CON-FERR Auxiliary gas tank, Major Leak!

[centerlineseal]

I have developed a serious leak in my rear tank, installed by the previous owner in my 1975. 1 - 2 gallon leak per 24 hours. Major PITA!

Does any Mudder have the installation instructions or pamphlet/brochure/schematic of the Con-Ferr 15 (?) gallon tank?

Or insight as to possible areas of failure? Or maybe has repaired one?

It appears to be two piece, with a skidplate separate from the main tank, which sits (maybe floats) on top of the skidplate.

Is it possible to pull the skidplate with the tank remaining in place?

Also, ... is this a JB Weld possible fix, ... or other epoxy type compound?

Thanks in Advance!

 

[charliemeyer007]

There are gas tank epoxy's. I used some for a leaky fitting on my 12.5 gal Datsun B210 tank I stuck behind the axle in my 72. Prior to that I had a seam in the oem tank that started to weep. I did the alcohol fuel proof tank liner treatment from JC Whitney.
If the tank floats on the shield plate - it could have worn a hole from play due to vibration. Pull the tank and see what's up.
Back in the day my dad welded lots of gas tanks. You should understand the inerting process or you could be in for a rude surprise. He did have one that blew up - wrapped around the rafter in the hanger.

 

[centerlineseal]

one that blew up - wrapped around the rafter in the hanger.

Yeah, ... I'm having visions of that!

Sorta' winter here, so I'll wait a bit to pull it.

Thanks for the heads up!

Downey might have the paperwork, .. but for a 22 gallon tank. I've never got more than 15 gallon in this one. Craps out on curvy road when low on fuel, ... probably no baffles. Maybe the pick-up location is too high in the tank.

 

[charliemeyer007]

I think the Downey guy had like 2 aux tanks left like last May when I pulled mine. I'm thinking I want to make a stainless steel tank.

 

[Mark Jennings]

I have developed a serious leak in my rear tank, installed by the previous owner in my 1975. 1 - 2 gallon leak per 24 hours. Major PITA!

Does any Mudder have the installation instructions or pamphlet/brochure/schematic of the Con-Ferr 15 (?) gallon tank?

Or insight as to possible areas of failure? Or maybe has repaired one?

It appears to be two piece, with a skidplate separate from the main tank, which sits (maybe floats) on top of the skidplate.

Is it possible to pull the skidplate with the tank remaining in place?

Also, ... is this a JB Weld possible fix, ... or other epoxy type compound?

Thanks in Advance!

The skid plate holds it up…..kinda pinched in there. Attached is a photo of mine in just the cassis. The white foam strips push up against the tub. Also if you would like to replace it, I have the name of a company in Oregon’s that fabricates new ones, I’ll forward if needed.

 

[centerlineseal]

I have the name of a company in Oregon’s that fabricates new ones, I’ll forward if needed.

I could use that info, ... Thanks Downey may still have some as well.

Is it 22 gallon? Apparently, I've been running under the mistaken assumption mine was 15 gallon.

 

[Mark Jennings]

They are listed on line. There web site;

sunsetmetalfab.net - Fuel Tanks

my contact there was Charles Atkinson, their number is 503-429-0895. He was a older guy (like most of us).

 

[centerlineseal]

He was a older guy (like most of us).

Crap! Spilled my beer.

Thank You Sir!

 

[JohnnyC]

Downey Installation Manuals:

1) Fuel Injection #21911 69-87 TLC
2) Disc Brake Components TLC
3) Fuel Cell TLC
4) Saginaw Steering Conversion TLC
5) V-8 Engine Conversion TLC

I have the Downey aka Jim’s fuel cell install sheet in this thread if that helps ya…

Downey Off Road

forum.ih8mud.com

I have used the jbweld tank patch putty stuff … usually a new hole will form in a few years in a new spot… but that’s with a stock tank… the conferr and Downey are much thicker than the oem

 

[ducktapeguy]

Do you see it dripping out the bottom of the skid plate? 1-2 gallons/day is a pretty big leak, should be easy to spot where it's coming from.

If the bottom is rusted through, any type of patch or liner is a temporary fix, it there's one pinhole then there are probably 100 more places about to leak. Aux tanks for the 40 are pretty easy to find so if you're gonna go through the trouble of dropping the tank, might as well replace it with a new one. I've welded on a gas tank before, it's not something I would recommend doing unless there's no other alternative and no replacement is available.

 

[centerlineseal]

I can't see the source of the leak. Appears to be under the skid plate and low in the tank, as it's still leaking as I type this.

I did notice the skidplate is not centered on the bottom of the tank, making me suspect things loosened up and perhaps the jiggling around wore a hole in/near the bottom.

I'm gonna' let it bleed out where it sits and then I can bring it inside the shop and pull it safely.

A new (newer) tank may be in order, but I'll wait and assess.

Sure thank you all for the informative responses!