DeTomaso Mailing List: February 98, Message #3
     



From: 	MikeLDrew@aol.com

Subject: Re:  Re: Fuel tanks

Date: 	Sun, 1 Feb 1998 00:13:35 +0000



George wrote:



>I took the fuel filler tube off to look inside to check the line, but

there is a baffle in the way.  Who has cut one in half, what does it look

like inside, and does anyone have any suggestions beside continuing to

fill up every 100 miles?



>>>Well, have you determined for a fact that there's any fuel in the tank?

 If your fuel level sender is on the fritz, it could show 1/4 tank when in

fact you're empty.  Have you actually checked from above to see how much fuel

is in the tank?  I'd use something like a flexible metal tape measure to

serve as a dipstick.



If for some reason your fuel economy isn't all you'd hoped for, it's entirely

possible that you could drain your  21 gallon tank in 190 miles.

 Realistically, due to the contours of the tank it's probable that only 20 or

so gallons are actually usable.



If you determine positively that you still have fuel in the tank, but it's

not coming out the bottom, then I suggest you remove the fuel filler neck,

and/or the fuel level sender.  This sender is about the size and shape of

your arm, and may take some wriggling to get it out of the tank, with the

tank still in the car.



Hopefully, this will enable you to see down into the tank itself.  You might

have to shine a flashlight in one hole while peering into the other; you

might also have to use a mirror to see into the hole.  Removing the driver's

side quarter window will help in this regard.



Sounds like you have some sort of blockage?  I can't imagine what would allow

fuel to flow only until the 1/4 mark and then suddenly shut off.  Could it be

that your fuel tank vent is blocked?  That would cause a vacuum in the tank

that might make it difficult for fuel to flow out beyond a certain amount.

 If you removed the fuel cap, though, the car would then run fine.  



For sure, let us know once you've got it sorted out!



Good luck,



Mike