1st gen fuel tank pickup restriction

I've got an '83 fuel tank has either a pickup restriction, or is sucking both fuel and air; I disconnected the hose right at the tank and put it in a can, and the pump draws just fine from the can - it barely dribbles when drawing from the fuel tank, with 10+ gallons in the tank. Is there a screen on the pickup tube? Is there anything I would damage by running a wire down the tube and into the tank?Any suggestions as to how to fix? There is no noticeable kink in the pickup tube outside of the tank.

Finally ... anyone in the Northeast recently replace a 1st gen fuel tank with a fuel cell? I'd love to get a new fuel level sender as well (mine is SO rusted ...)

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Dave Youngren
NER ITA RX7 #61

Yyou didn't say whether you tested the filter.

Since the pump is working fine ...

Have you tried using compressed air to blow back into the tank?

Relieve pressure on the tank by loosening the cap and blow back into the tank to see if somethings clogging the pickup tube.

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Scott Rhea
It's not what you build...
it's how you build it
http://www.izzyscustomcages.com/images/IzysLgoSm.jpg
Izzy's Custom Cages

Dave, yes, there IS a screen, and yes you COULD blow it back, but......you know it's just a matter of time until the crap reattaches itself to the screen!

I pulled my tank and cleaned it manually.

At this point, rust is a major liklihood, so run extra and extra large filters, it is VERY fine, and clogs filters in no time flat.

Ask me how I know so much about this....

The tank is a good size, and in a good location, and weighs little. Any fuel cell will weigh more once installed correctly.


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Jake Gulick
CarriageHouse Motorsports
ITA 57 RX-7
New England Region
[email protected]

[This message has been edited by lateapex911 (edited June 15, 2005).]

Thanks Scott and Jake,
This is actually on my street car - I already put a cell in my race car. I attached fuel line directly to the pump outlet, and then drew fuel using the stock hose that attached to the tank outlet - it flowed just fine, so I am positive that the steel pickup tube/screen is my problem. I was just afraid that using compressed air might blow off/damage a check valve or screen. I've got an extra fuel cell pickup tube; I'm tempted to drill a 3/8" whole and put a #6 fuel fitting on the darn thing.
The tank is out of the car, and it is an absolute rust bucket inside. I purchased one of those 'gas tank restorer' kits from Eastwood, but couldn't really seem much through the teensie hole, except a ton of rust. Ugly stuff.

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Dave Youngren
NER ITA RX7 #61

The stock tanks are nearly impossible to clean without cutting a large hole in the top because of the partition. But, before you put the sealer on you'll want to clean it out as best you can. I suggest lacquer thinner for rust, and if anybody got a suggestion for the tar/old gas my ears are open! http://ITForum.ImprovedTouring.com/smile.gif

If the car has ever sat it probably also has cruddy gas in the bottom of it. I run enough first gens through the shop that have tank problems that I keep the driveway paved off the crap inside... http://ITForum.ImprovedTouring.com/wink.gif

Another recommended solution.

Remove the tank. Rinse repeatedly with soapy water. Let dry. Cut into small pieces. Now you can recycle it without anyone being upset.

Go to your local junkyard. Tell them you want a clean, rust free tank. They will respond that they have none. Remind them about the computer system that they use to source parts from other junkyards. They will find on in Arkansas, Texas, ect. Give them money, and one will arrive UPS a few days later. Drive it for the next ten years, confident that the rust will not return. Rusty fuel tanks are no fun. Carrying 10 extra fuel filters, just in case, is even less fun. Life is supposed to be fun.