Hi group,

I have a 1967 Camaro. I removed my gas tank with no problem, thanks to a search on here. Now that I have it out i'd like to see if the internal parts are ok, (or should I let it alone?) although everything worked before I took it out.

So the way I understand it I spin the washer or whatever you call it on the top, counter clockwise with something wood plastic or covered with a rag so no sparks.

When I get it out will I need a new gasket on top no matter how good it looks? When I was emptying the rest of the gas a piece of what looked to be filter came out, any idea what that is from?

Should I just take an air gun to the inside of the tank to clean debris or is there a better way? No build sheet there. Thanks

Yes you need to take the sending unit retaining ring off by turning it counter-clockwise.
Yes you will need a new gasket on a 30 year old car. The new gasket should be lubed with a light oil or a petroleum jelly type lube before you try putting the retaining ring back on.
The "filter" looking thingy may be the 'sock' off the fuel pick-up. If they become plugged or dirty it is common to blow backwards through the fuel line to clear it and they often blow clear off when this is done.
Cleaning the tank depends on how bad it is - if it's really dirty and rusted it may have to be professionally cleaned and sealed before you can use it again. If not to bad just blow it out and get all the big pieces of junk out. POR-15 sells a gas tank kit that has cleaner and sealer in it - you may want to check it out

Thanks for the reply Vin,

Yeah it was just wishful thinking about the gasket, Is that an item I can still get at a local auto store?. How far do I have to turn it before it comes off?

So what can I expect to find inside the tank besides the float? Since my car has always been garage kept at least since 1974.. Is any of it something that can break easy. What do I do about the sock thing where do I get one and how do I put it on? Thanks

The gasket is a big O-ring. Dealers have them and Camaro suppliers should have them (I haven't checked). If it is still in good shape I have reused them but "Vintage 68" says to replace and it's good advice. The retaining ring turns a third out a turn and it releases. Very easy to understand when you are looking at it.
Once that ring is off you pull your sending unit out. If your gas gauge worked before I wouldn't replace it unless you have $$ to blow. If the sock is off you can get them from a dealer or just leave it off and run a cheapy fuel filter in line. If your tank is crusty a new one is under $200.00
Roger

Well that just about covers it guys. But if I don't have to put a new filter in the tank should I bother pulling out the sending unit? Maybe I should just not disturb it? I already use an inline filter up in front of the engine manifold. Thanks guys.

You have the tank down.... pull the sender and inspect everything. No sense it getting it this far and not checking everything out.

Yea, you're right. Just didn't really want to disturb it.

Hey Guys,

I got the parts I needed and believe it or not I got them thru my local GM dealer. They had the gasket and the sock. I paid less per pc. than what they want thru the camaro catalogs and no shipping fees. :D

Cool! Just 'cause they're classic cars doesn't mean we have to depend totally on the aftermarket for parts.
smile.gif

Ramjam,
While it is still fresh and you still have the receipt....why don't you post the GM part numbers? It might help the next guy.

Good idea cpo,

Here they are.

Sending unit gasket GM part # 3825206

Sending unit sock or strainer GM part # 5651702

Thanks RamJam!

Here ya go....
RamJam's Sweet '67! (http://images.cardomain.com/installs/214000-214999/214503_25_full.jpg)

Thanks, Hwy

Update,

I went to put my gas tank back in and hit a big snag. The strainer/sock I bought from GM doesn't fit my sending unit tube. :mad: My line is 5/16" o.d. and the strainer hole is 3/8" o.d. Just wanted to let others here know that if your car has 5/16 line this part # is no good.

Anybody have an idea how I can get this to work since all the camaro catalogs have the 3/8" strainer only? :confused:

I had the same problem, i ordered a 3/8 and i had 5/16 line. On one car i stuck the 5/16 line through the 3/8 metal collar in the sock soldered around it.On the next car i ran all new 3/8 line, but you could run 3/8 out of the tank and to the rubber line that is just outside of the tank,and use that rubber line as a coupler to connect the new 3/8 to the existing 5/16. Also try Napa, i bought a generic type sock for a Honda,it looked identical and was available in different sizes.

All good ideas Shoddy. I was thinking about soddering with a little variation using the old socks coupler and soddering it to the new one. I just don't want the damn thing to fall off in the tank and clog the tube. I'll try NAPA tomorrow. Here's what it looks like incase some of you are wondering. Anybody else have an idea? Thanks

http://www.rickscamaros.com/online-store/scstore/graphics/ft-16.jpg

Another update,

Here's what I did about this sock problem. I was talking to a car guru in my area and he told me not to bother with this sock. He said just put the sending unit back in w/out it and put a filter in the line just before the fuel pump. He said it will work the same and if it gets clogged you don't have to drop your tank to replace it. Makes sense to me.

One more thing not happy with another repro product. My anti squeak kit was too much money for what you get. Paid $18 for something I could have just used cut up roof shingles for which is what looks like was on mine from factory. But the kicker was that my tank straps were too wide for the channeled rubber pcs. you get in the kit so I had to cut one of the sides flat so I could use them. When you buy this stuff it's suppose to fit your car. :mad: