Hi Scotty,
Backstory:
I have a 1991 Dodge Stealth base, 64,000 miles, manual trans, that has been my COVID project. Car was running and driving okay when I suddenly lost pretty much all my acceleration power. Luckily my drive home was mostly all downhill but I could barely get it back home (mostly had to floor it in 1st or 2nd gear and drive slow).
I thought it was a timing issue so I retimed the ignition and replaced idle air control valve which was also bad. Then I took the car out of my garage and down the driveway to see if I solved the issue and quickly realized that I had very little acceleration ability. I quickly reversed back up the driveway but could not get it back up the hill all the way cause car would cut out and stall on me. It's parked in the driveway now.
I heard the fuel pump whining a lot in the trunk and I am pretty sure it is my culprit. When I went to look at the fuel pump in the gas tank I found that the car had a fair amount of rust inside the gas tank. The car did sit parked on a trailer for 10 years. I am worried about rust contamination affecting the new fuel pump and strainer.
Main Question:
What is the best way to remove rust from the gas tank without pulling off the tank? Are the evaporust products useful? If I do eventually pull the gas tank, is there a better method for rust removal for the DIY at home mechanic?
Thanks,
Braden
Replace the tank. Don't even think about chemicals. Also, clean-out or replace all the fuel lines from the pump to the engine (including any return line), metal or rubber, replace the external fuel filter, and any other fuel-related components to the engine or intake system.
Fairly major job, appreciable cost involved, and car is a real pain to work on anyway.
Is it worth it ?? Currently approximate retail value in the $4,000.00 or less, but with your problems, maybe $1,000.00 ??
By the way, did you know it's really a Mitsubishi GTO ??
Hy!
Unfortunately you have to disassemble the fuel tank.
You can use rust cleaners or any mild acid, also vinegar and some hard metal parts/fragments because you will have to shake it well.
Good luck!
