How long does a gas tank last?
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 5,086
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From: Lebanon Township New Jersey
How long does a gas tank last?
I've been under my 77 changing the differential and since I had the spare tire carrier down, I was looking at the gas tank. I'm sure it is the original but it looks perfect. Where there is no overspray on it, the surface is still rust free. Can I assume it looks this good in places I can't see?
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 171
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From: Rolla MO
Re: How long does a gas tank last? (BKbroiler)
I wouldn't assume it is rust free. You really need to get a look under the straps. You could loosen the straps and perhaps take a peek without having to remove the tank.
You should also check/replace the rubber hoses. And there is a cork gasket (at least on some years) on top of the tank between the filler neck and tank that frequently rots away - ask me how I know! :D This gasket can be changed without dropping the tank, though - you can get to it from above through the fuel fill lid. That would be a good time to check behind the (loosened) straps above the tank for rust.
Good luck - and don't mess around with gas!
Hank
You should also check/replace the rubber hoses. And there is a cork gasket (at least on some years) on top of the tank between the filler neck and tank that frequently rots away - ask me how I know! :D This gasket can be changed without dropping the tank, though - you can get to it from above through the fuel fill lid. That would be a good time to check behind the (loosened) straps above the tank for rust.
Good luck - and don't mess around with gas!
Hank
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,727
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From: Fremont CA
Re: How long does a gas tank last? (rollavette71)
There is and interesting fact about the 76 on up C3 fuel tanks, they have a rubber bladder inside making them a fuel cell. I don't have any idea how long this bladder material will last but, in race cars they want it changed out every 5 years (I also don't think they ever forsaw the use of Ethanol?Alcohol in fuels that we now have in use.) I think you can thank the Ford Pinto for your "racy" fuel cell (Heh Heh.)
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 26,555
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From: Florida
2021 C2 of the Year Finalist - Modified
C2 of the Year Finalist - Modified 2020
C2 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
Re: How long does a gas tank last? (Solid LT1)
I hate to think about my gas tank. I am pretty sure it is the original, so it is coming up on 33 years of service. Maybe I will get to it one of these days. :skep:
[Modified by OHSIXX, 3:13 PM 4/5/2004]
[Modified by OHSIXX, 3:13 PM 4/5/2004]
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 210
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From: eaton rapids mi
Re: How long does a gas tank last? (BKbroiler)
I just completed removing/replacing the gas tank on my 80. It had a little rust where the straps are, along the seam, and where the bottom rested against the supports. Polished it up and painted with por15. The original build sheet was mostly intact but could not be saved other than by digital pictures, it just disintegrated upon contact.
The inside of the tank looked like hard plastic, the only rubber i saw was the gasket. i also wiped out the inside as best as i could and even stuck a vacuum in there to suck out all the small nasties.
The inside of the tank looked like hard plastic, the only rubber i saw was the gasket. i also wiped out the inside as best as i could and even stuck a vacuum in there to suck out all the small nasties.
