1995 Montego Gas Tank Clean Out

[nbarr7]

Hello - from what I've been reading here on the forum, it's a challenge to remove the tank on these old tigersharks. I'd rather not pull the motor, and from what I can tell it's not coming out beneath the 'hood' like my sp. I picked up a used Montego, and am trying to get her going to sell it. I pumped the old gas out using an inboard oil change pump, but the hose itself is getting gunky - there's likely debris on the bottom of the tank. I know about using denatured alcohol or degreaser, but am used to being able to take the tank out and swish it around and then make sure it's dry. How does one do this while it's in the ski?

[Myself]

What I do is put some fresh gas back in and go for a 'spirited' drive. Bumpy gravel roads work great. Siphon....repeat.

[nbarr7]

I think you've responded to most of my posts here in multiple areas - thank you. Do you find you have to do this many times? I'm also thinking of just buying and going through a few fuel filters maybe after your process. I do live close to gravel roads...

[Myself]

Depends how bad the gas was and how long it sat. Sometimes after the first go it's pretty clean. Other times I've had to go through that up to 4 times.

[nbarr7]

Pumped all the old gas, added some new gas, shook her around a bit, pumped it out, then replaced the fuel line from the tank to the carb and in-line filter to see what it catches. The line in the tank was also cleaned, and the tank filter cleared, as well as the elbow fitting on the top of the tank. I cleaned out the pump/carb but I don't have a rebuild kit on hand (it's a ski I'm just trying to sell and am listing it as a project) so we'll see if she goes. It is pumping fuel now though, and will run a little bit, though won't stay running. Progress!

[Myself]

I have also had to replace the pickups hanging down from the elbow before. If it's not picking up fuel or constantly bubbling air in the fuel supply line you will want to check that.

[nbarr7]

I did clean the tank filter from the elbow, but didn't pull the vent line. It does seem to be picking up fuel now but I think the problem is a true carb rebuild kit is needed.