Replace Gas Tank?

[cosmo]

Last spring a bought a '78 fj40 that has spent the better part of three or four years parked
outside at a small air strip. I've been driving it around fat and happy till about a month ago when the fuel pump failed. Of all the repairs I've done, I never thought to inspect the tank for rust, drain it, have it boiled out and coated or ?. So my question is- before I install my nice new fuel pump. What's the best option for replacing or repairing a rusty tank.

When I was restoring my 3.0cs coupe I had great luck having the tank "boiled out and sealed" I can't remember what was used to seal it but I do rember that it was red (real helpfull!). Fortunatly I no longer live in that town but i can't seen to find a local shop that offers the same service. If I can't have it repaired what's the better option, an aftermarket thermo plastic tank or NOS? Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated

 

[IDave]

Is it leaking?

Radiator shops are generally the place to have them boiled out and lined. POR has a system for do-it-yourselfers to use, if you like that option. About $50.

 

[overton]

Steer clear of those poly tanks - They reak!

 

[cosmo]

No leaks but I did notice some rust inside the filler neck. I fugured if it's in the neck it's most likely rusty in the tank from sitting so long with moisture from fog and such having no place to go but down. My main concern is I don't want to install a new pump if I have metal bits in the tank that will rupture the blader or clog the pump should the filter fail to do it's job. Thanks for the POR tip. The price sounds right.

 

[65swb45]

As a guy that sells tanks, my opinion is don't worry about it. Use the handy drain plug to drain the tank while it is still in the truck, flush the gas back thru with the drain still open, change the fuel filter, and then the pump.

Run the tank until it leaks.

 

[Soul_Man]

You can take off the passenger seat and then remove the float/sending unit. It is a circular attachement on the top to the tank about 3" across. Through this you can get a flashlight and get a pretty good look at the bottom of the tank.

I had a problem a few years back with my carbs getting clogged up and I was going through fuel filters about every 2 months from the rust particles. I replaced wtih a metal unit.
Greg

 

[cosmo]

Thanks for all the help Guys. I'm gunna drian it and give a solid inspection friday. We'll see what kind of monsters lurk below.

I'm wishing I was in florida at the moment- It's Get'in Frigen cold here in Oregon.

 

[lone gunman]

i had same problem in my 76 went threw filters etc. i removed the tank cleaned it with 50/50 mix muratic acid and water and then used the por15 tank sealer and there metal ready, worked great. you can also use the rust remover like clr or simular product from any hardware store they work fairly well.

 

[cosmo]

Thanks agine!
It's great, Cruiser folks are so much more willing to help out, lend advise, drink beer, Ect. Can Ya feel the Fuzz!!? I've been driving a friends BMW 325 for around town stuff (it gets 32 miles a galon) so don't rip on me too much. Well it needs some repair befor it gets picked up and driven 2k+. So I post one of the issues on this 325's only forum figuring I'd get some helpfull feedback. How about Noth'in, Nada, Zip! What's up with that? Different type of mind set or what? OK- I'm done. Thanks

 

[Velocity2]

Thanks agine!
It's great, Cruiser folks are so much more willing to help out, lend advise, drink beer, Ect. Can Ya feel the Fuzz!!? I've been driving a friends BMW 325 for around town stuff (it gets 32 miles a galon) so don't rip on me too much. Well it needs some repair befor it gets picked up and driven 2k+. So I post one of the issues on this 325's only forum figuring I'd get some helpfull feedback. How about Noth'in, Nada, Zip! What's up with that? Different type of mind set or what? OK- I'm done. Thanks

no most 325 owners are people that want to be rich but lose all their money to the BMW techs....and they know NOTHING about thier cars!

 

[JJB77FJ40]

Everyone that sees me driving my 1994 325 can't believe I'm a Landcruiser guy (I've had a 1972 FJ40 since 1990 and just picked up a 77 to fix up. Before the 325i I had a 318i.

I would have helped you if I knew. Try UnofficialBMW.com.

John

 

[Lucy_FJ55]

Hey Cosmo, are you actually Orion??? I just went through all this with my new piggie and finally sucked it up and got a new steel tank. I guess I am not much more help. I did not look for tank repair places in the area but I did look for used, new, etc. tanks.

My old tank was filled with rust and crap. I had gone through five filters in about 100 miles. Everything has been replaced or blown clean, new fuel pump, etc. but the old gal still runs funky occassionally and still not quite as well as I expect. Slowly figuring things out...

 

[Pin_Head]

If the tank is rusting inside, it is just a matter of time before it leaks. Toyota used some funky strips of carpet under the tank that act as sponges and rust magnets. AFAIK, all radiator shops repair fuel tanks on the side too. My radiator guy brazed 4 patches on my tank, sealed the inside, painted and pressure tested it for $40, but that was about 10 years ago.

 

[cosmo]

A radiator shop. Right! I think I need a better thinking cap or one less beer. Regarding my BMW problem, I did eventualy get some helpfull answers and didn't mean to come off like I was slam'in all bimmer owners- Just a little venting. I've owned two my self and will probably get another 3.0 coupe down the road. Till then, the cruisers keep me outa trouble..Umm, Well mostly!

John, Thanks for the Link and offer. It's fun having a ride for both ends of the spectrum, Eh!
Yo Lucky, Glad to hear you havent given up on her. What's the latest?

In the End It's all about hav'in FUN.