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PSA: Check your NEW fuel tank for leaks
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revolution337
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PostPosted: Wed Feb 16, 2022 7:42 pm    Post subject: PSA: Check your NEW fuel tank for leaks Reply with quote

Currently in the process of rehabbing my fuel tank and lines. Got the old, grungy tank removed. I assembled the new fuel tank (Spectra brand) with all of the new seals, cross over pipe, fuel level sender, etc. After reading the horror stories of gas leaks after tank reseals, I figured it would be smart to leak test the new tank setup before installation to verify that all was well.

I plugged any remaining open holes and used a smoke machine (used for EVAP system testing) to check for any leaks. Honestly, I was mainly looking to be sure the fuel level sender was sealed, along with the other new rubber seals. I was NOT expecting to find the fuel tank itself to be leaking. Brick wall


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Right along the rear of the tank, at a portion that visually appeared very well intact, smoke was rolling out! Looks like this tank missed the QC "leak check" that "every fuel tank gets" before it leaves the factory. On the bright side, I'm glad I was able to discover this before hand, and not at the first gas station fill up.

Seems to be par for the course in todays sh*tty parts supply though. Anyway, maybe others can learn from my discovery here and save themselves a lot of aggravation.
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Last edited by revolution337 on Wed Feb 16, 2022 8:20 pm; edited 1 time in total
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termuehlen Premium Member
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PostPosted: Wed Feb 16, 2022 8:01 pm    Post subject: Re: PSA: Check your NEW fuel tank for leaks Reply with quote

Before it leaks the factory, indeed! I avoid new parts whenever possible.
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revolution337
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PostPosted: Wed Feb 16, 2022 8:23 pm    Post subject: Re: PSA: Check your NEW fuel tank for leaks Reply with quote

termuehlen wrote:
Before it leaks the factory, indeed! I avoid new parts whenever possible.


Nice typo spot! As you can see, I had “leak” on the mind.

And I agree, OE whenever possible. I would have loved to reuse the old tank, but it was in truly rough shape.
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dobryan Premium Member
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PostPosted: Wed Feb 16, 2022 8:25 pm    Post subject: Re: PSA: Check your NEW fuel tank for leaks Reply with quote

Yikes! Surprised

Good on you for doing the test!
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skills@eurocarsplus
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PostPosted: Wed Feb 16, 2022 8:30 pm    Post subject: Re: PSA: Check your NEW fuel tank for leaks Reply with quote

that's a real pisser.

before the lockdowns i was able to get a new tank for like 90 bux shipped to my door. kinda wish i bought another. close to 200 now

anyway, for the price (even 200 bux) i'd be more inclined to replace it. everyone squawking about fuel pumps that scream probably have internal issues in the tank, be it a plugged screen or the internal hoses popped out of place.

anyway, new tank and my pump is inaudible even standing right next to it
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