Leaking fuel tank

[hiy_po]

My fuel tank is pissing fuel from where my return line plugs in, Need a new fuel tank. Anyone around Perth wrecking a VK EFI or I think VL (not V8 carb) or any sedan fuel tank that will fit?? Anyone know what fuel tanks will fit eg will a VP sedan tank fit? what other options?

[vk_pauly]

a vp,vr,vs sedan fuel tank should fit depending on how they have had it bolted up but as far as i know u should be able to fit one in there buddy

have you checked the plugs ? maybe it has a hole in it somewhere.

[hiy_po]

Thanks seems there are alot more wrecks around for the later models. Not sure were the exact leak is. seems to be coming from the solder/weld around the return pipe kind of like the medium used to seal were the return pipe meets the tank has come unstuck from the tank. Just another pain in the butt to fix.

[vk_pauly]

haha paint in the but is correct lol... try changing the tank and grabbing the fuel lines while your there! ...

do you know anyone thats selling a 202 motor for my vh if so that would be great ! ?

[hiy_po]

No not atm they seem to be a bit thin. My mate had one that was 0.040 over but needed a block 0.030 to get bored to 0.040 to suit some forged pistons he had. Took 3 months to find one. And he had to swap his 0.040 for it coz the other bloke was boring to 0.060 so he didnt need the 0.030 block and swapped it. I will send out a PM to you if I come across one while looking for my tank.
Just noticed you are in Noble Park I think that is Vic I am in WA so may be a bit far to pickup.

[vk_pauly]

yeah, but try and see if u can find one somewhere down my end only if u can tho ! Thanksbuddy

[2DIE]

haha paint in the but

paint in the butt? yuck

[vk_pauly]

hahaha thats what happens when ya half asleep, lol

[ari666]

a vp,vr,vs sedan fuel tank should fit depending on how they have had it bolted up but as far as i know u should be able to fit one in there buddy

you sure? the VK filler neck is solid/fitted permanantly. i think everything after VN have a different filler. im pretty sure you wont fit a later tank without some modification, then OP may as well just repair the tank he has got.

[DerekP]

Is it leaking all the time or only for a while when you fill it up?

[VK SL 3800]

vn vp vr vs tanks fit but you have to modify the filler as its too long, ill be putting in a VS tank soon as my VK EFI one has started to leak right on the bottom.

[ari666]

leak right on the bottom.

so was mine, did this:


no more leaks

[hiy_po]

Damn I went and got a VS tank. Suppose I am about to find out how well they fit. Has an in tank pump as well so going to need a bit of rewire. My tank is leaking all the time slow drip.

[hiy_po]

Well lucky me the wreckers sold me a s/wagon petrol tank GGRRRRRRRR so looks like I am still looking for one that fits. I can get one out of a VR calais add is here VR Calais to Wreck | Car Wrecking | Gumtree Perth what do yous reckon will it fit????

[TY318]

is there aftermarket ones for the vh's being a carb motor im not sure if you can run the late model tanks coz they have the fuel pump in em

[ari666]

i reckon you should drop your tank and take it to your local radiator specialist. they can brais all the holes in it and you dont have to mess around with 'in tank pumps' or modifications.

failing that, weld it yourself.

[hiy_po]

TY318 Yes there is aftermarket ones I have seen a few of the older commodores running around with drop tanks. I dont know of any for sale though. I am running an EFI pump to supply my carbs but my fuel supply is a bit on the extreme side. I must admit the thought of having to change all my wiring and plumbing to suit the new tank isnt going to be fun but should only have to do it once. I hope. I am a bit hesitant to weld a fuel tank, I know it can be done but it kinda seems a bit scary lol. But it would be so good just to get my tank fixed and not have to modify jack.

[TY318]

TY318 Yes there is aftermarket ones I have seen a few of the older commodores running around with drop tanks. I dont know of any for sale though. I am running an EFI pump to supply my carbs but my fuel supply is a bit on the extreme side. I must admit the thought of having to change all my wiring and plumbing to suit the new tank isnt going to be fun but should only have to do it once. I hope. I am a bit hesitant to weld a fuel tank, I know it can be done but it kinda seems a bit scary lol. But it would be so good just to get my tank fixed and not have to modify jack.

kool thanks mate and good luck

[VK SL 3800]

so was mine, did this:


no more leaks

Im having problems with it rusting out from the inside, there is thousands of tiny rust pitting holes inside and i have already soldered it up 3 times but its just springs a new leak in a slightly different spot, currently i have put 515 over the hole with a piece of plastic lid over it to make it dry, does the trick for the time being, it is dodgy as hell but what else can i do when its my daily drive.

wish i could weld that good!

[TY318]

Im having problems with it rusting out from the inside, there is thousands of tiny rust pitting holes inside and i have already soldered it up 3 times but its just springs a new leak in a slightly different spot, currently i have put 515 over the hole with a piece of plastic lid over it to make it dry, does the trick for the time being, it is dodgy as hell but what else can i do when its my daily drive.

wish i could weld that good!

you could stick a funnel over where its leaking and run a hose from the to the line lol or make it refill the tank

[jpetrou]

About 15 years ago I had the same problem with my VK EFI fuel tank. The fuel tank cracked right where the return pipe joined the tank. I emptied the tank and removed it from the car. I then took it to a workshop where they heated welding flux and allowed it to drip onto the cracked area. This worked a treat and has not leaked again. This was the safest method to weld a fuel tank, NEVER apply direct heat to the tank, even after you think the fuel has evaporated. It will go BANG big time. Also while you have the tank out, it is a good opportunity to replace the rubber hoses and rubber vent pipe, they have probably have deteriorated through age.

[ari666]

I wish i could weld that good!

its not actually that good. the only solution to a leaky tank is to have a pro solder it up. that patch will eventually leak too, but for now it'll do. Jpetrou is on the money. take it somewhere so they can modify it without heating it up too much.

[Sabbath']

Eh, just blow all the fumes out of the tank then weld it up. Be a man

[hiy_po]

Well I dont know about welding it but your advise is almost good. I fixed it seems the fitting is only soldered in so I got my biggest iron, let it get real hot and then just held it on the fitting, sure enough after a few minutes it melted so I just fed half a roll of my reel of solder into it and tested for leaks, with a good result. So yay no adding un-needed fuel pumps or replumbing hoses just got the old tank in tipped 20 litres of fuel checked for leaks and drive away. Bit of a pain tho that I think I could have fixed it without removing the tank from the car as to get it out the Towbar and rear bumper had to come off first.
The other good news is you could prolly solder up a small hole if you happend to get one in the tank the solder seems to take to the tank quite well.