Advice on filtering fuel...

[71-C20]

Greetings,
I just purchased a 71 C-20. It had been restored and sat in a garage without being driven for almost 8 years. I started it and it ran good, initially. I made the mistake of driving it home (about 50 miles) and about half way home it started surging. I suspected a dirty fuel filter and installed a clear inline filter between the fuel pump and the Edelbrock carb when I got home. Drove it around the block a couple of times and initially it was good but then started surging again. When I got home the clear filter was clearly plugged up with a reddish brown alagae looking substance. My question is short of pulling the tank and cleaning it is there a way to filter the fuel that is in the tank? I'm afraid it will take alot of inline filters to clear what ever sediment is currently in the tank.
Thanks in advance for any advice, I am fairly new at working on vehicles.

[rockyrivermark]

Sounds like rust in the tank. Did you get the 8 year old fuel and fresh fuel in before starting it?
Get flashlight and look inside the tank. I'd guess you'll want to replace the tank.
RRM

Originally Posted by 71-C20

Greetings,
I just purchased a 71 C-20. It had been restored and sat in a garage without being driven for almost 8 years. I started it and it ran good, initially. I made the mistake of driving it home (about 50 miles) and about half way home it started surging. I suspected a dirty fuel filter and installed a clear inline filter between the fuel pump and the Edelbrock carb when I got home. Drove it around the block a couple of times and initially it wasd good but then started surging again. When I got home the clear filter was clearly plugged up with a reddish brown alagae looking substance. My question is short of pulling the tank and cleaning it is there a way to filter the fuel that is in the tank? I'm afraid it will take alot of inline filters to clear what ever sediment is currently in the tank.
Thanks in advance for any advice, I am fairly new at working on vehicles.

[jocko]

yes, good advice - I'd replace the tank too - or at the very least get it out and inspect it closely. They can be resealed, but it's kind of a pain in the butt. If it has been sitting for 8 years, I'd also replace the inline fuel filters/carb body filter if a Rochester, and blow out the fuel lines while they are disconnected. You may also have some dry rot of the fuel pump diaphragm - might check for some leaks around the pump - they can get you started, but because they get brittle, fail fairly shortly thereafter. To be honest, if you have the time, a carb rebuild and new fuel pump would not be a bad idea - but maybe do the other stuff first and see what you get.

[Old Truck Man]

A clear inline filter between the fuel pump and carb is a fire waiting to happen. Get a steel wix gas filter and place it between the tank and the fuel pump. The fuel pump has one way valves that don't like crud. remove the tank and take out the sending unit. shine a light in there and take a look. If you cannot get the tank really clean. Its junk and needs to be replaced. never attempt to run any engine on old stale gas.

[BCOWANWHEELS]

pull tank, drain it, put varsol in tank.let set for a few hrs, slosh it back n forth. all old fuel residue will come out when you drain it. change pickup sock..............

[lutronjim]

Where do you buy varsol?

[jocko]

I've bought it from commercial oil facilities but most industrial chemical places have it - and some auto shop suppliers - another source is paint supply shops. It's the goop that shops run in their parts washers sometimes. I think Wal-Mart and Home Depot sell it - but the only listing I found for Var-Sol at those stores was in Canada(!). Hmm Anyway, hope that helps.

[71-C20]

I did add fresh fuel but regrettably I did not drain the old fuel. I was so excited to get my new truck home I took off without thinking through the situation. I suspect your right I will be replacing the old tank!
Thanks