<VV> No fuel flow - was Electric fuel pumps

[J R Read_HML]

Hi Chris,

There is a "right" way which involves removal of the tank and a "temporary 
and possibly insufficient" way which does not.

How much gas is in the tank?  Have a sufficient size catch can on hand and 
DO NOT use an incandescent drop light around the gas.  See if the gas will 
drain (gravity and gas cap removed) by having the front end up and remove 
the rearmost end of the rubber hose at the tank from the main line through 
the tunnel area.  You should be able to direct the flow using the hose which 
is still attached to the tank.  If no gas flows, then either the tank is 
already empty <GRIN> or the "sock" is plugged.  DO NOT use a vacuum cleaner 
or other sparky electric motor around gasoline!  Again - if no flow at the 
tank - and it would then appear that the sock must be replaced, you could 
likely run a wire up there and poke a hole in the sock OR simply blow it off 
with compressed air (gas cap removed).

A plugged sock should be replaced, which means you will at least need that 
AND the gasket for the sending unit.  If you like tools, you probably want 
the correct tool for the sending unit as well.  So, once the sending unit is 
out, you will see where the sock goes on the end of the pickup and you will 
also be able to wipe some of the grime out of the tank.  This is the 
temporary and insufficient method mentioned above.  While the sending unit 
is out, test it for accuracy.

The removal of the tank (should you decide to do it the right way) also 
involves replacement of the filler neck hose, the overflow and/or return 
line hose.  It also requires some agile (small helps) fingers for 
reconnecting hoses between the top (metal) portion of the filler - and the 
tank.  Several cleaning methods - such as gravel or chains inside - and 
turning over and over and....so on have been used.  Once all the rust is 
gone, the tank needs to be coated inside with the appropriate sealer.

Then there is the...  WHILE YOU ARE THERE part of the job.  Since it is 
virtually impossible to replace the RF steel brake line without removing the 
tank, any time the tank is out be sure to replace that brake line.

This has been a synoptic version of what has to happen.  Others may have 
further or more detailed suggestions.

Back ache.  If you know that you will be over the engine compartment for 
extended periods, it helps somewhat to raise the car first.  My tools (or 
parts) generally find their way to the "hell" hole - below the balancer.  So 
far, I've managed to stay away from the fan.

Later, JR

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "cfm" <cfmann at yahoo.com>
To: "J R Read_HML" <hmlinc at sbcglobal.net>
Cc: "Virtual Vairs" <virtualvairs at corvair.org>
Sent: Friday, April 18, 2008 5:37 PM
Subject: Re: <VV> Electronic fuel pumps


> JR,

> I was not getting any gas at all, even at the pump.
> When I empty the tank, I am going to gerry rig the pump and use it suck 
> out the gas from the tank.

>
> Chris Mann
> (mechanic for the day)
>