Cleaning out fuel lines.

[Deleted]

When I first got my 72 Satellite it had a leaking gas tank, so I put in a new one. Since then, every time I go to start it, which can be months between, the fuel filter is getting crudded up to the point where the car won't run. Does not take long to get crudded up either. Nasty black crud.

So, I plan to clean out the lines and replace any hose, from the tank to filter. Other than blowing out with compressed air, does anyone have additional suggestions for line cleaning?

[purplecharger]

Use carb cleaner with compressed air

Put a old sock around the discharge of the line zip tie it on to see when it comes clean

Three four times and it should be clean

or holes in the rusted area of the gas line

[DynoDave]

No tips on a cleaner.

Long term, I'd sure be tempted to replace it. If there is that much crap built up in it, will you ever really get it all? I would think it would have to soak for an extended period in something pretty caustic to be truly clean inside. Like what shops use to flush out tanks? And what kind of shape can those lines be in, inside and out, after 40 years?

[Deleted]

I like the sock idea. Thanks Mike. (where is the two thumbs smilie?)

That should give me a better idea as to what is going on inside the line. If it's an issue of rust, I will replace the line.

On second thought, it may not have been a brand new tank I put in there. It was one that I bought 5-6 years ago for another car.
I remember looking in it before I installed it and not noticing anything out of the ordinary. I have nothing better to do tomorrow, so I think I will pull it down and take another look, as well as blow out the lines.

[brigond]

When I picked up my charger , I was getting black crud in my filter too. Not as bad as yours though. My tank was clean when I dropped it. I replaced all rubber lines with improved fuel injecton line. No more black crud.

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[Deleted]

I went ahead and cleaned the line, replaced all rubber between tank and carb, and replaced fuel filter. (I did not drop the tank)
It started up and ran a lot better for about 15 seconds.
At that point, I figured the carb was probably contributing to the problem. Pulled out the idle screws, shot some carb cleaner into the holes, followed by a few short bursts of compressed air. Put it together...and it runs like a champ again.

Lesson learned (again) You just can't let these cars sit for extended lengths of time with this alcohol gasoline.
I have never been one for "magic in a can" additives...but I guess I need to start adding some fuel stabilizer in the tanks of these cars.

[purplecharger]

Why bother even thinking about putting corn stalks in your gas tank

Just not worth it

[brigond]

Ethanol only makes your milage go down and brings up the cost of food at supermarket .

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[Deleted]

My car sat from 81 until 2002 in barn with the same gas. It sputtered onto the trailer. When I got home I was going through gas filters by the gross. Took the tank out and had it re-lined. Never did touch the fuel lines. Even after the tank repair it still went through about 3 more filters. If it is as bad as you say just replace the metal lines.

2cents

[brigond]

Another thought about the source
Of the crud could also be the vapor canister. My 71 has one hidden behind the driver side rear wheel. It also has 4 rubber lines from the canister to the gas tank . I replaced those lines also.
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