Really Old Gas

Post by **bigmontana** » Sep Tue 16, 2008 9:43 pm

So I finally cleared the junk from in front of the bug and I pulled it out and washed 12 years of dirt and dust off the car. now i'mready to work on it, my question is two-full. First, when my dad parked it in 96 he never did anything with the gas, and I believe there is still some in the tank. now if I can get it started, should I drain the gas tank or try to start it with the old gas, and add new to it. Or would that be bad for things. My next question is, battery related, he also never disconnected the battery. do you guys think that if I added water it would take a charge or should I just buy anew battery. I don't think it will but i'm wondering if any of you guys who have found cars sitting for a long time if you tried to charge it or if you just bought new batteries. I'd really like to get it running this weekend.
I'll post pics, they are still on my phone. My wife has our camera so they are not the best pics.

Post by **76scirocco** » Sep Tue 16, 2008 9:53 pm

Definitely don't try to start it with the old gas. It will get in carb and you will have to clean it out. Pull out the tank and either clean it or have it cleaned. Pressure wash all the crud out of it or you will be plugging fuel filters for a while. 12 year old battery frozen multiple times, I'm betting its shot. If you need the tank sprayed out let me know and I might be able to help you out. Good Luck.

Post by **bigmontana** » Sep Tue 16, 2008 10:06 pm

Thank you and that is what I thought about the battery. Yeah I'll need help getting the tank out and sprayed out. I have a pressure washer but it is a little electric one and not very powerful, plus I don't have any way to ge the tank out. I'd need a jack and stands. I'd be greatful if you could help me. I'd even compensate you sometime. I'm free in the evenings and on the weekends. Let me know.

Post by **Checkers** » Sep Tue 16, 2008 10:32 pm

The tank comes out the top as far as I know man! It's hella simple. Pop the hood, unscrew the hose clamps, get underneath and disconnect the outlet hose and immediately plug it with a bolt. Or else put an oil drain pan underneath to catch the old gas. Once it's drained unbolt it from inside the hood and it should pull right out. Draining the tank should take the longest. I recommend doing this outside. Otherwise the process may take 15 minutes, tops?

Post by **bigmontana** » Sep Tue 16, 2008 10:50 pm

Oh really, that seems easier than I thought. I'll have to start taking it apart and hopefully I can have it drained this weekend. I just have to have a place to drain the old gas. Thanks for the help. hopefully by mon i'll have it running.

Post by **bigmontana** » Sep Tue 16, 2008 11:15 pm

What else besides new battery and draining the tank do I need to do to get it running?

YouTube · Post by **Mikewire** » Sep Wed 17, 2008 10:22 am

Change the oil and filter and fuel filter if you have one - that should be it I think. If you want to come by on (maybe later on Sunday?) and we can take a look at the wagon and change the oil. Then if you want I wouldn't mind checking out the bug if you don't mind a little help. I got tools at least.

FYI I'll need to check my schedule because it's our 5th anniversary on the 20th and we have a wedding to go to and all kinda good stuff.

Post by **bigmontana** » Sep Wed 17, 2008 7:21 pm

That totally works Mike and happy fifth anniversary, it will be our fifth in October. Yeah I'd love help on both the wagon and the bug. I have some tools but it is limited. If you want I can wait to change the oil at your house. i'm going to start on the tank this weekend and hopefully I can get it drained, but we'll see. The oil and filter will have to wait until next payday. I have to get oil for the wagon first. Any ideas where to get a six volt battery for the bug here in town. My dad told me about some place on the south side but I can't remember. I can't imagine batteries plus or interstate battery would have it but I guee I'll call there too.

Post by **bigmontana** » Sep Tue 23, 2008 8:51 pm

Ok Stoney, you are a lot smarter than I am because I did not see any of those things when I looked at the car this weekend. I need to get it above the ground, but I think I'm going to need some help on this. I appologize But I'm not very mechanical so what is simple for you guys is hard for me. I'll post pics to show you what I have.

Thanks for all of the help and I'm sorry for being so dumb.

Post by **bigmontana** » Sep Tue 23, 2008 8:52 pm

Sorry for the bad pics I took them with my phone. I had to show some pics of after I washed it. Does that shed some light on the situation?