hillofbeans

Newbie getting started on basics. 1978MY. First things first is to stop a very slow leak in the fuel tank. I always assumed it was the sealing ring on the in tank filter but once I took a close look, I think I found a small crack on the underside of the tank. Looks like I have to take the whole tank out. Luckily, I've picked up a 78 parts car. Time to switch tanks. I'm finding that although the parts car perished from neglect, it wasn't really abused. For example, all the hose clamps I've dealt with so far are original. It wasn't taken care of so original configurations and parts remain to refer to. I took out the parts car tank first in order to practice. Lots of filth and mud dauber nests but nothing too difficult. Then over to the "good" car. I started to see some differences and realized that someone had replaced this tank in the past. There's a metal ear connector for a 6mm allen bolt just near the filler that didn't appear on the 78. Also, in 78 the fuel pump is under the tank but the fuel filter is to the front of the rear passenger wheel well. This one had the fuel pump at the bottom of the tank (just laying loose under the cover) and there was a second fuel pump spliced into rerouted fuel line and mounted at the rear of the passenger wheel well. It was zip tied in. The difficult vent hose that goes through the frame was just abandoned, as was the line to the fuel expansion/compensating tank at the top of the passenger rear wheel well. These vents had just been left open on the tank. Got it off with very little effort and found it was from a 1980. Glad I started here!
Is there a favorite way to clean these tanks thoroughly? I was thinking of taking it to a local radiator shop.
I want to ask what's up with this extra fuel pump, but it's not important. I think I'll just get a new one and restore the original configuration.
Any other helpful pointers? I'll try to let you know of my progress.


Extra fuel pump?

Ready for cleaning

SRaouf

at least the fuel cradles look intact. mine looked like swiss cheese so ive had to fabricate a new one from fibreglass and steel banding using whats left of the old one as a template. Make sure you protect the inside of the cradle before refitting as its a moisture/dirt trap although preferably not with something flammable. Early tanks didnt have the mounting bracket near the filler neck but later ones did. vent hose that goes through the body is rather steep for what it is (£50) so I ive used some standard 15mm ID hose mated with 90 degree elbows for the bends. I dont know the make up of fuel in the US but if its anything like Europe make sure any replacement hoses are Ethanol resistant.