13 replies to this topic

[CBJ805T]

I've just taken my fuel tank out and it sounds like there is a lot if sediment in it. From the contents of the funnel and the look of the inside of the tanks neck, do I have a problem or is this fairly standard? Advice appreciated, Chris

[richw911]

I would say that tank is well past it, do you have an in line fuel filter?

[MGBailey007]

bloody hell, if you don't have a inline filter i would check your carb that will probably need a good clean out and all your fuel lines

[CBJ805T]

The car is well past it's best and I'm in the process of stripping it down for a rebuild. I've never had it running for more than 10 mins but the carb will get a full rebuild. There is no inline fuel filter currently fitted but if I fit one will the tank be ok to use or is this another component / panel to add to my shipping list?

[mike.]

I'd try and source a cheap second hand tank. Theres usually a few powdercoated ones on ebay

[OllieTheWelder]

Chuck some fine gravel in it and shake it about loads....

[dow62]

Used tank sealant on some of my older motorbikes with success. ( smaller capacity than a mini tank though )

[03jkirk]

take it to an acid dipping centre and have it chemically stripped and then use tank sealant and aslong as it hasnt rusted too deeply it should be ok to continue using after doing all this

[minimissionary]

I think I'd just get a new tank. For the money, I'd rather have the peace of mind.
Not great, but will probably end dirt cheap http://www.ebay.co.u...4#ht_500wt_1129

Much better, and still quite reasonable http://www.ebay.co.u...e#ht_500wt_1129

Edited by minimissionary, 17 June 2012 - 09:07 PM.

[dklawson]

I have cleaned and sealed tanks. It can be done at home. However, I chose to do that because Mini tanks are few and far between over here. Given your options I would seriously consider taking the advice above and get a good used tank instead of trying to recondition that one.

Remember that the fuel pickup in the Mini tank is not resting on the bottom. The pickup also has a coarse plastic mesh screen over it to keep big pieces of debris out. As such, only the smaller bits of trash will have reached the carb. However, you may find a lot of that small debris when you check the float bowl. When you are going through the system (hopefully with a new good used tank) consider fitting a COARSE filter between the tank and fuel pump and a FINE filter on the discharge side of the pump before the carb(s). The coarse filter will catch any big pieces that make it through the tank mesh. That protects the pump. The fine filter will protect the carb(s). You do not want a fine filter before the pump because fuel pumps "push" better than they "pull". You do not want to experienced a fuel system failure by putting a fine filter on the pump's suction side.

[CBJ805T]

thanks for all the advice.

I think I'd just get a new tank. For the money, I'd rather have the peace of mind.
Not great, but will probably end dirt cheap http://www.ebay.co.u...4#ht_500wt_1129

Much better, and still quite reasonable http://www.ebay.co.u...e#ht_500wt_1129

watching these as we speak. My only concern with buying a second-hand one is not knowing if it'll be any better than mine!

Doug, cheers, I'll get the filters fitted during the rebuild

Edited by CBJ805T, 18 June 2012 - 11:36 AM.

[richw911]

I have cleaned and sealed tanks. It can be done at home. However, I chose to do that because Mini tanks are few and far between over here. Given your options I would seriously consider taking the advice above and get a good used tank instead of trying to recondition that one.

Remember that the fuel pickup in the Mini tank is not resting on the bottom. The pickup also has a coarse plastic mesh screen over it to keep big pieces of debris out. As such, only the smaller bits of trash will have reached the carb. However, you may find a lot of that small debris when you check the float bowl. When you are going through the system (hopefully with a new good used tank) consider fitting a COARSE filter between the tank and fuel pump and a FINE filter on the discharge side of the pump before the carb(s). The coarse filter will catch any big pieces that make it through the tank mesh. That protects the pump. The fine filter will protect the carb(s). You do not want a fine filter before the pump because fuel pumps "push" better than they "pull". You do not want to experienced a fuel system failure by putting a fine filter on the pump's suction side.

Sorry for the hijack, very iteresting info i have a coarse filter between the tank and pump, but after reading your info want a fine filter for after the pump - is this any good:

http://www.ebay.co.u...=item27b481f913

If not do you have a link to a better one?

Edited by richw911, 18 June 2012 - 12:12 PM.

[dklawson]

The filter you provided the link to is the type I have between the tank and pump intake. The filter elements are a fine Dacron mesh like cloth. The housing is a piece of glass tube with o-ring seals at each end. You can unscrew the ends to drain the filter and replace the element. They are great for the suction side of the pump.

On the discharge side of the pump (just before the carbs) I use a disposable, plastic filter typical of what was once common on air cooled VWs. I like being able to look into the filter to see how much debris is there and how dirty the element is. The link below is for the VW type filter that I use. I buy them 5 at a time off eBay as they are much cheaper that way than buying them from the local parts store. I use them on all my British cars.
http://www.vollks.co...ages/P/9949.jpg

[richw911]

Many thanks for the help