Going to Drain the gas tank..is there a 'best way'

[Afrodesia]

About to head out to start the process of figuring out why the car won't stay running unless carb cleaner is being sprayed which means...drain the gas tank.

So, there is a drain plug from what I hear tell right? I won't have to suck on a hose like I did back when I was a teenager right? Please tell me that's right

 

[Geo Hahn]

I think you have a 3A... to drain I just remove the rubber fuel line back there (undoing the 'forward' end of that line). You can pinch the line shut before you begin (I use purpose-made pliers but anything that will clamp the line will do) that way you can have the free end of the hose pointed into your catch container before you release the fuel.

Of course all this is much easier if the tank is nearly empty. If it isn't you may want to siphon (aka 'use a Kentucky credit card') until it is low.

But... why is this necessary? Have you determined you are not getting fuel flow beyond the pump? ...to the pump? ... planning to blow thru the line?

 

[DNK]

Think I need to do the Wedge too.
I feel for you.
On mine the injector tech said the screens were pretty rusty

 

[Marvin Gruber]

As Geo recommended, undo the rubber hose under the tank. Another way is if you have a aftermarket electric fuel pump. Disconnect at the carbs and hook up the pump in line, power up and have a cold one while you wait.

Marv

 

[Afrodesia]

Yes, a '59 3A

I'm pretty sure the car has exactly what is rolled off the line with.

I think its been stting for a while & I figure this is the best way to start the elimination process. I can start the car & keep it running as long as someone is spraying carb cleaner into the carbs so I don't know if there's fuel getting to the pump at all or just not past it.

What's a Wedge??

 

[Mickey Richaud]

What's a Wedge??

Go easy, guys!

Common name for a TR7 or TR8.

 

[DNK]

Dang Mick
Take all the fun out of it

 

[Marvin Gruber]

Afro,
If your car is stock there is a hand pump lever underneath your fuel pump. Disconnect the rubber gas hose where it goes to the carb fuel bowl. Hand pump the lever a few times, if gas comes out the pump is okay, if nothing then you need a fuel pump.

Love the question "Whats a wedge"!

Marv

 

[mrv8q]

Harbor Freight has a pretty decent, inexpensive siphon, if you want to go that route...
Handy to have.


Is a wedge the same as a melvin?

 

[PatGalvin]

Afro, you should call me. I've had all this fun before and just live 20 minutes away. would be happy to help ensure you've got fuel to your carbs. Fuel pump rebuilds are easy too. Most of the effort is just part cleaning...

Pat

 

[Geo Hahn]

Also, before draining the tank (or messing with the fuel pump for that matter) I would remove the top of the fuel bowls (one odd-sized bolt) and see if they are dry. I guessing they are. I would then examine the operation of the needle valve or Grose Jets (whichever you have). I have had Grose Jets get stuck closed before.

 

[DNK]

...Is a wedge the same as a melvin?

:lol:
Way to funny Kevin

 

[Afrodesia]

Okay, I opened the fuel bowls (I'm assuming they were the fuel bowls. there are two of them and I can smell gas and there is evidence of fuel). But they're not full, just moist. Another question, it looks like there are 2 nipple coming off each that might have a small hose that is supposed to attach. Either that or they are for venting? Is there supposed to be something attached that I'm missing?

So I guess that means the fuel pump is working. Now I will have to figure out the jet situation. That could be a problem. I believe it's very confusing and a lot of minute details and parts.

I think a wedge is a type of salad.

 

[Afrodesia]

Is it improper to keep posting before there are any replies? Please forgive my ignorance but I take well to instruction.

So, I choke it and can get it to start to fire but about every 3 starts the starter sounds like its jamming (for lack of a better word.) is it a bad fuel mix? Old gas? Now a starter problem too? It's on a battery charger or there's no way it'd keep up with the attempts to start.

 

[tdskip]

As the others have said don't start pulling random things - check and see if the fuel pump is working and then work from there.

If it is then you have a carb issue, if not then you have a fuel pump or tank issue.

 

[Afrodesia]

I am going little by little as advised. Emptied the tank and it took a few seconds for the fuel to pour out. I pulled off what I guess is the fuel filter, though I didn't know it was located there, attached to the hose under the tank and it is full of crud! The fuel filter I have to replace it does not fit on the line so I'm just going to go to the auto parts store and see if they could possibly have a replacement. It would certainly makes sense as to why there is no fuel getting to the carbs. I've never seen something so packed full of crud.

 

[CJD]

That's an addition, but it sounds like it did it's job! Be sure to take a look in the top of the tank to make sure it doesn't have rust flaking off...

John

 

[Afrodesia]

It lives.

And sounds fantastic!

But now it's smells & smokes like burning oil & just overheated : \

 

[glemon]

Since you are looking in the float bowls see if there is sediment, usually in the form of reddish brown small bits of rust. Also if yoy have a fuel filter check for same.

Very often this sediment clogs or constructs the fuel line.

EDIT: Oops, Somehow my I didn't see half the latest posts before I posted my reply, looks like you are past that point, but it was what I thought it was. New post on cleaning out gas tank will be added below.

 

[TR3driver]

But now it's smells & smokes like burning oil & just overheated : \

It does get better, but only one step at a time.