The mention vehicle, a 64 j88 is mine, I inherited it in the mid of being worked on, supposedly it ran about a year ago, but I haven't been able to get to it to do much to it. Since about December of 2013 it's sat at a friend's house, undriven and virtually untouched. One thing I did do was open the gas tank and he good smell of acetone came out punched me in the face. Any suggestions on what I should do? My mechanic says to refill it with about 5 or more gallons of new gas, put some fuel stabilizer and it will be good to go. Does that sound like a bad idea to any of you guys?

 

It depends on how long the fuel has been in there, and how much. When fuel sours and smells like varnish it starts to clot and cling to the inside of the tank and float assy. When you run that old fuel through the system its more like a gel and will basically clog the remaining fuel system. In the worst case it needs to be drained and cleaned out. I've found that a radiator shop is a good place to bring a tank to get the inside cleaned.

 

I think it's been a year or so. I'll probably just drop the fuel tank like you said. Thanks.

 

Nastardly-

welcome!

Tank is an easy fix, this happens all the time.

Keep an eye peeled in your area for the G400 engine from my car please.

VIN stamp on the block would be 38M______

I forget the last 6 numbers but if you find ANY G400 block stamped 38M.... I would be interested. Last seen in the Sacramento CA area c. 1985

 

At the very least I would drop the tank and have it professionally cleaned, checked and sealed if needed. Make sure you check all of your rubber fuel lines too. A carb rebuild probably would not hurt either. I'm going through the same thing on my 59'.