Date:         Wed, 25 Jan 2012 08:37:07 -0800
Reply-To:     Aaron <a.robinson.lists@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Aaron <a.robinson.lists@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Fuel tank cleaning.
In-Reply-To:  <374991CC-28F3-428E-BF72-0E942487A691@comcast.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

On Jan 25, 2012, at 7:12 AM, Tom Torrella wrote:

> Looking for thoughts, concerns and any BTDT experiences. The last fuel filter change (Nov11) had small amounts of rust. My fuel pump is noisy, not sure if the filter is collected more bits or if its just old & tired. Before replacing it I want to do the lines, tank & filter. So far the engine is running great, no power loss since the fuel pump noise began 1800 miles ago. 
> 
> 1. What is the best solution to clean the insides of a gasoline tank? So far no major chunks of rust, or leaks. 
> 
> 2. After cleaning, how effective would a rubberized liner applied inside work?
> 
> The process purposed is an acid bath, rinse bath to neutralize, then treated with a blue liner for about the cost of a new tank. 
> 
> Do the new tanks have any problems? And the fuel filter is in-line before the pump. Should one be installed behind it too? Will that effect the the pressures for the injectors? So many questions! Lots to learn.
> 
> Thanks.
> Tom T
> 83 Westy 1.9 auto.

I can't comment on the cleaning process. But if it's going to cost nearly the same to reseal, how about a new tank? I went ahead and just replaced my tank a while back. It was fairly simple, and the clogged fuel filters and associated issues that plagued the van are gone. To make it last, get a gas tank reseal kit from a list vendor and make sure you get all the hoses and grommets done right. I think the whole process took me a few hours. 

If you want to test the fuel pump, you can run it out of a gas can. Just remember that it will suck a lot of fuel quickly and deposit it back in the fuel tank unless you also pull the return line. That would help you determine if your pump is needing attention too.

Aaron
'87 Westy