Fuel Tank

[andy4]

It looks as though my fuel tank is leaking around the seam. Does anyone have any tips where I might get a replacement or advice on getting it repaired / reconditioned.

I am also considering using a sealer - por-15 seems to get a few good reviews, but this feels like a bit of a bodge, and I also worry that it may affect the ability to have it repaired properly at a later date - any thoughts ?

[stevejgreen]

Re: Fuel Tank

I have minimal experience using POR15 on a motorcycle tank, somewhat easyer to remove than a Marlin tank. The results were good if the instructions are followed and so far as I could ascertain is a once only, no going back process.
For the price I would be tempted to track down a new tank. I did look at reconditioning but it was almost as expensive as a new tank. Rarely standard Escort Mk1 and 2 Van/Estate tanks come up on ebay. The saloon tanks will not fit.

On the removal of Marlin Roadster tanks, I learned somewhere that some cars were built with the tank inside the tail moulding rather than bolted from the underside. That would make them a real pain to remove.

On my tank the vent pipe was snapped off and was a source of smells. I did build up around it with epoxy metal as a temporary fix but I would like to repair it properly.

I have been tempted to replace my original Escort van tank with an alloy custom built tank, preferably foam filled.
There was a drawing for a fuel tank in Pitstop some time ago that would be a good starting point as I would be looking to have a tank made for injected engines.

[pearwood]

Re: Fuel Tank

HI ALL
is there any other fuel tank that will fit?

[b_caswell]

Re: Fuel Tank

Try www.sparefinder.net
Part no 30-25-381 Price £93.77

[andy4]

Re: Fuel Tank

Many thanks !! I have ordered one and will post how I get on with delivery etc - They are still showing stock if anyone else needs one, but not sure who quickly that gets updated. Have you used them before ? A related question is that I think my exisiting tank had additional wholes drilled in the seam for mounting, I think the build manual suggests this - that worries me a little as I suspect this is where some of the problem with mine started .... Anyone got any advice on that ?

[andy4]

Re: Fuel Tank

Bad news - they have given me a refund as they no longer stock the fuel tank :-( They have suggested another possible supplier so will try them tomorrow.

[dogoncrazy]

Re: Fuel Tank

Andy,
Try these people - www.aaronradiator.co.uk phone number is 0845 652 8852

[andy4]

Re: Fuel Tank

I had already tried aaron radiator, no luck there. The sparfinder.net people pointed me at www.carz2.co.uk who list them, tried them but again no stock, using their part number I found http://www.autopanels-castleford.co.uk who list them, but I phoned them and they contact their supplier who could not supply, so generally not looking good. I guess it is a repair or trying to find an alternative tank - there must be something roughly the same shape that could be made to fit ....

[b_caswell]

Re: Fuel Tank

Whats the possibility of getting a tank made out of steel must be cheaper the alloy?? just a thought!

[h_m_cumming]

Re: Fuel Tank

Have a look at 30Mar2008 from me regarding a new tank.
I'm no expert but it is possible.

[andy4]

Re: Fuel Tank

Hugh - your tank is an impressive piece of work !

Looking at mine in more detail, it does look as though the original builder of the car managed to drill holes on the tank side of the continuous weld on the seam, and a surprising amount of petrol is leaking out through the holes at that point. Hopeful that it may be possible to get this repaired - just need to remove the tank and take it to the local repairers for an opinion. Going to try arrow radiators in Avonmouth nr Bristol.

[monza6c]

Re: Fuel Tank

Hi Andy, dont repair it, but have a look at my post re fuel tanks.
Len.

[andy4]

Re: Fuel Tank

Interesting thought - I must admit I have been thinking of using epoxy petrol tank putty to fill the drilled holes in mine, at least as a short term fix, but alternatives for the long term would be interesting.

[dcunn]

Re: Fuel Tank

Just seen Petro Patch on E bay, item 190342258428, I have bought (and been happy with the items)from this seller

Possibly worth the investment to try it ? ? ? ?