Gunked up in-tank fuel pump.

[87325es]

I just pulled out the in tank fuel pump on my 87'325es after It was sitting for about 2yrs, because I couldnt get any fuel in the engine lines. When I pulled it out the bottom of it had all this GOOEY GUNK on the bottom ozzing out. So I stuck a screw driver and scrapped the bottom of it and more came out. Is there any way to get that out? Is there a stariner in the tank? Does that mean the fuel pump is now that it has build up on it? Or is there any treatment I can add to the tank to clean it all up?

[bad man working]

The only thing to flush a fuel system with is the fuel it runs in i.e. petrol

[german-speed-demon]

^^^Actually, there are cleaning kits for fuel tanks. They make an exopy sealer system, works wonders. I've used it before on old motorcycles that had rust develop in the tank, and you can use it for auto as well.

[Starmavin]

The best way to clean it out would be to remove it and pour in some Chem-dip, normaly found in parts stores for dipping parts into. (Avoid contact with aluminum and your skin it contains methylene chloride and cresylic acid) Remove the tank, get out as much of the gunk as possble then pour the whole can in and let it sit for a day or two, swishing it around every so often, then remove the drain plug on the passenger side and flush the rest out with barsol. Then buy new or used sending unit and fuel pumps (you can't clean these and expect them to last). The whole nasty awfull prossess will take about 2-4 days to clean it to 98%.. P.S. Do it outside, Chem-dip is evil smelling stuff when it's working.

However my advise to you is: You'll futher ahead by replacing the tank and getting new or used fuel pumps and sending unit. And buy good gas, no more cheap junk from the mini-mart and run a injector cleaner evey other tank full. Also don't put any of those "make your car run better" additives in your tank either.