Getting really annoyed. In need of a new fuel tank...

I know there are threads on here about fuel tanks and how no one makes a second gen tank, but can anyone tell me what the difference is between the 1st gen and 2nd gen tank? I have found 1st gen tanks everywhere for around $174 and I'm tempted to get it, but I don't know if my sending unit will fit properly and it all the hoses will go on with no problem. I wouldn't mind going with an aftermarket tank for a different vehicle or a fuel cell if I could keep everything the way it is (hoses and sending unit). And btw my truck is an 88 power ram sport 4wd. This truck is my daily driver and it leaks gas like you couldn't believe. Any ideas or any one know what manufacture makes a "close enough" tank that could work? Thought about getting my tanked sealed, but I'm not sure if it's leaking at the seem, can't tell because the whole back section towards the inside of the truck is soaked in gas (got a lighter?). The guy said if it is leaking at the seem (center section where bottom half meets the top half) then it's not worth getting it done. Idk, I'm getting fed up wasting soo much fuel, at least I get 22-25 mpg, even with a leaky tank. (diff motor and trans). Anyways sorry for the long read, lol, but any help will be appreciated. :)

The boxy Chevy S10 has a very similar layout for the tank and crossmembers that hold it in place. That might be close enough to get it to work but I don't know for sure.

I'll give take a look whenever I get to the junkyard. And I got looking last night, its not as bad looking as I though. Might get it refurbished, but now I'm finding out my frame is shot, and there's a mighty max at the junkyard that's split in half, so that's a bit scary. Now i got to source out a frame and me living in Ohio isn't what I call prime territory for rust free vehicles. Guess I'll start scrounging the web for vehicles down south. Anyways thanks for the info, I'll give it a look.

I'd imagine if you take measurements, the back half of the S10 would be very close to the Mighty Max. As in close enough to maybe score a junkyard back half and make two welds to the front of the frame. The S10 is laid out basically the same as our trucks.

Around here, probably like most places, the s10 is just as shot or worst lol. People drive those things till they do break. I'll probably just throw some metal at it and cross the fingers for now.

I know of an 89 long bed Ram 50 with a 2.6 and 5spd that the guy wants to sell cheap with a good frame, if you don't mind coming to Pittsburgh to get it - it will run, but needs the tank drained of old gas.

I don't even know how different the frames are from a long bed and I'm guessing a reg cab to mine which has the sport cab (macro cab???) And right at this moment I'm holding off until I get some other projects finished. My Buick needs a trans rebuild done to it, and I need to get my '68 f250 rebuilt so I got a wood truck, instead of using my friends truck that's around 300,000 miles on board. I even thought about building a frame or finding heavy built frame rails and throw something together. Idk, I'll see what comes my way whenever I get to that point, but thanks for the heads up.

the extended cab and the long bed frames are the same length, but the mounts are in different places. But it is a 2wd and yours is a 4wd.

ext cab and single cab tanks are a lot different, I've had both and have a macro cab now. I was running a single cab tank on my truck, but it was relocated behind the axle. You want to find one for the same body style and length truck as you have.

I was kinda thinking that, but like I said before, I'm just going to refurbish it. All the junkyards I go to, the people say that those vehicles are too old for them to hold on to. They only keep newer stuff. The one yard I went to just crushed to d50's and a montero a few months back. It's a shame, but it's a business, they do what they gotta do.

The Mazda trucks are kind of close to our trucks aren't they?

Good topic, great replies.

I have an eye on the future, so want to ask: supposing I successfully a.) locate a proper fuel tank, or b.) create one, what after-market fuel pump would I use for a F.I. 2.4 4G64? I know nothing about pressures, how to adjust them or anything of the sort. If you could FIND a stock replacement fuel pump new, it's looking at $300 and upwards. That's a lot of donut money I could be spending on glazed and chocolate-covered snacks. Nothing could be cruller :)

At present, my patched fuel tank is okay and the pump runs fine. (I replaced the filter and I swear, the old one was the original! FILTHY AND CLOGGED). I'm concerned about being out in Banjo-Music territory when the pump decides to experience Deliverance...or the lack thereof. I don't LIKE squealing like a pig.

Directing my to a pertenant thread is cool, and expert experience is even better. Many of you Old Guys have created some awesome parts and replacements, and your resourcefulness is not only stunning, it is so appreciated.

One other option, depending on the condition of your current tank is to use an epoxy sealer. I know a few guys who have used the Eastwood product with success, it's designed specifically for fuel tanks. Have you had your tank or bed off to inspect it? It might not be as bad as you think. Good luck!

I dropped the tank to repair a leak in the line. The tank itself seems alright, though I did promise myself to paint it some day. And an expoxy sealer sounds like good preventative maintenance.

I'm more concerned about locating a fuel pump when the time comes, and don't want to shell out $400. They really aren't available through NAPA or Advanced.

The Eastman epoxy goes into the tank after it has been removed, drained and cleaned, I am sure there are examples on the net.

Tons of replacement fuel pumps for your '90 on rockauto.com from $25 - $220

Excellent, DM. Thanks huge amounts, I'll check it out and order from there.

Have you looked around here...they ship
http://www.rchillmitsubishi.com/parts/order-form.htm

check out this link for a fuel pump http://car-part.com . You might find on in your state.

Forgive me if taboo to revive such an old thread - but curious if anyone has dealt with this issue .
My 1990’s fuel tank has a small leak.

I looked up fuel tanks all I can find is 1st gen , for around 150$ shipped. Or the parts guy gave me a quote for 800$ for a 2nd gen one when I got tires swapped at NTB haha..

I have a semi complete parts truck I’ll be dropping the tank off to inspect today .
My dilemma - the resealing POR 15 kits are almost the same price as a new 1st gen tank! So if a 1st gen tank will work fairly easily, I would rather go with new than reseal an old one for the same price. Not to mention less labor! Any advise super appreciated!

cheers,

G

Look on Car-Part.com. There are some fuel tanks available across the United States. Probably get for less than $100.

Anybody ever try this custom tank place in IA? I wonder if they can modify a similar tank with the correct hardware.

www.tanksinc.com

I had a very hard time finding a replacement fuel tank . Ended up buying a whole parts truck and used it.
Unfortunately the pick your own part junkyards around here punch a hole in all the fuel tanks . Ridiculous since there is a drain plug but that is what they do.

Most are shaped the same the difference is often the connections that separate them between models so your a lot closer then you think, find a local repair shop or call that place in IA it’s what the specialize in custom tanks.

Ah forgot about car-part.com ! Thanks Andy
The scrap truck i dropped a tank from was in worse shape than mine haha. Time for a trip to Eunice, LA aka middle of no where to the scrapper.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by crvtec90

Unfortunately the pick your own part junkyards around here punch a hole in all the fuel tanks . Ridiculous since there is a drain plug but that is what they do.

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They probably do that to drain any residual fuel in a quick and easy way, rather than searching for a drain plug, figuring out the wrench size needed, dealing with seized plug threads, etc.

Fortunately, such a hole could probably be welded shut without much trouble, once the tank is cleaned of any flammable residues.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by SubGothius

They probably do that to drain any residual fuel in a quick and easy way, rather than searching for a drain plug, figuring out the wrench size needed, dealing with seized plug threads, etc.

Fortunately, such a hole could probably be welded shut without much trouble, once the tank is cleaned of any flammable residues.

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Try getting a second hand cat converter from a yard now - they chop them out with a sawzall and wreck the entire exhaust system in the process :slap: