fuel tank pick up

[mickrat]

Just finished running fuel and brake lines. I noticed a large amount of scaly rust and dirt visible in the tank pick up tube can I unsweat the boss and remove it from the tank to get a good look at it and clean it out.  Mickrat tassy

[mcl1959]

The fuel pick up is soldered to the bottom of the tank in the middle (unless it is broken). This is so the car will pick up fuel from the bottom of the tank.
Have you removed the sender to check out the bottom of the tank?  If the bottom of the tank is rusty then it will have to be separated to fix it.  Tanks can get rusted out badly if water gets in and there is no fuel in there.
If tank interior looks clean, then it should be just a matter of blowing out the pick up with compressed air and then flush the tank thoroughly.

Ken

[mickrat]

Thanks for your advice. Will remove sender tomorrow and check inside

[GOA350]

I would suggest using the KBS Tank sealer kit. It comes with a cleaner that will thoroughly clean into every nook and cranny of your tank then you tip the sealer in as instructed and it seals the tank from ever rusting or deteriorating again. I used it on my tank and it worked fantastic.

Cheers Scotty

[mickrat]

Fuel tank looks good inside. Pick.  Up tube is blocked solid can get a piece of wire half way down that's it what angle does the tube run.  How much work is in removing the top from the tank. Looks to be continiosly spot welded right round. What would be the best way to open up tank. Mickrat tassy

[Not Happy Jan]

spot of petrol.. a match... drop it in and RUN. Opens up like a oyster.
Is that what you had in mind.
 
Seriously I think that it would be too hard to open up the tank! Don't know if anyone has tried it??
Nick

[Trevor_B]

Hi Mickrat,
I believe the picture below is of an FC Sedan tank with the top removed - this might help you with your decision...



Can't remember where I got the photo from or who did it - I just took my tank to a good radiator repair place and had it cleaned and resealed.

Cheers,
Trevor_B

[mickrat]

Ahh!  The big bang theory. Not quite what I had in mind !  Must be someone  out there thats open up a tank without butchering it.  Mickrat tassy

[mcl1959]

seriously, it does not open up easily so that you could use the top again. I cut off the top of a couple so I could use them as a spare wheel well and the spot weld will not separate. As you saw it is a continuous rolled weld.
Ken

[Sparkie]

hi,had similar problem with pipe blocked ,used coat hanger wire in drill and when it,went thru I put a slight bend in wire right at end ,redoning process and bending wire until I was happy that pipe was clear of blockage completely ,then treated tank with 3 stage rust epoxy paint [excellent stuff about $40 ],when nearly dry I did the wire thing again just in case epoxy was up the pipe .In now and car runs with only a few litres of petrol in tank so pickup pipe all good,Gary

[mickrat]

Went for the coat  hanger in the drill then blew out with compressed air worked like a treat. Tank is very good inside so I'll leave it. Sand blast outside then more powder coat. Getting there !!