[LimegoldGreen67]

so up until yesterday I thought my car was running just fine, until she ran out of gas (my fault) and I guess a bunch if crud from the fuel tank, both small and large, worked it way unto my lines. I found out because she didn't want to start after I gave her half a tank. So I disconnected the line to the carburetor and placed a bucket to see if the carb. was even getting gas. Nit as much as it should get, and it had crud. So I'm not sure what to do.

I know I have to replace the fuel pump, not that big if a deal, fuel filters as well, ill probably add an online fuel filter because of fear. Do I replace my tank? Can I clean my tank? Can I clean my line? With a line cleaner or gum out? I know That I will open the carb and spray all the holes just to be safe. Ideas? Suggestions? Tips n' tricks? Much appreciated in advance!!

-TJ

 

[LimegoldGreen67]

 

[cmefly]

Replacing the tank is cheap and easy to do. That is where all your problems started from. Inspect the lines and if they look good flush them out. Replace your filters and I would pull the carb and clean it out if needed.

 

[bmcgc]

I replaced my fuel line in about an hour and a half. The steel 5/16 line is fine.

 

[cj428mach]

I battled issues on my 69 mach 1 forever, plugging up fuel filters, sticking carb floats etc until I replaced my whole fuel system. A new tank and lines are cheap and should just be done on an older car to eliminate headaches.

 

[66coupe289]

If it's the original tank, replace it. However, KEEP your original fuel sending unit (assuming your gauge worked), but replace the pickup screen on it. New fuel sending units are RARELY accurate. Many threads on that topic. It probably would not be a bad time to replace the fuel line, assuming it's original. At minimum, disconnect it from the tank and pump and blow it out with compressed air.

 

[Wycked68]

Well, your assuming your fuel line is clogged due to dirt, rust, debris, etc.. Sometimes when you run your tank empty, a weak fuel pump is not able to pull fuel from the tank.
My suggestion before replacing anything is to do the following:

1. Place a clean bucket or catch can below your fuel pump. (this is to catch fuel that should drain from your main fuel line)
2. Using a pair of vise grips or hose crimping pliers, crimp the rubber fuel line than connect between your fuel pump and main fuel line.
3. Disconnect the rubber fuel line at the fuel pump inlet side and direct the rubber hose towards the bucket or catch can. Release the vise grips/hose crimping pliers. If fuel flows from the rubber line and is a steady stream you most likely do not have a clogged fuel line. If it does not, go to step 4

4. With one person directing the rubber hose towards the bucket or catch can, have another person apply air pressure to your fuel tank. Do this by using a common compressed air nozzle with a shop rag wrapped around it and blow compressed air in the fuel filler neck of your fuel tank. You want to seal the compressed air as much as possible at the filler neck with the shop rag. Using a shop rag allows compressed air to escape so that you don't over pressurize your tank or line.
5. Fuel should flow from your rubber fuel hose. If so, crimp the rubber fuel line again with vise grips or hose crimping pliers.
6. Reinstall the rubber fuel line back to the fuel pump inlet side and remove the vise grips or hose crimping pliers.

Poor a couple ounces of fuel in your carburetor vent tube(s) (to fill your fuel bowl(s) and wipe down/ remove any excess fuel that you spilled while performing the above as well as move the bucket or catch can you used away from your car and any possible open flame.

Your car should start right up.

If you were not able to get much fuel to flow from the rubber hose, you do have a clogged fuel line issue.