[T3] Fuel System (Tank)

[Jim Adney]

On 30 May 2012 at 6:54, Jacob Schroeder wrote:

> While my car was sitting in storage for the last five years, the
> fiberboard became wet and this moisture has caused the top surface of
> my fuel tank to develop some rough, rusty patches.

Sounds like your trunk seal leaked. That's too bad, but it has 
nothing to do with the INSIDE of the tank.

> Because I am going through and replacing the fuel lines, should I go
> ahead and pull the tank now and have any rust removed?  Last time I
> checked (~ 7 years ago), the tank was completely free of rust, both
> inside and out.  But I know a lot can change in that time. If so,
> what's the best way to clean up the rust?

Pull the gauge sender and look in there with a flashlight. Chances 
are that it's still fine. If that's the case, stop worrying about the 
inside and fix the outside.

If there is significant rust inside, you can remove the tank, remove 
the sender and the exit pipe and filter sock, and get it cleaned. Do 
NOT allow anyone to sell you a sealer coating for the inside of the 
tank!

> There is still 2-3 gallons of (old) gas in the tank, is it ok to use
> this or should I dispose of it?

I've never had a bit of trouble with old gas, even 8 years old, in 
one of my FI Type 3s. FYI, it's best to store the car with a full 
tank, just because this minimizes the amount of air that "breaths" in 
and out of the tank each time the barometric pressure changes. This 
minimizes the amount of water that can form as dew in the tank.

> Should I worry about checking/replacing the activated charcoal filter?
>  I'm sure this has never been done.

Your system is probably non-functional due to other problems by now. 
Replacement would be pointless.  

Your "overflow" hose, under the RF fender, attaching to the backside 
of the filler pipe, is probably cracked and worthless. That MUST be 
fixed quickly. I sell a kit to replace this NLA part. The cost for 
your '72 is $30, including shipping.

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Jim Adney, jadney at vwtype3.org
Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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