New 60 series member - Fuel troubleshooting

[Wolf]

@Wolf, ever get the issues straightened out?

Not yet, I've been in Steamboat unable to get back down to the front range to work on it. Planning to get down there not this weekend but next and do Jim's fusible link replacement kit, new pump and sock, fuel pressure regulator, and some BG44K. If I had more time I would do them one at a time to try to figure out what the culprit is but need to get it up Steamboat so I can enjoy it. The three hour drive west will be a good test though.

 

[Crash]

Removing the gas tank can be a bit of a bugger with a little danger thrown in. It’s been a while since replacing the fuel pump on my truck but I think having a floor jack made the job easier. Where will you be doing the work?

 

[Wolf]

Likely at a buddies house in Fort Collins. We have a bunch of tools including a floor jack so I expect us to be set but any tips or guidance is welcomed.

 

[Cruisertrash]

My friend Josh is in FoCo and works on these, he knows the 60s & older trucks really well. He’s actually a Steamboat guy. I can’t remember his handle but @Coyote probably knows.

 

[Cruisertrash]

@BestDressedMechanic is Josh's handle, but when I type it in it doesn't auto-suggest.

@Hulk, forum error, or did his account get nixxed perhaps?

 

[Hulk]

@BestDressedMechanic is Josh's handle, but when I type it in it doesn't auto-suggest.

@Hulk, forum error, or did his account get nixxed perhaps?

In XenForo, the @username autocomplete is limited to recently active users, and “active” effectively means the user has activity within the last 180 days. Only users who have been active within the last 180 days are shown on autocomplete.

@BestDressedMechanic is still a valid, registered user on the Rising Sun forum, but he is not an active user. He was last seen on the forum on Dec 7, 2025.

 

[Cruisertrash]

In XenForo, the @username autocomplete is limited to recently active users, and “active” effectively means the user has activity within the last 180 days. Only users who have been active within the last 180 days are shown on autocomplete.

@BestDressedMechanic is still a valid, registered user on the Rising Sun forum, but he is not an active user. He was last seen on the forum on Dec 7, 2025.

Thanks for the explanation Matt!

 

[Wolf]

Anyone have Josh’s number? Or know anyone up north that could take a look at my truck?

Update: I definitely have a vapor lock issue. Lots of pressure in the tank after driving in the heat. so I’m now considering a new charcoal canister. What else should I try/check before going down that road?

Has anyone on here replaced theirs with the vc120 part from autozone?

https://www.autozone.com/p/duralast-vapor-canister-vc120/239708?searchText=Vc120&redirectUrl=true

 

[gr8fulabe]

Honestly, if you haven’t done so, pull the tank, clean it & clean all vents & fuel line inlets. Pressure in the tank isn’t a usual vapor lock symptom, but not venting, or hard core suction will do that.

 

[Wolf]

Nice

 

[Crash]

Nice

Nice! Not!! A new unit should help. Can you tell what condition the bottom of the tank is in?

 

[Wolf]

Nice! Not!! A new unit should help. Can you tell what condition the bottom of the tank is in?

It’s rusty :/

 

[Crash]

It’s rusty :/

Not good. Best thing to do, as @gr8fulabe said, is get the tank cleaned out. I would go so far as to have it chemically cleaned by a shop that does that sort of work in a dip tank. Others may have better ideas.

 

[Rzeppa]

Not good. Best thing to do, as @gr8fulabe said, is get the tank cleaned out. I would go so far as to have it chemically cleaned by a shop that does that sort of work in a dip tank. Others may have better ideas.

I've read that some radiator shops will do fuel tanks.

 

[Crash]

I've read that some radiator shops will do fuel tanks.

I took the Merc’s fuel tank to a shop near CO Hwy 58 and McIntyre Rd. The car, like the OP’s, had sat years with gas in the tank with no movement and showed evidence of rust. I remember seeing some large chemical filled tanks. These tanks were large enough to hold an automobile fuel tank. That was in ‘96 so who knows if the business is still there. I haven’t seen a radiator shop that could accommodate a car’s fuel tank.
Note: as mentioned, this was done well before the interwebs so the Yellow Pages directed me to the shop so finding a capable shop now should be easy.

 

[Wolf]

Well I did new fuel pump and sock, fuel pressure regulator, and the gmc charcoal canister. I smell of gas no doubt. Fired right up and drove great home from my buddies place although it felt a little underpowered. Tank will have to be cleaned or replaced another day.

Need to test it on a longer drive. However I also need a new tensioner pulley and power steering belt before I can feel confident driving up to the boat. Belt is fraying and pulley is not holding tension at the moment and is not straight. I think I may need a new tensioner pulley mount. Curious if anyone knows where I can get one of those.

 

[MDH33]

Coincidentally, I just did the gm charcoal cannister in my 60 today as well! Was having an issue running rich, rough idle, black smoke on start up and pressure in the tank. I checked the CC and it was plugged up. The carb vent solenoid was also inop due to the wires being broken. I haven't driven it yet as I'm replacing my exhaust and doing a tune up as well. Hopefully helps with my issues.

I think the fuel tanks were still available from Toyota in case you want to replace vs refurbish.

 

[Runnin on E]

Well I did new fuel pump and sock, fuel pressure regulator, and the gmc charcoal canister. I smell of gas no doubt. Fired right up and drove great home from my buddies place although it felt a little underpowered. Tank will have to be cleaned or replaced another day.

Need to test it on a longer drive. However I also need a new tensioner pulley and power steering belt before I can feel confident driving up to the boat. Belt is fraying and pulley is not holding tension at the moment and is not straight. I think I may need a new tensioner pulley mount. Curious if anyone knows where I can get one of those.

Now that you have a new FP and press regulator you should check to make sure you have at LEAST 22psi for 5 minutes after shutting the engine off. This feature is designed specifically to prevent vapor lock. The procedure is in the 3FE manual page FI-47. If you go that far into trouble shooting you might as well check fuel pressure too. Pages FI-45 to 47. Please update with any results, thx.

 

[Cruisertrash]

Now that you have a new FP and press regulator you should check to make sure you have at LEAST 22psi for 5 minutes after shutting the engine off. This feature is designed specifically to prevent vapor lock. The procedure is in the 3FE manual page FI-47. If you go that far into trouble shooting you might as well check fuel pressure too. Pages FI-45 to 47. Please update with any results, thx.

As a carbureted 60 guy I didn't know this. Very cool feature.

 

[Runnin on E]

Fuel injection is kool! If the FI system does not pass the engine off pressure check it could be a leaking fuel injector as an example for trouble shooting the pressure issue. Which would be right in line with the rust found in the tank (yes it would have to get past the filter). Fuel injectors can be tested also. Anyway, that is one suggestion.