Fuel System Overhaul

How do you know when it's time to to start thinking about pulling your fuel tank, cleaning it, replacing fuel lines, and pumps? Well if you bought a car that's sat not moving for years that could be one clue. How about if you start noticing rust and trash showing up in your fuel filter? That could be another sign. How about, after noticing the trash in the filter except now there's just the trash and no fuel in the filter and the car doesn't wanna run anymore? Time to overhaul the fuel system. I had a fuel pump installed about a week before the car stopped drinking fuel so I know the pump is good, just need to check the screen and make sure it's not clogged or dirty.
Pulling your tank is a pretty straight forward deal..especially on a 1967 Bug like mine. First I disconnected the battery, think the wife would be hostile if I caught the house on fire. Then remove the sending unit cover and remove the 5 screws. Pull out the sending unit and gasket. Next I disconnected the braided hose at the filler neck. At this point if you have a lot of fuel in the tank you should siphon it out. Once I had that all out of the way I removed the 4 bolts and brackets holding the fuel tank down. Luckily I had enough slack in the fuel line to lift the tank up to clamp the lower fuel line before removing the fuel tank. While I have the tank out, now would also be a good time to inspect your front suspension, steering components, and anything else you might have a hard time getting at with the tank in place. I noticed that my steering damper was leaking and in need of replacement. Good time to put it in - heck the part only costs $29.

These cars are so simple, I love it!

Here's the fuel tank out of the car and empty. Overall the tank looks pretty good on the outside. No dents, no pinholes, no leaks and just a couple tiny surface rust spots from scratches. Definately worth getting cleaned and resealed.

Here's the bottom of the tank, again - nice shape.

Here's where things get interesting. Doesn't look so clean inside! Looks like a bit of rust on the inside of the tank. Don't really see any sludge or buildup though.

Here's a shot through the filler neck...more rust. I don't think the tank is real rough and can be restored no problem. Hey, the car is 42 years old!

I'm taking the fuel tank to a radiator shop friday and dropping it off. Should have it back no later than monday since they may not be open on the weekends. I'll post pics of the restored tank when i get it back. In the meantime, I'll need to replace those old braided fuel lines, and clean out the metal fuel lines.