Are good used tanks available?

Tonight I came home to find my next door neighbor and his Dad waiting for me. They bought a 96 RMW new,and the father was beside himself because he was smelling fuel when he filled the car up and the garage he's been using for years told him the tank was bad and there was nothing he could do and he should think about getting rid of the car. The car is a really nice,1 owner car,that has about 150K on it, but religiously maintained and never abused. I think the garage guy didn't want to get involved in what could be a can of worms. I gave them the numbers for the tank straps and sending units, but if the top ring for the tank is rotted, what can be done,short of replacing the tank? Again,the tank has not yet been out of the car,so I don't know if that's even the problem. It could just be a rotted sender line. I'm in CT and wonder if anyone has a good, used tank they're willing to part with. I told him I would strap a fuel cell to the roof before I would get rid of that car! Any help I can get on this would be great. Thanks guys!

I think you had the right idea. Drop the tank first. See what parts you need, and get back to us.

I've got a tank out of a '95 Caprice wagon if need be. Shipping a used tank may be an issue. Road trip....?

Mike

Check the soft vent pipe and filler tube. I found mine leaking recently. The vent hose is 18mm. The soft filler is a OEM part, and not available.

Tanks are few and far between. All of the yards here punch a hole in them.

I happen to have a tank AND a set of straps... but I'm in Florida. Hmmm...

Like has been said, drop the tank and figure the problem out. I'd be leaning towards the sending unit as it is a 20 year old, northeast car. Whatever it is, it's a relatively easy fix.

There's a member here from CT, Trumbell I believe, who has extra tanks. I know he could help you. He is Dave, and forum name is "95BRMW". You could PM him, I know he is on vacation till the end of the week. I'll let him know.

Tom

I thought these tanks were plastic not metal. how could the tank rust a hole in it?

The fuel tank sending unit mount has some sort of a metal ring molded into the tank. I've seen a few tanks that the plastic has split open from that molded in ring rusting, causing leaks when the tank is filled. This could be the problem nickyace is seeing. Although we all know it's the sender that usually leaks, the leak would be constant, no just when filled up. The fill hose would also be a more consistent leak as well, we don't have enough info to say what the issue really is. It sounds like the owner took the car to his trusted repair shop,and they found a bad tank.... It's possible.

It could be the vent hose on the top of the tank. Mine split, and was dripping fuel when full. You could not tell it was cracked when less than full, because it did not drip, nor was it wet. You still have to drop the tank to replace it. It is an 18mm hose, and can not be found on a Saturday or Sunday.

I'm going to tell Ian (my neighbor) to have the garage pull the tank out, and see what's going on. I pulled the tank out of my 95 RMW to change the fuel pump and that one underneath looked like they pulled it out of the Andrea Doria, and the ring was fine. The nuts were pretty rotten, but came of with a little TLC and patience. I hope it's something as stupid as a vent line or the filler neck. I think ultimately I'll end up doing this job,because it sounds like their mechanic has cold feet about pulling the tank down. Some oil these guys just like doing brake jobs and tune ups.

I agree with you about his mechanic either not wanting to do the repair or he,s hoping to get the wagon for himself!

If you end up needing a tank let me know, I'm in Trumbull CT and have a couple laying around. I think they have filler necks too (no sending units though)

I've had the top of the tank crack so when you filled it it leaked. No rust involved either, the plastic just split