QuestionI have a restored 30 Model A Town Sedan. The restorer thought he did a gook job on the tank, but now after 750 miles, I am still having brown gunk settling in my bowl. It settles quickly, but tends to keep sticking the valve on the Model B carb installed. I was advised that all I could do is wait it out untill it clears up, but it can gum up the carb to the point it will not idle without a hammer tap only after 10 miles driving. Any ideas after I drain my tank of gas how I should address this problem? I do not wish to remove the tank. Out side of this, if I keep the filter bowl clean, it runs like a top except at idle. Thinking on getting a inline fuel filter and I hear there are paper fuel filters that will install in the standard Model A filter bowl.
Thanks,Bill
AnswerBe careful of in line filters. On some, there is not enough pressure to force the fuel through them. Just drain the tank and try to flush it out with gas or kerocene. Get a stand-up filter that fits into the gas valve and will let gas pass even though there is junk on the floor of the tank. The filter is in all the Model A parts books. The carb can take a lot of junk and is easy to clean out. Put gas in the tank and shake the car and keep shaking it while you drain it over and over again.
I hate to remove the tank also. I have a roadster with rust in the tank, but with the filter and frequent cleaning of the bowl, it is doing OK. If you remove the tank, POR has products that will clean the tank and coat the inside. The fuel is probably melting the coating you have in there now.
Also, get one of those magnet's on a stick and probe it inside of the tank to get any ferrous material out.
Get a copy of the Model A Mechanics handbook, $35 form Marc or other parts suppliers. Get the red one, a great book that we all have and use.
Good luck with that tank. It is a tough job, and I don't think you can buy a new one. No one makes them.
jack
