Fuel tank switch out

[Phil Anthony Fleming]

I have acquired a tank from an early 70s bay window to replace the rusted tank in my 78. I find that there are two lines coming out the bottom of my 78 and only one coming out of my replacement tank. Can I still use this replacement tank and how do I handle the lack of an extra line out the bottom? My van is a fuel injected so the second line is a return line I think , so how do I return fuel without this second port? Anyone used an older tank on the newer
van before?

[airschooled]

Hi Phil,

There are a few key differences between the early and late tanks.

The fuel injection system requires a return line, which some add into the filler tube on conversions. But inside the fuel injection take is a "bowl" type baffle which keeps the fuel outlet submerged in corners and hills when the fuel level is low. That way the pump won't suck air and cause any misfiring.

Second, the early tank is 15.9 gallons, and the late tank is 14.something. I don't know exactly how the shapes are different, but there might be mounting/securing issues in converting.

I can't speak from experience though, so maybe someone on here has gone through the conversion and can help out more.

Good luck,
Robbie
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[jtauxe]

You're going to need a later FI tank, as in 1975-1979 vintage, with the two ports on the bottom.

But don't despair -- that old one can be sold to offset the cost, I am sure.
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John
"Travelling in a fried-out Kombi, on a hippie trail, head full of zombie..." - Colin Hay and Ron Strykert
http://vw.tauxe.net
1969 Transporter, 1971 Westfalia, 1976, 1977, 1976, 1977, 1971, 1973, 1977 Westfalias,
1979 Champagne Sunroof, 1974 Westfalia Automatic, 1979 Transporter, 1972 Sportsmobile, 1973 Transporter Wild Westerner, 1974 Westfalia parts bus, 1975 Mexican single cab *FOR SALE*, 1978 Irish 4-door double cab RHD

[Phil Anthony Fleming]

Great. Anybody need an early tank. Why not add an inlet on the top near the filler neck. Thought I had this licked. You should see the stuff I crawled through to get this one. Recent bug bash had one I needed for $175.00 but that's not in the cards right now. Sure wish this one could work. Perfect condition. Thanks for the imput.