Drain gas tank..?

[JohnnyP]

I bought my 1976 280z in october of this year. I have been reading a lot about people draining all their cars fluids, coolant, oil, etc. According to the PO, this car had been sitting undriven in a garage for the last five years or so.

I guess my question is, should I pull the plug under the gas tank and drain it out and inspect what little gas is in there? Or am I better off not touching it?

Any responses are greatly appreciated,

Thanks,

John

[JonnyRock]

Definitely crack that open and see what comes out. It'll take just a few minutes, and it's better than risking gunking up your fuel system. Gasoline has a lifespan of 6-12 months, so that stuff is probably no good anyway (although I have heard stories, and even ran some 2yo gas in a truck of mine).

[Walter Moore]

Depending upon how full the tank is, get a big container to hold it. Oh, and if it has been sitting for five years or more, it will be closer to furniture polish than gasoline.

[JohnnyP]

I feel like a fool!! I forgot to mention that the PO last put gas in it about a year before I bought it.. That was the last time he tried to get it running. I have managed to get it started since then, and, since I am new to all of this restoring business, I didn't exactly know that I should be looking for anything. Exhaust seemed clean, sounded good (from what I know).

But tomorrow I will crack into the tank and see what I can see. Thank you for the responses. This forum, and everyone here, has been more than helpful.

Thanks again guys/gals,

John

[e-tek]

While I'm not on the side of over-changing fluids (coolant, tranny, diff), I'd say at least flush the gas, coolant and crank-case oil in this case. 5 years is a long time to sit. It can accumulate a ton of mositure. Later on I might do the brake fluid and tranny oil too.

Edited November 17, 2009 by e-tek

[GreenZZZ]

Brakes/Clutch will likely have water in the fluid which means corrosion in the lines and hydraulic parts. Could get pricey. Good practice is to run new fluid in every 1 to 3 years depending on which type of brake fluid you use.

[JohnnyP]

I drained the tank yesterday, and, to my surprise out came about 5 gallons of (surprisingly) very clean gasoline! From the looks of the gas, the tank is free of rust, sediment, and anything else. Strained the gas, nothing came out. What should be done with the gas? right now its in a 5 gallon can in the garage. Is that reusable?

Thanks you for all the help so far!

John

[FastWoman]

Five year old gas should definitely be thrown out. See if your local waste facility can take it.

Alternatively (and I know this is terrible), you can mix it in smallish quantities with fresh gas (perhaps 1:10) until you've used it up. All our old gas goes in the boat, maybe in a 1:3 mix. However, our old gas isn't as old as yours.

[GreenZZZ]

Alternatively (and I know this is terrible), you can mix it in smallish quantities with fresh gas (perhaps 1:10) until you've used it up. All our old gas goes in the boat, maybe in a 1:3 mix.

I have a Chevy truck for said disposal technique... 1:4. Considering your inspection as residue free as you state, I'd burn it! I've never done it on gas more the 1.5 years old though.

[cheney119]

Mine had been stored longer and I drained the tank (disposed the petrol at local landfill for free) then had the gas tank soaked in a caustic bath and relined. Do you know if your tank was placed into storage with some gas stabilizer? My car was not stored properly and I wasn't taking any chances. You're better off knowing your gastank isn't the problem from the vary start of your project in my opinion. My 78 and your 76 are EFI and will not tolerate junk in the petrol.

[rjracin240]

I drained the tank yesterday, and, to my surprise out came about 5 gallons of (surprisingly) very clean gasoline! From the looks of the gas, the tank is free of rust, sediment, and anything else. Strained the gas, nothing came out. What should be done with the gas? right now its in a 5 gallon can in the garage. Is that reusable?

Thanks you for all the help so far!

John

Sounds like you got gas for the mower......no wait make it the snow blower about this time up your way!!!!

[d240zx2]

My Z was in storage for 9 or 10 years. The PO did it right, though. He filled it with about a 50-50 mixture of gas and Sta-Bil. The car started and ran (though not too well) on that old gas. Had the tank removed and inspected... was clean as a whistle!

Frank