83 SC: fuel tank & level sender

[83_Silberpfeil]

Hello Pelican Community:

It's been over 1 year since I started the engine. Wanted to check with the PP forum community here, before trying to start the engine again.

I removed the fuel level gauge/sender to take look inside the gas tank --- see fotos. There was no gooey/sticky film or residue on the fuel level gauge. Shined light into the tank. Saw that it is almost empty, but still some old fuel remaining, may be a gallon or so. The remaining fuel in there was still very liquid-y --- not gooey.

I inserted a telescope magnet into the tank far enough to submerge the tip. Pulled it out and inspected the fuel --- seems/smells like gasoline still, not varnish, not sticky/gooey.

I do see there is discoloration at the bottom end of the fuel level gauge/sender. Any concerns on that?

Should I bother to drain the remaining old fuel in the tank? Or just add fresh fuel and start it up?

Would appreciate your thoughts.

Thanks!

[PeteKz]

I don't like to run year-old fuel through the engine. I would drain or siphon the old stuff out, then add new fuel, and then start and burn out the stuff still in the lines.

[83_Silberpfeil]

Thanks for the feedback PeteKz. I'm going to drain the tank. Need to acquire a 22 mm allen socket, first.

Also, saw an interesting approach from "Greasy Fingers" youtube channel where Johannes replaces the fuel tank. In this video @ 0:30 mark Johannes disconnects fuel supply line going into the fuel accumulator. Then, he connects a fuel tubing to the supply line, cranks the starter, and dumps fuel into a waste container.

@PeteKz - After draining the tank, then adding fresh fuel, it seems this would be a great way to clear/flush the fuel line with new fuels.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KzT5U2WqqFs

Originally Posted by PeteKz

I don't like to run year-old fuel through the engine. I would drain or siphon the old stuff out, then add new fuel, and then start and burn out the stuff still in the lines.

[PeteKz]

Several ways to get the old fuel out, as you've found. Running the pump will do the trick, and as you noted, you can run fresh fuel through the lines and pump that way before you put it back together and start the engine. A little overkill, IMO, but do what ever makes you feel most comfortable. If you don't have a socket the correct size, then just run the pump until you get bubbles, then add some fresh fuel and let it run a few more seconds.

What about the fuel in the filter and accumulator? Just joking.

[TxGerman]

Since finding a 22mm allen is a challenge, a trick I used that worked well was I went to my local Ace Hardware, bought a 14mm bolt and two nuts. The 14mm bolt has a 22mm head. Jam nut the two nuts together and then insert the head in and back out the drain/filter plug. Good luck.

[83_Silberpfeil]

Thanks TxGerman, great economical solution! I stumbled upon "Joe Engineer's" FCEuro post on the same topic. He posted a link to AMZN for a 22 mm Hex bit socket. So, I went w that.

Now --- also looking for 17 mm version for the transmission fluid bolts.

Originally Posted by TxGerman

Since finding a 22mm allen is a challenge, a trick I used that worked well was I went to my local Ace Hardware, bought a 14mm bolt and two nuts. The 14mm bolt has a 22mm head. Jam nut the two nuts together and then insert the head in and back out the drain/filter plug. Good luck.

[83_Silberpfeil]

Hmmm -- got me thinking!

Originally Posted by petekz

what about the fuel in the filter and accumulator? Just joking.

[83_Silberpfeil]

UPDATE on my fuel tank....

I drained the tank from the bottom drain. The 22 mm hex bit socket from AMZN worked perfectly to remove the drain bolt. Just under 5 gallons drained.

Would appreciate the forum's assessment and opinion of any need for further flushing of tank, or removal for cleaning?

Definitely had to be drained. Very discolored. Infused with rust??? Not quite the shade of a Newcastle brown ale, perhaps a proper Amber Ale.




The screen/filter will also need to be replaced.

[PeteKz]

I don't see any holes in the screen--why replace it?

And, yeah, that's the color of gas going bad, not rust (although it could have that too).

[83_Silberpfeil]

Hi PeteKz - thanks for taking a look and commenting. You are right, the screen is pretty solid, just discolored from the aging fuel. What is not apparent on the fotos is separation (or collapsing) of the screen from the plastic frame. Further, the frame itself has crumbled/disintegrated along the connection to the tank plug, the circle at the base/connection to the tank plug.

Now I have ~ 5 gallons of old fuel in the container. I wonder if my landscaper/gardener will take it for his lawnmower, leaf blower, chainsaw or other 2 cycle engine'd equipment.

Originally Posted by PeteKz

I don't see any holes in the screen--why replace it?

And, yeah, that's the color of gas going bad, not rust (although it could have that too).

[TxGerman]

I have an '82, your filter looks pretty much exactly as mine did. I replaced it, just out of precaution since I was refreshing the entire system anyway. Although my filter looked horrid, when I inspected the inside of the tank, it was pristine. I would suspect yours probably does also.

[PeteKz]

Another thing I did on my 1973 was to install an in-line filter before the pump. Why let fine crap that can pass through the strainer go through the expensive pump?

[83_Silberpfeil]

Appreciate the feedback and data point TxGeman. A new screen/filter is on its way. I will remove the level/sender again, and check inside the tank, now that fuel has been drained, inspect. Hoping it will be pristine like you described.

Originally Posted by TxGerman

I have an '82, your filter looks pretty much exactly as mine did. I replaced it, just out of precaution since I was refreshing the entire system anyway. Although my filter looked horrid, when I inspected the inside of the tank, it was pristine. I would suspect yours probably does also.

[83_Silberpfeil]

That's interesting, and sound logic. Wonder why Porsche didn't put that inline filter right after the screen, before the pump, hmmm? Might be a future upgrade project for me. But, for now, I'm focused on getting the car running again, and back on the road.

Thanks for sharing PeteKz!

Originally Posted by PeteKz

Another thing I did on my 1973 was to install an in-line filter before the pump. Why let fine crap that can pass through the strainer go through the expensive pump?