Sluggish over 40

[Lpeabo]

First let me say that I am not talking about me but rather my truck!

I have a 72 C20 350 V8, new MSD Distributor, 6AL rev-limiter box, carb cleaned and rebuilt, new fuel filter, new open side edelbrock air filter. Plus the last tank of fuel was 93 octane w/ an octane boost fuel system cleaner.

Here's my challenge and fear - the truck was run to empty and sucked up all the particulate in the tank. As this was taking place the truck started getting sluggish over 40 and wanting to die out. I changed the fuel filter again and checked it and within 5 miles it too had sediment in it.

What are your recommendations.

[cool68]

pull tank and have it flushed out and sealed? or replace?

[swamp rat]

There is suppose to be some kind of a pre filter sock inside the tank from what i have read, they can plug up.

[swamp rat]

And make sure you use gas hose and not vent hose as it can collapse in on itself.

[truckster]

Originally Posted by swamp rat

There is suppose to be some kind of a pre filter sock inside the tank from what i have read, they can plug up.

The sock actually disintegrates with age and becomes part of the problem. It will clog up your fuel filter pretty quickly when that happens.

The only solution I know if is to pull the pickup tube and completely remove the sock. You may need a new rubber gasket when you reinstall the pickup assembly, since the old one has been exposed to gas on the inside and oxygen on the outside for 40+ years.

[Lpeabo]

Thanks for the advice. Always great to hear from folks that have been down this road. I took the fuel filter off twice this morning and knocked out a lot of debris. I also ran carb cleaner through it at the idle and it's running better. I got up to 60 with no hesitation.

I still need to address the dirty fuel situation, and explore your suggestion. Thanks everyone.