Well here is the latest episode with my truck... Turns out the guys that redid my gas tank said that it was about 1/4 full of water with a bunch of plastic pieces floating around. No I have no idea how that could have happened and I only hope no damage was done to my truck. Now maybe some punk kids dumped junk in my tank but I can't undersatnd this at all. The gas tank shop claims that the truck still runs but it sputters. Well I'll just have to see later today after work.

Wish me luck

Jason
69' Patrol
3 speed, I-6
Custom Safari Top
Custom 3" Lift
32" X 9.50 Super Swampers
Superlift Shocks

Hmm.. is it possible that the filler neck has a hole in it somewhere allowing water and debris into the tank? I know it runs right behind the rear wheel there.. But that wouldnt explain that much water..

That is ODD though that so much water would be in there. Consider getting a locking gas cap if possible.

Water wont cause any damage.. When you get it back, dump a bottle of fuel dryer in the tank (or some pure isopropyl alcohol) and that will help dry the system out. May take a few tanks of gas, but it'll clean out. You may also want to run the floatbowl(s) dry or clean them out by disassembling the carb, since there is probaly water in there too.


BEEFYJames Fabrication - Custom Fabricated for Use and Abuse

Maybe one of those jugs you had, had water and plastic in it for some reason? How wierd. Good luck Jason.

Thats possible. Those red blitz plastic jugs do NOT seal and will tend to let in all kinds of water. I had a few behind the house. They now all contain mostly water, which I DIDNT put in them.


BEEFYJames Fabrication - Custom Fabricated for Use and Abuse

I wouldn't doubt if a plastic can was the culprit, although that's a lot of water (~2-1/2 gals?). I guess it could be the fill tube if it has a crack - over time it might run in there, that tube is pretty horizontal for a stretch. I noticed mine leaked a bit when I filled it but I think it was the overflow line leaking. At least you know now, whatever caused it and can keep an eye out. Good luck!

-Greg

Wheeling Rocks!
NorthEast Trailrides List ~ Let's Go Wheeling!

If it is the plastic cans.. I'd toss them right away.. go get some good military NATO cans.. They'll be good for life.


BEEFYJames Fabrication - Custom Fabricated for Use and Abuse

Yeah, I've been collecting the old military ones at swap meets as I can for $2-$5 each because I'm too cheap to buy a new one. Metal cans seem safer than plastic also. I like the old USMC ones with the built-in spout that slides out. You just have to watch out for rust.

Well those plastic tanks ar going to get a visit with the trash can for sure. I'm going to go to the Autozone here for a locking cap. I hope I can get one to fit. The fill tube is quite thin.

John, were can I buy pure isopropyl alcohol? How much is too much to run in my 19 gallon tank?

Do you guys think that the water would damage the engine since likely found its way to the engine?

Thanks,



Jason
69' Patrol
3 speed, I-6
Custom Safari Top
Custom 3" Lift
32" X 9.50 Super Swampers
Superlift Shocks

Nah, the water wont hurt anything. In fact, I bet the combustion chambers are going to be REALLY clean after this. It may even run better and be less prone to detonation and pinging. Thats actually a old mechanics trick to clean the chambers... a little water dribbled down into the carb while its running.

You can get it at any drug store. Just make sure to get the bottles that have the most percentage isopropyl alcohol in them. Look for at least 80-90% (its printed on the bottle) in the small bottles (15-16oz or so). You could also just go get some fuel dryer at the autoparts store.. same stuff, but about 4x the price. If you fill the tank with gas, you can use the whole bottle. A word of warning though.. the engine WILL run a little rough.. and it will run warmer that usual. You may want to try just half a bottle in a tank of gas at first and see if that helps things. It may take a few tanks to get the water out.


BEEFYJames Fabrication - Custom Fabricated for Use and Abuse

Thanks for all the info John, I'm going to pick up the beast in a few hours.

Jason
69' Patrol
3 speed, I-6
Custom Safari Top
Custom 3" Lift
32" X 9.50 Super Swampers
Superlift Shocks

um....Jason, did you do any deep fording!? How about lot's of rain down there? Possiblity one is a deep ford and crappy cap. Possibilty two is the drain plug is not sealed but then you would be dropping fuel. Possibility three, water pooled in the bed and under the access panel in rear....could leak down if seals shot on sending unit. Check all the piping in and out of the tank....on my 64 it dumps fuel when filled to the top, I have a leak near the top of the tank.

Good luck!

Ian

is this a reputable shop? Meaning they arent just trying to drum up a little more buisness by sabotaging yout gas tank? i hope they wouldnt do that to a old patrol, thats grounds for a ass whoopin' right there

OK, I picked up my truck. The guy dropped the tank "claims" to have blew out all the lines, yet did not replace the fuel filter. So I replaced the fuel filter, bought a new lockable gas cap (to prevent stupid pranks if that was the case) and added a bottle of carb cleaner and through in about 16 gallons of new gas. The truck still ran rough but it did not stall. There seems to be a lot of hesitation when at an idle and then I give it gas. I could not drive the engine in any gear past 3100 RPM. I hope that these symptoms will start to disappear with a few tanks. By the way, I noticed a bit more gunk in the new fuel filter once I returned home. I'm hoping that it is just some residual crap from the last super grubby filter.

I talked to the gas tank guy and he said to change out up to 3 filters as needed. If the problem continues once again he will drop the tank and then the only option would be to line the tank. I heard something about a glass liner.

Here is an interesting note. Turns out someone at the gas tank garage place who came in wanted to buy my Patrol for $4000. Sounds nice, but NO WAY. I never give up that easy. I love the punishment!

Jason
69' Patrol
3 speed, I-6
Custom Safari Top
Custom 3" Lift
32" X 9.50 Super Swampers
Superlift Shocks

Hahah! Good for you! That's a nice compliment, though.