Topic: Storage Dilemma
in Forum: C3 Car Care
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Lifetime MemberIndianapolis, IN - USA
Joined: 9/3/2006
Posts: 2429
Vette(s): Silver 1974 Convertible - L82 4 speed
Low miles (was only 8,900 when I bought it in March 2006) - Now 54K miles. Original owner bought it as an investment for son's college expenses.
2008 Jetstream Blue Convertible
Ok, I know there are plenty of questions about winter storage, but this one adds a twist.
About a month ago, I noticed after filling my gas tank that it was leaking. Not horribly, but enough that I know it needs to go.
So, right now, the car is in the garage and I haven't driven it for a week. The fuel gague says I've got about a quarter tank. I don't want to fill it up to put stabil in because a, I don't want to lose the gas that leaks out, and b, I don't want to have a full gas tank fall on me as I pull it out (I've had that happen before and it wasn't pretty). At the same time, I'm not sure when I'll be able to put in the new tank, (may not be until early spring, at best).
So, do I put some stabil in the existing gas? I would think at this point, that wouldn't help, since that gas will get dumped when I replace the tank (I guess I could use it in the lawnmower). Any ideas in getting the stabil into the fuel lines, etc?
Lastly, if anyone has advice on replacing a gas tank, I'm interested. I am not Mr. Goodwrench, but it shouldn't be that hard - right? Also, since I don't know how bad the leak is, does anyone have experience with "patch kits" like I saw in the MAM catalog?
Thanks folks!
I wanted a Corvette my whole life, but I never dreamed of all the wonderful people I would meet because of it!
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Lifetime MemberModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
Marshall, try a search in the "Fuel/Emissions" forum, and you'll see several threads on fuel tank repair/replace, etc. 
If you put the stabilizer in, you'll need to run the engine for a while to get it up to the carb, prolly at least 5 minute or so. Take a spin around the block!
The tank is fairly easy to drain, so you shouldn't have to worry about the weight when it's time to pull it out.
If you put the stabilizer in, you'll need to run the engine for a while to get it up to the carb, prolly at least 5 minute or so. Take a spin around the block!
The tank is fairly easy to drain, so you shouldn't have to worry about the weight when it's time to pull it out.
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56 
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"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
Lifetime MemberGreensburg, IN - USA
Joined: 9/24/2003
Posts: 5188
Vette(s): Previous: 1984 Silver / Charcoal Coupe, 1988 Maroon Coupe / 1989 Artic White Coupe / 2001 Speedway White Roadster / Present:1976 Stingray Black / Black, Auto, 350 slightly modified (355 hp) Luxor Wires Redline Tires. / 1989 Roadster Bright Red...
Joel's right Marshall if you get the Stabil into the lines and bowl of the carb you should be pretty good.
Then again in my opinion if your gonna pull the tank majority of the gas comes out. Only a small portion would remain and it should move through the system pretty quick with fresh gas behind / mixing through it upon tank change.
When you get ready to pull your tank give me advance notice and I'll come up and help. I haven't done a vette before but have done numerous others. Lest ways I can turn a good wrench and I can read some.... Worst case scenario I have have Joel & the Zen Master Ken's cell phone numbers in the advent we need an on call Dr. in the house! Tuxblacray 2007-11-10 08:01:34
Then again in my opinion if your gonna pull the tank majority of the gas comes out. Only a small portion would remain and it should move through the system pretty quick with fresh gas behind / mixing through it upon tank change.
When you get ready to pull your tank give me advance notice and I'll come up and help. I haven't done a vette before but have done numerous others. Lest ways I can turn a good wrench and I can read some.... Worst case scenario I have have Joel & the Zen Master Ken's cell phone numbers in the advent we need an on call Dr. in the house!
Hey Tux, who did the paint on this? I'm in the slowwww process of restoring my "74 BB and will be looking at paint options over the next year hopefully. I'm in your neck of the woods (Indy) and go to Madison through Greensburg at least once a month (grew up in Hanover and still have friends and family there).
Lifetime MemberGreensburg, IN - USA
Joined: 9/24/2003
Posts: 5188
Vette(s): Previous: 1984 Silver / Charcoal Coupe, 1988 Maroon Coupe / 1989 Artic White Coupe / 2001 Speedway White Roadster / Present:1976 Stingray Black / Black, Auto, 350 slightly modified (355 hp) Luxor Wires Redline Tires. / 1989 Roadster Bright Red...
[QUOTE=VETTENUT] Hey Tux, who did the paint on this? I'm in the slowwww process of restoring my "74 BB and will be looking at paint options over the next year hopefully. I'm in your neck of the woods (Indy) and go to Madison through Greensburg at least once a month (grew up in Hanover and still have friends and family there).[/QUOTE]
PM SENT
PM SENT
I have never used Stabil in any of my stored cars. I've had cars stored anywhere from 5 months to 2 YEARS without any ill effects. I store my Vettes with as little gas in the tank as possible, maybe enough to start em up again in the spring. I then siphon what little's left and put in fresh. I dump the old gas in my work van.
None of the people that store their cars with me use it either.
For my siphon, I use a length of that clear vinyl hose with a length of that chrome metal tubing used by plumbers under sinks for water supply. This way you can see the fluid you're siphoning before you get a mouth full!
I have swallowed a little gas before....called the doc. and he said I would be fine but if I smoked I shouldn't "light-up" for a little while. That was a looooooong time ago and i'm still around.
In my "extremely" humble opinion, there are a lot of phine pholks that waste their money on all types of engine and fuel additives.
I always buy name brand fuel and I know these companies blend additives for winter driving and storage at the refinery.
When I bought my 78SA, it seemed to run just a little rough. Siphoned the tank and the gas looked a little oily. Probably from years of adding Stabil and the same stale gas. Vette only had 1400 miles so who knows how old the gas actually was. Now, even tho it seldom gets driven(never?), it always has fresh gas.
I like to use the Stabil. I would use a bit, run the car until it mixes up and fills the carb. Then siphon out the tank until the level is down low enough to stop the leakage. That will hold you until you have the time to pull the tank. Don't let it sit in the garage leaking. Drain it enough to stop the leak. Gas leaks in garages is not a good thing.
The gas that is removed can be used in your daily driver.
Lifetime MemberIndianapolis, IN - USA
Joined: 9/3/2006
Posts: 2429
Vette(s): Silver 1974 Convertible - L82 4 speed
Low miles (was only 8,900 when I bought it in March 2006) - Now 54K miles. Original owner bought it as an investment for son's college expenses.
2008 Jetstream Blue Convertible
Thanks. It's not currently leaking. It seems to only do so after a full fill up.
I wanted a Corvette my whole life, but I never dreamed of all the wonderful people I would meet because of it!
in Forum: C3 Car Care
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