Gas tank toast?

[bergie33]

Are there any miracles to be had, or am in the market for a tii gas tank?  The tank itself is solid, doesn't look like there is rust inside. I was hoping to get it boiled by a radiator shop and call it good, but the mounting flange is horrible!  The right side of the trunk, along with the boxed in support just inside the fender is rotted out (pretty much the only rust in the car).  I think this area went ignored too long and it spread to the flange of the tank.  Is there any way at all to fix the flange?

['76mintgrün'02]

I may be pessimistic, but it looks like you're going shopping for a better tank.  I don't think there'll be much metal left, once the rust's removed.

 

I think they used open cell foam under the tank lip and it holds water.  I'll bet that's why the PO replaced my tank.

 

Hopefully someone will chime in with a success story and a way to save your tank.  I need to pull mine out to deal with the rust behind the passenger wheel.  I've plugged the hole to keep the mice out of the trunk for now.

Tom

[Son of Marty]

I agree with Tom, you'll not get that fixed for anywhere near the price of a new one, if at all. 

[RogerRamJet77]

You could try POR-15 Fuel Tank Repair Kit - Automotive - 1 Qt.  On Amazon it costs over $100.   This kit repairs from the inside of the tank by chemically removing rust and pouring on a lining, it will not repair the exterior rust at the flange.  Repairing gas tanks by other methods can be dangerous due to the ease of igniting gas vapors.

 

From the looks of the tank, I would not be surprised that there isn't a fuel leak at the seam/flange.

[tech71]

Nasty, sorry?

A quick search for   BMW 16-11-1-111-604 shows folks claiming  its available but I have been burned by such claims before.

I bet these guys can repair that tank, for the right price

Moyer Fuel Tank Renu - antique gas tank repair restoration, classic car gas tanks GASTANK

WWW.GAS-TANK.COM

---

NO RUST gas tanks, no tank too old, lifetime warranty on the repair and restoration of old gas tanks classic or antique GASTANKS

 

Edited April 30, 2022 by tech71

[bergie33]

Double whammy... The fuel level sending unit looks like it was hacked together (the tube is attached with the nut at the bottom, but it's loose at the top), and the resistor wires are missing.  Looks like I'm in the market for a tank and a sender.

 

Does anyone have experience with the new, cheaper replacement tanks? I think MVP is making them possibly. W&N carries them too.

Edited May 1, 2022 by bergie33

[NYNick]

You should fill that tank with water, dry the outside and let it sit overnight. If it's dry in the morning and doesn't leak, then maybe you have a chance.

[jerryasi]

I do have a 1974 tii fuel tank, also the gauge sensor. The tank is solid but dented, I opted for a late model 2002 tank and used an in-tank pump off amazon. Have pictures. Jerry

[Hans]

Re first one: Not worth the effort. Find another tank.

Edited May 13, 2022 by Hans

[beammmer]

Had one with the same issues many years ago.

 

Don

 

[bergie33]

Just now, beammmer said:

Had one with the same issues many years ago.

 

Don

 

 

Ha!  Thanks for the breakfast treat.

 

Thanks for all of the input.  $350 for what is likely an MVP reproduction from W&N, I think I am going that route.  Even a much less expensive used unit will need work, testing and still may start leaking in short time.  At that price it just isn't worth the risk of tempting fate with a used unit.

[tech71]

3 hours ago, bergie33 said:

Thanks for all of the input.  $350 for what is likely an MVP reproduction from W&N,

If you can, would be interested in knowing shipping costs on that.

Thanks, Mikey

[bergie33]

2 minutes ago, tech71 said:

If you can, would be interested in knowing shipping costs on that.

Thanks, Mikey

Looks like it is just the standard $49. 

[beammmer]

Just ordered a new tank, from Bluntech.  Expensive, but if I treat it right should have it for at least 50 more years.  Not long ago any fuel tank was NLA.

 

Don

Edited May 13, 2022 by beammmer
Add on

[BarrettN]

On 4/30/2022 at 10:06 PM, bergie33 said:

Double whammy... The fuel level sending unit looks like it was hacked together (the tube is attached with the nut at the bottom, but it's loose at the top), and the resistor wires are missing.  Looks like I'm in the market for a tank and a sender.

 

Does anyone have experience with the new, cheaper replacement tanks? I think MVP is making them possibly. W&N carries them too.

Check out my post on rebuilding sending units - I still have more wire, if you decide to rebuild it PM me and I'll send you some wire for free to rebuild it.