Expert: jack bahm - 8/3/2011

Question
I own a 1930 Ford Model A Tudor and have for the past seven years, the auto is completely restored but my problem with the car is I feel that the gas tank is lined with particles of rust from years of not being used.  I also have not used this car very much over the past seven years.  What do you suggest is the best way of cleaning out the gas tank?  When I start the car it runs fine and then after about 15 minutes the car wants to stall.

Thanks.

Answer
There are two things you can do.  Take the tank out and clean it out with chemicals, then slosh it with a rubber/plastic compound that coats the inside of th tank. I have never done this, but some of our members have. Big job.
Or, you can flush out the tank with two gallons of kerosene several times, rocking the car to get the junk out.  Also, use a strong magnet on a long handle.  You can buy these pretty cheap. Reach all around inside the tank and try to get the rust out. Then, take off the fuel valve and install the little stand up filter in the valve. Get it at snyders or other supplier.  This method is not as good, but quite easy.  If the tank is not leaking, you can keep going this way for a long time.
Good luck.   If you need the details on the sloshing method, let know and I will dig it up.
Jack