if you are getting good fuel flow to the carb.

 

[spstan]

What car do you have (year/model). On the fuselage you can get a good look in the tank - in the car - by removing the sending unit and then using a flashlight to peek inside. A good submersible fiber optic camera that works off your phone is pretty cheap too (like: https://www.amazon.com/Dual-Lens-Ad...g_401578011_d_sccl_1/139-5699963-6160744?th=1 ).

If the tank's not terribly rusty inside (loose scale anywhere) you could just try flushing it out with clean gas or take it to a radiator shop for a better cleaning. Eastwood sells some treatment products but i am not familiar with any of those. Gas Tank Paint & Fuel Tank Sealer Kits

IMO, unless it's just bad gas, like "varnishy" sticky goo that you can drain out, rinse with fresh gas, drain, and go, then you're going to spend more time and probably just about as much to properly clean and reseal an old tank and flush out the lines, fuel pump, etc. You can get a new tank for somewhere in the $300 range. That's not going to get any cheaper IMO.

Fuel Tanks - Vans Auto

Good luck!

Thanks for the link. Paul