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Topic: Flushing a tank. (Read 1548 times) previous topic - next topic

Flushing a tank.

I looked but about all I found was everybody buying new tanks. I have almost the whole rear end disassembled. I figure if I'm ever going to flush out my tank and fuel lines, I had better do it now. I want to also check my fuel pump and install my new fuel level sender for the gauges I bought. I know there is a lot of products out there, but I would like to know what you use and what your procedure is.  Thanks!

(1986 Cougar 5.0 engine)

Flushing a tank.

Reply #1 –
Believe it or not but when I flush a fuel tank I use the garden hose.  Make sure you get all of the water out before reinstalling the tank.

Flushing a tank.

Reply #2 –
I was watching one of those shows on cable, and when they cleaned out a tank, they used vinegar and something else. I think it was baking soda?? Rinsing it out with a hose and spray nozzle may be adequate, I won't know what shape it's in until I look inside. I did notice that my tank has a plastic cover on the bottom of it that is about 1/4" thick. Looks like a place I could shed a couple pounds.

Flushing a tank.

Reply #3 –
Keep the cover on the tank. It's very thin, weighs very little, and is good safety for the tank. Are you turning the car into a race car, or is it a daily driver? What is it's purpose? Mine is an all around car. Daily driver, a little spirited driving. Showing off a little. That kind of stuff, but, I have a/c and all my options on the car are there and they work. I wanted a quick car, but, safe and comfortable as well.
'88 Sport--T-5,MGW shifter,Trick Flow R intake,Ed Curtis cam,Trick Flow heads,Scorpion rockers,75mm Accufab t-body,3G,mini starter,Taurus fan,BBK long tube headers,O/R H-Pipe, Flowamaster Super 44's, deep and deeper Cobra R wheels, Mass Air and 24's,8.8 with 3.73's,140 mph speedo,Mach 1 chin spoiler,SN-95 springs,CHE control arms,aluminum drive shaft and a lot more..

Flushing a tank.

Reply #4 –
Vinnietbird,
              Daily driver. I also have A/C but then I live in Arizona. Actually, I'm going to add power windows. I don't think I've ever seen a car with a cover on the tank. There really isn't many ways of loosing weight on this car unless you buy an aluminum block, heads, or start taking seats out. From what I've read, this car is fairly light (about 3,078 lbs. not including the 400 lbs. of grease on the chassis). I also want my car to be safe and comfortable, that's why I'm going through it. I had no idea what a death trap I was driving! The "U" joints were dry, and burnt, the rack and pinion just about fell apart in my hands when I took it off and my rear axle probably moved 4" side to side when I took a corner. I'm going to look for someone with a hot pressure washer to clean the chassis.Your probably right about the cover, I should keep it.  Thanks!

Flushing a tank.

Reply #5 –
Quote from: 86cougar;398310
about 3,078 lbs. not including the 400 lbs. of grease on the chassis!

You might want to recheck your weight reference on these cars.  I think you should add the weight of the grease on top of that 400 lbs!  Full weight they are about 3,400+.

Flushing a tank.

Reply #6 –
The official curb weight for the 5.0 liter is 3,380 lbs. in relatively heavy LX trim.

Flushing a tank.

Reply #7 –
I have the base model, 3050-3500 lbs. is what the internet says. Still a pretty light car. Also, I probably knocked off 200-250 lbs. grease mainly just by washing my hands all the time. I'm not worried about loosing weight (the car that is), I just want better handling that's been my primary focus. I've never put as much time and effort as I have with this car. I have really leaned a lot with the help of this forum and from hard work. Even with sound advice, I have to learn the hard way... example: first time I took the starter out,it was a real pain. Now, it's easy and pretty fast. I'm rambling.... later.

Flushing a tank.

Reply #8 –
Quote from: 86cougar;398338
first time I took the starter out,it was a real pain. Now, it's easy and pretty fast.

Haha, I know how you feel. That top bolt requires some finesse.
2002 Honda Civic EX

1984 Ford Thunderbird Elan
5.0 CFI, T5, Dual Exhaust

Flushing a tank.

Reply #9 –
I use a 2' long extension 1/2" socket and a flashlight. But then I also work from a creeper.

Flushing a tank.

Reply #10 –
I have always found the use of a creeper to be more of a hindrance than anything else, but I suppose like anything else, it comes down to personal preference. ;)

Flushing a tank.

Reply #11 –
Some day I will own a lift.

Flushing a tank.

Reply #12 –
I had a Mustang that had nasty crud and rust in the tank. Steam cleaning it did no good. The Eastwood Company makes a kit that uses some sort of acid that you put in with a chain. Then shake it real hard. Empty it and remove the chain. Next step was a neutralizer to kill the acid. Final step was a sealer. It worked real well. I don't think the sealer is in the kit anymore.

Flushing a tank.

Reply #13 –
I know there is kits out there for cleaning gas tanks, I think I even used one years ago. I'm just about to go out and drain my tank (filled it up right before I decided to start working on the car). My girl asked me where I was going to put it all... so I guess it's time to make a donation (from my car to hers). She has been good about me spending more time with my car than I have with her. Anyway, I'm gonna take out the fuel pump and fuel level sender and see what I am dealing with, then go from there.
 

Flushing a tank.

Reply #14 –
Well, I went to "Ace is the place" and bought a siphon hose and at this rate it should be empty in December. No wonder...it's says kerosene siphon. Well, now I'm all set when I want to siphon all my kerosene lamps. I would try the old fashion way, but when I stick the old piece old garden hose in the tank it collapses because of the anti-siphon du-hicky.