85 4runner gas tank: clean or replace?
 

Starting work on 85 4runner 22RE

Sitting for 10 years. Drained, pulled sending unit and inspected tank. Looks pretty bad. I can get replacement tank for about $110 or can clean this one. Factory original has a drain plug which I like. The new ones do not (at least as far as I can tell) and not sure how cheap they are. Any advice for best long term solution?

Will replace pump/screen/gaskets and fuel filter...Anything I should do to the intake or injectors before turning over? Thanks for advice.

Long term would likely be a new one if you can find one with a drain. Or you can install a drain BEFORE putting in any gas.
A used one is a possibility but back east no as likely as out west.
There are treatments you can get to de-rust and "seal" the damage if it isn't leaking.

Send the injectors out to be cleaned - or replace/upgrade them. There are many posts here about those options.

Good luck on your project.

^^^ Agree
OR, import a used stock tank from a west coast vendor, this way it will be original and rust free............

Thanks for advice guys. Yes - I think I'll go for the replacement since they are pretty low cost. Most suppliers show a 17 gal tank for 84-89, but for some reason some of the tanks are listed as 14.5 gal. Was that an option later?..... I'm assuming all 85's were 17.

You can probably get a good used one from YodaJims.com

I wouldn't buy aftermarket when you can get an unrusted original. That's my opinion

I would try to get a used unrusted one. maybe try Metal Rescue to clean up all that rust. Worth a shot.

I bought a brand new replacement from rockauto. for 85 Toyota FI extra cab. What showed up is not the right tank. No Vent, Fuel pump installs the wrong direction. Shape is a little off.


That said, I would find another used one. There should be plenty floating around 85-88.

I have the exact same issue. Fuel sender was shot. But I have a 2wd to rob one from. Fuel pump assembly was nasty, bead blasted and replaced pump. Going to send the original tank out to have cleaned. If my friend can't do it, I will send it to a radiator shop and see if they can clean it.

Advise to you also, get a used one from west coast, rust free and maybe you can get one "with" the sender and gauge, just maybe.

Funny thing, while you were asking about what to do with your gas tank, I was talking mine apart and getting it ready for powder coating. Here's pics of mine, from my 84 (cal truck for most of it's life) this is what I mean about getting a west coast tank. This thing was super clean inside and out.
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.yot...99c58024a8.jpg
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.yot...44ba2bcb9a.jpg
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.yot...76d817c32b.jpg
I would have taken more pics but didn't see your post till it was at powder coat