Fuel Tank Rust and Sediment
Symptoms
Fuel starvation, rough running, clogged fuel filters, fuel pump failure.
Cause
Steel fuel tanks rust from the inside, especially if the car has sat unused for long periods with stale fuel. Rust flakes and varnish block the fuel pickup and wreck the fuel pump.
Fix
Drop the tank, inspect internally.
If it's rusty, either replace it or have it professionally cleaned and sealed with a fuel-safe liner (POR-15, Red-Kote).
Fit a new fuel pickup sock, inline fuel filter, and inspect all fuel lines for cracking or corrosion.
Replace the fuel pump if it's noisy or weak.
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