Hey Guys, I have a 79 power wagon with 2 tanks. The gas gauge in the original tank has not worked for at least 10 years. It was that way when I bought it and I finally got around to looking at it. Turns out to just be a ground issue. Now for the issue the tank is completely empty and stinks like varnish. It was allegedly run dry by the original owner. Should I just fill her up and assume the muck will dissolve or should I yank it and clean it?

I should mention that it is a poly tank and the truck only has about 56,000 miles. Appreciate your input.
Thanks Moparts.

Pulling it and cleaning it would be the smart thing. I would probably just dump some gas in and run it. Nobody ever accused me of being smart!

Honestly that is kind of how I feel. I am waiting for the one horror story that will push me over the fence.

I would pull it and clean it. Otherwise, gas will start dissolving that varnish and send it right to the carb. It's not worth the risk of mucking everything up.