I've heard a lot about people flushing their gas tanks to clean out the years of collected sediment. How does one go about doing this? What solvent or chemical would I use to flush the tank out? Is there a particular method I have to follow to effectively flush my fuel tank?

 

Am I crazy then? Does nobody do this when changing their fuel pump?

 

Most people that I know don't do that. More because it's a PITA. It's easier to just cut an access panel to change the pump than to drop the tank. I actually changed my pump by dropping the tank, but I didn't take it completely out. If you want to take the time to completely pull the tank I don't see why you couldn't just wash it out and then let it air dry.

 

I don't think you understand. I already did the trap door method, and installed a Walbro 255 lph pump. It lasted me about a year and now has crapped out. Such a short lifespan would lead me to believe that the tank has sediment or something in it to have caused premature pump failure. Now, mind you, the pump hasn't gone out completely, but it's well on it's way out...

As far as washing it out & air drying it, that's easier said than done in the middle of winter, not to mention that I'm lacking the space to just let a gas tank sit out and "air dry"...

 

Racetronix blames alot of pump failures on not flushing the gas tank. I flushed my tank with water, dried it out with clean shop towels and air dried it overnight and my walbro pump failed after a few months. I'm not knocking racetronix as I like their product, maybe its just the reliability of the walbro pumps they use.

 

So who's a good in-tank pump to go with then??

 

Walbro is the best and there is nothing wrong with them. Most of the time when there is a problem it is related to installer error. Follow the cautions and procedures laid out in your GM factory manual when installing a new pump. Do not use the trap door method. Remove and clean the tank. If in doubt, STOP what your are doing and ask the right questions. Racetronix tech support dept and our dealers are here to help.

There are 1000's of happy customers using our FLT1-FPA without problems which is the way it should be. Don't hesitate to add yourself to this list of happy customers.

The FLT1-FPA can be purchased from Thunder Racing and other supporting Racetronix dealers listed on our web page.

 

Walbro makes a good portion of the fuel pumps sold. Nothing generically wrong with them, though any individual unit may be defective, of course. I agree with "Racetronix" that dropping the tank is the proper way to change a fuel pump. It's not THAT hard and you don't cut up the car. And the tank can be cleaned, if needed.

Rich

 

Is there a way to flush it using the trap door? Would a wet/dry shop vac work?

 

Thunder Racing has installed a ton of Racetronix fuel systems with no problems. Our installers ALWAYS drop the tank, flush it out, dry it out with compressed air, and make sure a new filter sock is installed. Just doing these basic things can prevent a lot of headaches.

Angie

 

Trap door does not work because you have to rinse it out.
Fumes and sparks from the vacuum motor brushes might cause an explosion. Do not use anything that may cause sparks near gas fumes.

 

How could fuel ignite if you drain the gas tank with a hand pump, then dilute any leftover fuel with (enough) water and then suck it out with a shop-vac???

 

I've heard from many other car enthusiasts (who have forgotten more than I know about cars) who've told me that Walbros can just go out like that, and it's not uncommon. Even my neighbor who has built hot rods for DECADES said he's never even heard of someone flushing the tank, nor has he heard there being a need to.(unless someone dumped something in it that's not supposed to be there)

So, what exactly am I flushing out, here? Should I be looking for anything? The reason I ask, is I'm about to change the pump again, and I'm gonna drop a flashlight in there and have myself a peek, maybe even see if I can touch some of this mysterious "fuel pump-killing" sediment you're claiming exists. If you'd like, I can snap some digital shots. One way or another, it's either gonna prove you right or prove you full of...well, I needn't say more...

I hope you're not pitching your pump to me, either. I have nothing against your product, nothing at all, but I've bought TWO of your complete setups (with voltage booster)- one for my 93 Camaro, and one for my wife's 98 Trans Am. We had the tank dropped on the T/A, but it WAS NOT flushed out. We used the trap door method on my Camaro. BOTH pumps are the same age- the OE pumps both crapped out within a week of each other. The Camaro's is going out, while the T/A's is still running strong. My doubt is not in your system, but rather Walbro's unit...

 

Walbro is who makes many of the OEM pumps. They are a good unit. Of course, any pump can fail.

Rich

 

Yeah, I'm not ragging on their quality- I mean, EVERY manufacturer makes faulty units- that's the whole reason for warranties. (of course, we all know, "racing" applications seldom come with a warranty...) This is only ONE pump that has gone out. Was it the installer's fault? Was it a faulty pump? Who knows. At this point, it could be ANYTHING. Now, if I were to change the pump out and have the same problem, then I'll know SOMETHING is up...