Fuel tank recon

[Maria]

Hi all,

We dropped the fuel tank out of Hexie today to try to fix the leak. I think it's been caused by a combination of one of the lugs that hold the level sender retaining ring breaking, and the ring itself becoming rusty.

Is there anywhere (prefereably local) that I could get the tank reconditioned?

[E_T_V]

We had a similar problem when the bottom got ripped out of georges tank. Most people won't touch it with a barge pole unless they have good degreasing facilities to stop themselves being blown up. I'm guessing a new tab may have to be welded on, so you'll need to find a friendly welder whose life insurance is paid up.

Seriously though I'd try and find a scrap tank as I did, and keep the old one to fix at a later date when the fumes have gone away.

Ledbury have new tanks I believe

[SimonR]

Yeah, Ledbury have new tanks for the 1.3, 1.6 and petrol van. I wasn't allowed to leave without buying a tank when I went there!

I would recommend getting one of those.

[E_T_V]

Oh yes I forgot to mention to any people out there, the older lead coated fuel tanks are longer lasting but obviously can't be used in a car with a Catalytic converter.

Also not all the tanks have the same fittings as later models (and diesels) have extra pipes leading into the tank. (you can fit later model tanks to earlier cars just you have to be a bit creative with the plumbing like I had to).

[SimonR]

Maria - a trip to Ledbury is currently being planned - If I was to get you a tank would it be any use? Obviously Cambridge is still quite a long way from where you are but you never know!

[Katana550]

Hello,

How difficult is it to remove the fuel tank?

I obviously have all the tools (I hope!) and a set of stands and ramps, will these take the car high enough?

I need to blow through all the vent and fuel hoses to try and clear the persistent vacuum effect when I open the filler cap after a run; so I might as well remove the tank and give it a good clean and seal.
Thanks

Tim

[Maria]

In theory, it's an easy job - disconnect sender wiring, fuel output hose and filler neck, and then undo the bolts holding the tank in place. That's the hard part - if you're unlucky the bolts will be rusted in! A set of stands will be fine. Support the tank with the jack. You'll need to move it slightly to one side to clear the brake pipe.

[E_T_V]

Easy job, just a little fiddly and uncomfy with dirt falling in your face, goggles are my tip of the day!

I had the same problem with the vacuum because I fitted a tank with different plumbing.. simply drill a tiny hole (1 mm) in the top of the petrol cap. Worked for me