Cleaning out fuel system

While this is not really directly tool related, many tools will come into play on the issue I face. I have a vehicle which is approx. 27 years old which has a little over 5,000 miles on it, always garaged, and in very nice condition. Issue I face is todays fuel has litterally rendered it inoperable, and it has not ran in several years now. I moved and trailered the vehicle when I moved it (would not run), and that was in 2003 which gives you an indicator of how long it has been since it was actually started. I am planning on selling, and plan on doing what it takes to clean out the fuel system. Has anyone faced a similar scenario involving a newer vehicle? I have done this on small engines, a tractor, but nothing involving an emission controlled vehicle such as this. This vehicle is one of the last V-8 rear wheel drive with a 4 barrel carb on it, so no injectors, etc on this one. Right now my plan is to remove fuel tank, and either soak or have "boiled out", rebuild carb, probably replace fuel pump. Any suggestions? This is somewhat of a rare, low production vehicle which means it has significantly higher value to a buyer if it remains as it is in regards to carb, etc., and runs "as if it was new". Thanks in advance.

Given the simplicity of the carbureted fuel systems, it sounds to me like you've got a pretty good plan. With a clean tank, a good pump, and a rebuilt carb, I think you'll be good on the fuel side of things. About the only other thing that could possibly go wrong, that I can think of anyways, is the possibility of rings being stuck from the extended storage time. If they are good, and the fuel, and ignition system is good, (ie do a standard tune up), then the older engines will usually fire right up like they did when new. Good luck.

Today's fuel did not cause the problem. The fact that it was allowed to just set for a long period of time is what caused the problems.

Up until just a few years ago, my daily driver was a 1971 F100. (43 years old now). That truck had been running on E10 since it was first available in the late '70s.

Yes, removing and cleaning the tank, rebuilding the carburetor, and replacing the fuel pump would be recommended.

I would consider replacing all of the rubber fuel lines, and using compressed air to blow out all of the steel lines.

I would agree with that statement, although I do
believe that the e10 blends of today tend to be less
forgiving in terms of sitting for extended periods.
But I have nothing to back this up, and it is what
it is. I have a C Farmall that I have allowed to
sit for a couple years with fuel in it, and betting
I will need similar (much simpler to do) process
when I do try to fire it up.

Depending on what it is ? There are a lot more reproduction NEW fuel tanks being made. Might be able to get a NEW one cheaper then cleaning a nasty one out ?

I would recommend removing the tank and using carb. dip cleaner inside of it to remove the varnish.

I've also had to run a new fuel line front to back when in a similar situation. The plug up was so severe I couldn't get it unblocked in any way. Running a new line is very fun.