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Mine is a VW and has 10 gallon tank. Is it possible to run the fuel near empty and fill it all the way up and see that way?
Well today was the day. I began with the gas tank cleaning. I have read 5 chapters so far of the book which for me is a lot. I did go to the index for instructions on cleaning the gas tank to which he advised to take it somewhere. So for that task I went to youtube and watch different peoples videos on how to clean it. I know there are different opinions on what products and such to use. I went with white vinegar for the ease of disposal and its non toxic to me and whatever it may spill on to.
The gas tank is the original VW tank as far as I can tell. So I really wanted to keep it instead of buying a new one. This gas tank was absolutely filthy with rust flaks, crude, and funk on the inside. The outside had a few spots of surface rust. I initially washed it with the remaining diluted dawn soap I had in my kitchen with some nuts and bolts thrown in. Once I did that I think I did 5 to 8 washes with white vinegar. The inside was 98% clean and clear of all rust, grime, and funk. With exception to a few grimmey spots in the upper corners of the tank it was shinny metal again. After the vinegar washes, I rinsed with water until the water ran clear and removed the left over nuts and bolts.
When helping hand removed the gas lines from the tank, it was discovered a pea size hole in the gas line from the tank to the first fuel pump. So during one of the stages of allowing the vinegar wash to soak I made a trip to Oreily’s, harbor freight, and ace hardware to get some items I realized I need. I got 6 feet of the rubber fuel line to go ahead and replace all fuel lines. It was observed the main gas line is hard lined in on/through the frame instead of the rubber line. The 6 feet of rubber hose was exactly enough to replace the lines to each fuel filter, fuel pump, and carb.
During a different vinegar wash I thoroughly cleaned the outside of the tank. Then primmed it with Rust Oleum rust reformer and primer in black. I cleaned the tank housing as best possible with water and dish soap and a plastic bristle brush. I went ahead and sprayed the inside of the tank housing with the same Rust Oleum as it had a few spots of surface rust as well.
I am fully aware the great possibility of flash rust on the inside of the tank and I just have to live with it at this point. There is just to much time required to wait for the inside to be fully dry to add gas to stove that from happening. I have found mixed reviews of sealing the gas tank and have decided to not seal it. I went ahead and bought extra fuel filters with the expectation of having to replace them again when the flash rust enters the fuel. I am currently in the waiting stage to put a final coat of paint. I was really hoping to have this done in one day, but at least I only have to paint tomorrow. I decided to paint it silver.
I just got the book today. Ive read page 1 so far. HAHA! Weekdays are typically consumed by my pesky job that tends to get in the way of my hobbies. But hopefully this weekend I can at least get the oil and filter changed, as well as spark plugs and distributer cap. the plugs and cap are 1 thing I actually know how to do and doesnt look much different than an old ford tempo I once had. As far as tools, we have an Oreily’s just down the road and they lend tools I believe. I plan to take advantage of that for anything I dont have access to.
In regard to the oil, I checked the leak spot today and its such a small amount of oil that it really isn’t a concern. Ive had far worse oil leaks with a car and they were fine until i let a friend borrow it and they failed to add oil.
As intimidating as all this feels, I am excited! Worse case i completely screw up the engine and will have to replace it HAHA! I guess the only crappy part is I had bought specific soap and Polish for it and stuff to remove the little bit of rust and that is being placed on hold until I have it running good. I jus dont see the point in wasting energy in cleaning it when I will most definitely get it dirty from repair work.
THANK YOU so much for the book referral! I need pictures with instructions!!! Someone can tell me all day long to change this or that but I dont know what most parts look like HAHA! I feel it may be important to have my children do this with me so they can learn simple engine repairs.
My grandfather has owned the car for 20 years. He has retired from being a clown for 10 years. Last year it was driven maybe 20 feet and then parked back in the garage. So I dont really count the 20 feet as being driven.
At first glance the tires looked really good. Until we added air, there is a little dry rot beginning in one spot on each tire where the tire was on the concrete. I do plan to replace the tires, but after I get everything else done. I will do as you have suggested on system flushes and such. We did also notice a small oil discharge and or leak once the car was parked. It amounted to about 5 drops from yesterday until this morning.
The red button didnt do anything with the car off. I wonder if it is for the train horn. The horn is not currently hooked up, but there is an air compressor in the floorboard that I was told is needed to operate the horn. The horn is laying in the passenger seat at the moment. I guess when I get in there to rewire the radio (wires are not good and exposed) I will investigate that button. You cant put a red button on a dash and not tell me what it is for. Will a someone die every time I push it? Does an angel get its wings?? No one in my family who has ever worked on or driven the car knows what the button does. And poor Papa just doesnt remember.
These repairs will take me a good while as I have limited spare time. However I will update as we go.
So she has been brought home. All week with anticipation, I have been thinking of names for the car. Well today, she named herself to “Might Makeit”. First thing my grandpa was wrong it is a 1973 VW Chassis and 1600CC engine based on all the serial numbers I have found on the car. The gas tank was bone dry, the 2 batteries he had for it had dead cells. So we added mid grade gas as premium was out and a new battery. Got out the starter fluid and with about 10 mins of spraying the carb, it fired up. We drove it around the block and it seemed good enough to make it home which is a 45 min drive. 5 hours later we made it home. The car stumbled, bogged, died during accelerating to 3rd and 4th gear. And became more frequent as it began to stall in 1st and 2nd. every 50-100′ we were having to let the car rest. I know the car has sat for a good time and will be flushing out systems, changing oil, filters, and cleaning the carb. Im trying to remain positive about this car. But I am a bit in the doghouse after today. The car means alot to me and is the only reason I am attempting to learn to fix it and drive it. There isnt any VW mechanics in my town. On the plus side no monoxide is flushing into the cab. The pipes I thought were the exhaust are actually for the air or ventilation. Also I have a really cool train horn!! One question, Does anyone know what the sqaure red button on the dash is for?