Flybye

So I've had the FD sitting for several years due to personal problems. I finally decided to try to get her started. After diagnosing the fuel system, it finally came down to the Walbro (already read the bearing horror stories) not kicking on.

Took it out, and saw this.



Pretty ugly and scary ****. I've always run 93 with Mobil 1 2 cycle oil with a little bit of Stabil between long storage times. This gunk dissolves extremely easy in the fuel, but I've never seen fuel evaporate like this. It is also on the interior walls of the fuel tank.

So basically:
1) Should I just clean it up, install my Denso, do a few 360s to get the gunk off the fuel tank walls, and away I go?
2) Do I need to replace the entire fuel tank?
3) What are the chances of this hurting the rest of the fuel system since it seems to easily dissolve in the fuel?

If I need to do 2, what do I need to do to ensure this never happens again?

bajaman

Dude! That is crazy! And scary too. I can't imagine things are good at all inside your tank. I would take the tank somewhere and have it professionally cleaned if at all possible.
There used to be this fuel tank coating I have seen used on motorcycle tanks that is a liquid and you basically pour it in and shake it around and then it sets up in an impermeable fuel proof lining. You could maybe do something like that....

Flybye

LOL...I just pictured myself standing on my driveway with my new clean tank, pouring the fuel lining liquid in it, covering the hole up, lifting the tank into the air and shaking it like a big can of soup.

Flybye

BTW, I know it looks like rust, but its not. It all completely flakes off and completely dissolves in fuel.

GoodfellaFD3S

iTrader: (213)

That's freaking NASTY. I'd take the tank down and thoroughly clean it.

Flybye

Yeah, that's what my instincts are telling me.

1) Clean tank & sending unit
2) New cover o-ring

But damn, how the heck do I prevent this in the first place during storage? :p

IRPerformance

iTrader: (41)

If you even attempted to start the car like that you may have contaminated your entire fuel system. I would carefully pull off the pre-filter and see how much if any of that crap got inside the actual pump. Maybe cut it open with a razor. If so, then I would flush the fuel lines and pull the injectors and rails to get the cleaned. You could try cleaning the gas tank but I would just replace it.

Flybye

Naa...I couldn't start the FD up because the pump is seized. Last time I started her up was just after I installed the Walbro. And the interior of the tank was nothing like this. When I disconnected the lines, the fuel coming out of them was extremely clean. I guess I probably should have topped off the tank before storage.

This stuff easily comes off with my nails, though. I think I'll be ok if it is professionally cleaned out. I'll probably end up getting a new sending unit.

Busted7

Fuel turns to varnish when it sets too long. Most radiator shops will steam clean the tank, put new filter and pump, blow out the fuel lines. I got a t11 that sat for 4 years with full tank, i replaced he tank becouse i had extras but the lines were ok. You may also find the injectors clogged and in need of cleaning. Stinks like **** doesant it!! Good luck.

Flybye

LOL yeah my hands smell like ****.

K. Tomorrow or Monday I'm calling a speed shop nearby to see if they have cleaning facilities or if they know of someone.

Prolly drop the tank tomorrow.

IRPerformance

iTrader: (41)

We had a car in the shop that wouldn't start because the fuel sat for a mere year.

cewrx7r1

iTrader: (2)

Your fuel lines are probably just as bad. They will need to be cleaned also or replaced.

That what happens if you do not take proper care.

TRWeiss1

iTrader: (20)

Wow...that is horrific! Best of luck getting that cleaned out man. Definitely check the fuel lines while you're at it!

Callsign_Vega

iTrader: (3)

You didn't have your fuel tank completely topped off and with a fuel stabilizer added? That's like storage 101.

Flybye

Sorry. I guess I failed that class. I did have Stabil in it, though.

mikeric

iTrader: (20)

Dam, looks like someone took a dookie in your tank. Not a helpful comment, but a comment none the less.

I would check your fuel filter. Change that out and see how much gunk was in the old one. If you still have doubts, get your injectors cleaned and balanced.

mikeric

iTrader: (20)

Where you at in Miami? I'm down in Homestead.

Flybye

I'm off of Eureka.

I'm giving these guys a call tomorrow.
http://www.eliterpmengines.com

They seem to deal with rebuilds, and might even have the facilities to clean the tank. If not, I'm hoping they will know someone that can.

And if I DO need to get the injectors done, I'm sending them to:
http://www.injector.com/

I've had them clean out my injectors before with the FD and other cars and were happy with the service. Am tempted to just upgrade to 1300cc while I'm at it.

Flybye

Hey guys, I've been suggested to use carb cleaner on the sending unit.

Thoughts? I was thinking of just getting a new one, but am worried about the wiring for the sending unit.

BTW, I was just quoted $150 to pressure clean the tank and coat the inside of it. New tank is $700+ LOL. Guess time to get it cleaned.

Busted7

I would clean the sender with carb cleaner and use an ohm meter and test to see if it still works. just set to ohms and connect one lead to each wire and move the float and see the reading move.

RX7LINK

iTrader: (3)

make sure you cover the wires if u use a carb cleaner. carb cleaners tends to eat away a layer of plastic and weakens it..

FD3Smaniac

iTrader: (3)

sell me your power wire to the fuel pump