Removing Fuel & Cleaning Tank?

[robw13]

Is there any good/easy way to Remove Fuel out of the tank with it still on the car? What aboit cleaning the tank, with it off of course?

 

[bee71]

For me if you are going to all that trouble it might be wiser to replace the tank.

 

[robw13]

True, but what tanks fit the 74 se charger 5.9?

 

[daytona71]

Check out Spectra at http://www.spectrapremium.com
Take a look at your tank, and compare to what is available for your car. These are really good tanks

 

[robw13]

Got the tank off, so what's an easy way to clean the tank?

 

[BumperMan]

I just sealed mine on Sunday, my tank had over a gallon of gas that has sat in it since 1973. I removed the tank, drained the gas, and let it dry for 2 days. Then I went an bought some Acetone and poured in it and let that sit for 24 hrs. After that I drained the acetone and let dry for a couple of days. After that I put a chain in the tank and moved the tank around so the chain would help remove any access surface rust.

Then after all that I purchased some red coat tank sealer poured it in it and moved it around for about 30 mins until I had all the surface covered. Now I'm letting it set and cure, next step is putting in the new sending unit and I should be ready to put back in the car.

Hope this helps.

 

[robw13]

Did you use any water? How much Acetone? Thought bout using my Pressure Washer & Chain before the Acetone.

 

[Seax440Dodge]

Is there any good/easy way to Remove Fuel out of the tank with it still on the car?

I have an el cheapo parts store 12v $30 universal electric fuel pump w/ about 5 foot of in/out hose that I have wired w/ alligator clips that I threw together just for fuel tank drainage, works like a charm

 

[kb67mopar]

I washed mine out with dishsoap and water before sealing it. I used an eastwood kit for sealing it. Worked fantastic. Doesn't leak and no issues. I just make sure I dried the crap out of it before I sealed it.

 

[Gpuller]

Is the tank rusty or just gummed up? If its gummed up I've used lacquer thinner on small lawn mower fuel tanks. Or just gas, ethanol blend or E-85 works too.
I've cleaned rusty tractor gas tanks with a power washer.

 

[D575]

muriatic acid. diluted 10 parts water 1 part acid , add acid to water , not the other way around. slosh it around then dump a bunch of baking soda in the tank. It will react and etch the tank. make sure you're outside with a garden hose running .. might have to do it a couple times to get the whole tank etched. then rinse dry and seal.

 

[AMX364]

The tank I had was badly gummed, half a tankful and 20 plus years. I filled tank completely full with water and used a water heater element to get the water very hot. Did more then once and over several days. Used lengths of chain in bottom to cut any leftover buildup. Used muriatic acid to etch before using Eastwood tank sealer kit, which had some acid kit with it. Tank was not leaking and cleaned up well.

Had worked at one place which was using a barrel with heater element to clean major engine parts. They used just Tide and water mix at about boiling and would strip grease and paint completely off even the worse buildup inside a block. It did take some time to work, sometimes several days.

 

[kb67mopar]

I should also mention mine when I used the eastwood kit was not varnished or rusted inside. I had cut mine and addes a sump for a modern fuel pump. So I needed to make sure I had no leaks from the welding. The eastwood kit sealed up all my pin holes and made a really nice fuel proof coating inside the tank.

Personally if you have a rusty tank I'd replace it. It's hard to get all that debris out and once its compromised it will always be thinner in the rusted areas.

If you just have some debris and varnish..then do what some of these guys have suggested.

 

[robw13]

Id rather replace it but dont have $400 to right now unless a different tank will fit it. Mine has the hump in it.

 

[Bruzilla]

I can tell you how not to do it. Get a Shop Vac, feed the hose into the tank, and suck the old gas out. It works, but how I didn't blow myself up I'll never know.

 

[Seax440Dodge]

The exact pump I have

 

[robw13]

Is it best to just replace the sending unit? I know mines gunked with sludge.

 

[BumperMan]

Yes replace the sending unit, I ordered one from Sumit for $40 I think.

I did not use any water and for the Acetone I just poured the entire container in it.

 

[robw13]

K thanks guys. Also, is the fuel line hard to take off the frame? Both rubber lines on both ends are shot.

 

[robw13]

Are the sending units the same for the 73-74's or the diff engine sizes interchangable? Having trouble finding one for 74 5.9 360