Fuel Tank cleaning

GOGOJUICE6

MEMBER
1994 FORD RANGER
2.3L
4 CYL
2WD
MANUAL
108,000 MILES

Hey fellows,

I believe my gas tank needs cleaning. I'm having problems with fuel pump and since I'm replacing it, I might as well clean the tank in the process.
What's the best way to clean it?
I would greatly appreciate your input. And as always, Thank you for your help.
Al

7 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,328 POSTS

Hi,

Since you need to remove the fuel pump, the easiest thing is to simply drain the fuel tank. Once drained, you can simply wipe it out with a lint-free rag, or you can actually use hot water and a mild detergent to help clean it if there is a lot of dirt. If it's really bad, then you can even use a nylon-type brush to loosen dirt.

Drain the dirty water into a proper container and then use a lint-free rag to wipe out as much of the water as possible. Next, use compressed air to help dry it out as well.

Allow the tank to sit until fully dry before reinstalling it.

Let me know if this helps. Also, I attached the directions for the removal of the tank below. I'm not sure if you need them but figured I would add them just in case.

Take care of yourself and let me know if you have other questions and how things turn out for you.

Joe

See pics below.

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Tuesday, March 15th, 2022 AT 8:07 PM

GOGOJUICE6

MEMBER
70 POSTS

Thanks a lot for your input, Joe. Appreciated. According to Haynes manual. There's a fuel pump switch or "inertia switch" behind the glove box been looking for it to no avail. Maybe you can help me find it.
Again, Thanks you guys for your help. Greatly appreciated.
Al

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Monday, March 21st, 2022 AT 9:10 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,328 POSTS

Hi,

Absolutely, there is one. It's designed to cut the power to the fuel pump in the event of an accident and can be reset if triggered.

I didn't realize no fuel was the issue or the pump wasn't working. I thought you just needed to know how a tank was to be cleaned. LOL

Regardless, I attached a pic below showing the switch and the reset button location.

Take a look at the picture below and let me know if that helps.

Take care,

Joe

See pic below.

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Monday, March 21st, 2022 AT 7:32 PM

GOGOJUICE6

MEMBER
70 POSTS

Hi, Joe. Thanks for such a fast response. This is what happened: I went to the store, got back in the truck and it wouldn't start (couldn't hear the pump click when turned switch to on position). I had it towed back home. A tow truck dropped it (actually dropped it, at about 2 or 3 inches from the ground, it was a boom tow truck, ) he left, a few minutes later. I tried again and vroom, it was running like nothing had happened. So, I figured it must be that switch somehow tripped when I went to the store and it reset when the truck was dropped by tow truck. That's the only logical explanation I can think of. She's been running fine ever since. Anyways, I think that fuel pump is going to give up soon, it's factory one (28 years old). Yes, the pic you sent me is a great help. Just like all the advice from all of you guys.
Outstanding advice for sure. Keep up the awesome work, you guys.
Thanks a lot.

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Tuesday, March 22nd, 2022 AT 9:20 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,328 POSTS

Al,

You are very welcome. Ironically, one would have thought it would have caused the switch to kick off. LOL However, it may have done the opposite. There is simply an internal ball in the switch that moves in the event of an accident stopping the power to the pump. Yours sounds like it did the opposite. LOL

Regardless, thank you for the update, and please feel free to come back anytime in the future. You are always welcome here.

Take good care of yourself,

Joe