Parked my 65 in the garage 6 years ago and finally got back to her this week. I changed oil, filter and spark plugs. New battery. Shot some Marvelous Mystery Oil in each cylinder spun the crank a few times with a wrench and let her sit overnight. I thought the gas tank was empty so I was going to drop it and clean it out but instead I thought I'd pour a little gas in the carb and see if she's gonna try to fire. She lit for a second which was encouraging so I decide to replace the fuel filter and research the tank removal. When I removed filter there was gas present. Replaced filter. I pumped pedal a couple of times and after a couple tries she fired up and ran! I let her idle for a minute and then shut her down. Long way from road worthy as all brakes need to be done but I'm stoked. Turns out there was a gallon or so of gas still in tank. Not a real mechanic but I've seen one on TV so what do you all think I should do with tank? Still remove and clean? Pour in some fresh high test and let her go? Any advice much appreciated...
I'd take a look inside, see the condition first. If there's discoloration, but no rusting, I'd put all new rubber parts on, from the tank to the carb. But start with the inspection.
Mine was full of rust when I bought it. I'd heard differing stories about cleaning and sealing old tanks, so I bought a new one. For under $300, why not get a new one and not have to worry? https://restorationpartssource.com/...hero-20-gallon-all-classic-parts-details.html
Be ready to replace the tank. If they sit a few years without gasoline splashing around, they want to rust out. Sadly, I know this one.
Thanks for the replies. Was hoping not to have to drop the tank but can see now I should to inspect. I spent an afternoon with impact driver removing bolts from "inspection plate" in the bed thinking I would be able to access the sending unit and remove before dropping tank. Well you all know how that worked out. I've got the Ford shop manual but their was no reference to that. It looks like a bitch to get the sending unit out without dropping tank first like the manual states. Does the SU need to come out before dropping tank or is there a work around?
You should find a short rubber fuel line and a wire coming out of the sending unit at the front edge of the tank. Disconnect the wire, unhook the rubber hose at the SU, and you're ready to drop the tank; the sending unit comes with it.
Thanks. You're right. I re-read the manual and I had got it wrong first time. Not gonna be sucking on the end of a siphon hose got any easier way?
Do you have an air compressor at your garage? If so, you can still siphon the tank by using a blow gun to create a venturi at the end of a long piece of hose, which will draw the fuel, creating the siphon. Just make sure you jack the rear end as high as possible.
I attached a regulator to an old gas cap, set to 5 psi. Drained all but a teaspoon out of three tanks that way up at the fuel pump.
Thanks to all for the advice and help so far. I pulled the tank and there was about a gallon of gas left in there. Much to my surprise the tank was clean as a whistle. I swished around a half can of Seafoam and drained. Ready to re-install but was wondering about paper like strips that were between the tank and straps and tank and undercarriage. They were pretty spent so I was thinking of replacing with 1.25" foam seal used between camper shells and beds. Unless the original strips were some kind of spark/heat resistant material. Thoughts?
