gas tank problems

[69 air cab]

I have a 71 chevy truck that sat up 14 years..........
I pulled the tank and it has crud in the bottom.

What do you guys recommend?

[hvychve]

have you tried calling your local radiator shop , to see if they do tank repairs? and usually they can clean em out and if needed coated if badly rusted, but if it were me, I would consider purchasing a new tank if cost isnt a factor, I think you might be surprised with the difference in repair versus replacing all together. The only problem with a tank sitting for so long is hard to get rust out , hate to see you hang the needle open in carb, due to high gas prices..... good luck which ever way you decide

[Bob B.]

If you are going to replace the tank with a new one, be sure to get the one that is made in Canada (Goodmark sells them). The Taiwan tank is very difficult to install.

[69 air cab]

I've not thought about the radiator repair shop...........we have a real good one here and if they are far less than a new one I will consider ..........if they do it.

Anyone ever experianced putting the new tank neck rubber on........that looks difficult.

[ChevLoRay]

Before replacement tanks came along, we were told to put small rocks in an empty tank and shake it (for a while) to loosen any rust.

Then, you only had to get the rust and rocks out of the tank.

Following that, there was a coating (Hirsch, I believe) that you would pour into the empty and (theoretically) clean tank. Sloshing the tank with a quart of the sealer was supposed to do the trick and save the tank.

I haven't seen any ads lately for the stuff, but I'm guessing POR has a suitable coating that may appeal to you.


At least, it's an alternative to replacing the tank, but you know better how you are set to fix or replace.

[69 air cab]

I wonder if I could just hit it on the outstide with a rubber hammer then take a pressure washer down the hole of the sending unit..............

[mnunn454]

Originally Posted by 69 air cab

I wonder if I could just hit it on the outstide with a rubber hammer then take a pressure washer down the hole of the sending unit..............

That does sound like a reasonable approach, but assuming the metal's not already real thin, you will have to work real hard to get all of the residual crud and moisture out of the tank before reusing it. Even a little water remaining behind will go right to work rusting the bottom of the tank. When that happens you get to enjoy gas fumes every time you ride in your truck.

Drygas might help remove the water, but plays havoc with other fuel system parts.

Also, make sure you install a good fuel filter before you restart the engine, and change it a couple of times just to see if you're collecting any bad stuff from the tank/lines.

Good luck.

[bad6772]

you drive on up to indy. and ill give you a tank, just pulled it from (Project Here We Go Again) you can have it..locking cap and all.....

[69 air cab]

I wish I had time to go to IN I would surly come get the tank.........and I thank you for that.

I think I am going to call the radiator shop first, then I found a used one locally that the guy says is a good one.
thanks for all your help..........


oh........any hits on how to install a new rubber gasket at the neck (between and filler neck)?

[cdowns]

to put the rubber in i like to soak in boiling water for a while then lubricate with dish soap

[68gmsee]

On mine, I used silicone lubricant around the inside edges and used a flat wooden dowel to work it in from the outside. Took a little work but it went in. Then I wiped it clean and rubbed some rubber conditioner (your choice) to keep it pliable and not oxidize like my last one.

[69 air cab]

so is it best to install from outside the truck after the tank is bolted in or the inside prior to bolting the tank in.

[68gmsee]

Originally Posted by 69 air cab

so is it best to install from outside the truck after the tank is bolted in or the inside prior to bolting the tank in.

The first one I installed, I put the grommet in first and then lubed it and forced the neck out through it.

I did the second one the way I mentioned (tank first and grommet from outside) and to me it seemed easier than having to push the neck through.