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I found my wonder car, a 1988 Grad with only 12K miles on it. Looked and ran great, drove it home. After 1000 miles it started missing badly. Took it to the shop, ignition checked out OK, fuel system clogged. Took off filter and cut it open, it was PACKED with what looked like fine red powder. Fuel pump not putting out well.
I am nearly certain this is from a rusted fuel tank (makes sense). They probably stored it empty for a decade or two, and it wasn't properly cleaned out or restored before it was sold to me. Caveat emptor.
I plan to remove the filler tube and look inside the tank. It should be pretty obvious. What next? I can find a new tank (IAP). Best to go with new or try to restore original? What else in the fuel system should be replaced? Is there just one fuel filter? So far we are looking at tank, fuel filter and fuel pump plus some hoses (20 years old). Anything else?
I discovered that the fuel guage reads 1/2 when tank is empty. I wouldn't be surprised to find it corroded inside too. Anyone else run across this?
Thanks. I want to do whatever I can to make this a reliable "new" 88 Grad.
I am nearly certain this is from a rusted fuel tank (makes sense). They probably stored it empty for a decade or two, and it wasn't properly cleaned out or restored before it was sold to me. Caveat emptor.
I plan to remove the filler tube and look inside the tank. It should be pretty obvious. What next? I can find a new tank (IAP). Best to go with new or try to restore original? What else in the fuel system should be replaced? Is there just one fuel filter? So far we are looking at tank, fuel filter and fuel pump plus some hoses (20 years old). Anything else?
I discovered that the fuel guage reads 1/2 when tank is empty. I wouldn't be surprised to find it corroded inside too. Anyone else run across this?
Thanks. I want to do whatever I can to make this a reliable "new" 88 Grad.