Re: Fuel

Posted by Owen_Dyneto On 2012/5/4 8:34:40

My own experiences with my 56 Carib pretty much parallel 54Clipper's experience; the tank has never been down (to my knowledge), is unlined, and the fuel line to the front is original. I only run the original mechanical fuel pump and I've never had a fuel problem due to the tank or fuel line. Vehicles that sit dormant for many years or are only used intermittently are bound to have fuel problems long before those that see regular use. These are mostly tank floor rot and fuel gauge problems due to the formation of a water layer on the bottom and water-saturated vapor above the fuel.

Before putting the car away in the winter for 4 months or so, I try to run the existing fuel down to almost nothing, top it off with fresh gas, and then seal the filler neck with a piece of kitchen wrap (Saran) before putting the cap on.

I did ultimately have to have the tank cleaned and lined on my 34 but I had it done professionally and that was about 20 years ago - no problems since and I live in an area where you cannot obtain alcohol-free gasoline.

Fortunately for those with 51-56 models, new repro gas tanks should soon be available.