Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » [GMCnet] Looking for options re fuel tanks
| [GMCnet] Looking for options re fuel tanks [message #170003] |
Thu, 17 May 2012 15:58  |
Sean
Messages: 189
Registered: March 2012
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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Hi all,
So my coach is still being worked on... mech just called me to let me
know that my fuel tanks are completely filthy. They said they could
try soaking them for a couple of days and then cleaning them out, but
that I might want to consider replacing the tanks. They already called
Cinnabar and quoted a price of $900 per tank.
I guess ultimately my best move would be to replace the tanks, but
before I commit to that, I was wondering if anyone could share their
experience with similar repairs?
For example, how effective should just cleaning the tanks (and the
rest of the fuel system) be?
I see Gas Tank RENU mentioned at the bottom of
http://gmcmotorhome.info/Fuel.html - how has that worked out for those
who have done it?
What about aftermarket tanks? I'd prefer to stay stock, but if there's
a viable aftermarket option, I'd be interested in hearing about that.
Thanks,
--
Sean
1973 260 Painted Desert
Luna County, NM
Gallery: http://goo.gl/Gfcpd
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Sean
1973 260 Painted Desert
Luna County, NM
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| Re: [GMCnet] Looking for options re fuel tanks [message #170004 is a reply to message #170003] |
Thu, 17 May 2012 16:10  |
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ljdavick
Messages: 3548
Registered: March 2007
Location: Fremont, CA
Karma: -3
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Senior Member |
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Was it Jim Bounds or Jim Kanomata who is working on producing new tanks? I read this just a week or two ago.
For my money I'd drop the tanks and have them boiled out at a Radiator shop. I'll bet they can still be used. Barring that I'd buy a case of fuel filters and fill the tank with gas and drive it. She'll be cleaned out in a month, just like your wallet!
Larry Davick
Fremont, California
The Mystery Machine
'76 (ish) Palm Beach
----- Original Message -----
From: "Sean F" <wsfulmer@gmail.com>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Thursday, May 17, 2012 1:58:18 PM
Subject: [GMCnet] Looking for options re fuel tanks
Hi all,
So my coach is still being worked on... mech just called me to let me
know that my fuel tanks are completely filthy. They said they could
try soaking them for a couple of days and then cleaning them out, but
that I might want to consider replacing the tanks. They already called
Cinnabar and quoted a price of $900 per tank.
I guess ultimately my best move would be to replace the tanks, but
before I commit to that, I was wondering if anyone could share their
experience with similar repairs?
For example, how effective should just cleaning the tanks (and the
rest of the fuel system) be?
I see Gas Tank RENU mentioned at the bottom of
http://gmcmotorhome.info/Fuel.html - how has that worked out for those
who have done it?
What about aftermarket tanks? I'd prefer to stay stock, but if there's
a viable aftermarket option, I'd be interested in hearing about that.
Thanks,
--
Sean
1973 260 Painted Desert
Luna County, NM
Gallery: http://goo.gl/Gfcpd
_________________________________________
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Larry Davick
A Mystery Machine
1976(ish) Palm Beach
Fremont, Ca
Howell EFI + EBL + Electronic Dizzy
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| Re: [GMCnet] Looking for options re fuel tanks [message #170006 is a reply to message #170004] |
Thu, 17 May 2012 16:25 |
AStasunas
Messages: 58
Registered: April 2009
Location: Winter Springs, Fl
Karma: 0
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Member |
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A short time ago, Andy from Rhode Island was down at the COOP and found a place in Ocala, Fl to make two aluminum tanks. They looked great, and I think they were competitive. Contact Jim B. He probably has details.
Regards,
Tony
"Vinnie"
1975 Eleganza,
Winter Springs, Fl
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| Re: [GMCnet] Looking for options re fuel tanks [message #170009 is a reply to message #170003] |
Thu, 17 May 2012 16:49 |
Bob de Kruyff
Messages: 4260
Registered: January 2004
Location: Chandler, AZ
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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| Sean wrote on Thu, 17 May 2012 14:58 |
Hi all,
So my coach is still being worked on... mech just called me to let me
know that my fuel tanks are completely filthy. They said they could
try soaking them for a couple of days and then cleaning them out, but
that I might want to consider replacing the tanks. They already called
Cinnabar and quoted a price of $900 per tank.
I guess ultimately my best move would be to replace the tanks, but
before I commit to that, I was wondering if anyone could share their
experience with similar repairs?
For example, how effective should just cleaning the tanks (and the
rest of the fuel system) be?
I see Gas Tank RENU mentioned at the bottom of
http://gmcmotorhome.info/Fuel.html - how has that worked out for those
who have done it?
What about aftermarket tanks? I'd prefer to stay stock, but if there's
a viable aftermarket option, I'd be interested in hearing about that.
Thanks,
--
Sean
1973 260 Painted Desert
Luna County, NM
Gallery: http://goo.gl/Gfcpd
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
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Unless you have holes in them, I would take them to a radiator shop that also cleans tanks. I've had very good results with that. However, sometimes during the cleaning process it becomes apparent that they are close to being swiss cheese and can't be saved but it's worth a try.
Bob de Kruyff
78 Eleganza
Chandler, AZ
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| Re: [GMCnet] Looking for options re fuel tanks [message #170023 is a reply to message #170003] |
Thu, 17 May 2012 18:05 |
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USAussie
Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Karma: 6
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Senior Member |
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Sean,
Need clarification - what exactly does "completely filthy" mean?
Full of contamination?
Rusted?
Combination of both?
Regards,
Rob M.
-----Original Message-----
From: Sean F
Hi all,
So my coach is still being worked on... mech just called me to let me
know that my fuel tanks are completely filthy. They said they could
try soaking them for a couple of days and then cleaning them out, but
that I might want to consider replacing the tanks. They already called
Cinnabar and quoted a price of $900 per tank.
I guess ultimately my best move would be to replace the tanks, but
before I commit to that, I was wondering if anyone could share their
experience with similar repairs?
For example, how effective should just cleaning the tanks (and the
rest of the fuel system) be?
I see Gas Tank RENU mentioned at the bottom of
http://gmcmotorhome.info/Fuel.html - how has that worked out for those
who have done it?
What about aftermarket tanks? I'd prefer to stay stock, but if there's
a viable aftermarket option, I'd be interested in hearing about that.
Thanks,
Sean
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
Regards,
Rob M. (USAussie)
The Pedantic Mechanic
Sydney, Australia
'75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
'75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
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| Re: [GMCnet] Looking for options re fuel tanks [message #170040 is a reply to message #170037] |
Thu, 17 May 2012 20:06 |
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mike miller
Messages: 3576
Registered: February 2004
Location: Hillsboro, Oregon
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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| Robert Mueller wrote on Thu, 17 May 2012 17:51 |
...
3) DON'T connect the two vent lines that run up to the filler neck at the tanks, run TWO SEPARATE lines up as close to the filler neck as possible then connect them to the Tee! This will reduce burping problems when filling.
Can't remember who I stole this one from! ...
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Most likely it was from Chuck G(?). as he did this mod "way back" in the 80's or something.... along with a third gas tank.
Mike Miller -- Hillsboro, OR -- on the Black list
(#2)`78 23' Birchaven Rear Bath -- (#3)`77 23' Birchaven Side Bath
More Sidekicks than GMC's and a late model Malibu called 'Boo'
http://m000035.blogspot.com
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| Re: [GMCnet] Looking for options re fuel tanks [message #170045 is a reply to message #170003] |
Thu, 17 May 2012 20:45 |
midlf
Messages: 2212
Registered: July 2007
Location: SE Wisc. (Palmyra)
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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| Sean wrote on Thu, 17 May 2012 15:58 |
For example, how effective should just cleaning the tanks (and the
rest of the fuel system) be?
I see Gas Tank RENU mentioned at the bottom of
http://gmcmotorhome.info/Fuel.html - how has that worked out for those
who have done it?
What about aftermarket tanks? I'd prefer to stay stock, but if there's
a viable aftermarket option, I'd be interested in hearing about that.
Thanks,
--
Sean
1973 260 Painted Desert
Luna County, NM
|
My tanks were full of sludge and rust. I called my local Gas Tank RENU franchise (Rockford IL) but their price was, in my opinion, excessive. Their process involves cutting the tank in half and blasting it clean, welding it back together, and coating it inside and out with appropriate coatings and bake it to cure the coatings. I believe they would have done a good job. One item you need to check on. It did not sound like all locations could do a tank as large as a GMC tank. I decided to do it another way.
Of my tanks, the main (rear) tank was sludged up with varnished old gas. The Aux (front) tank was sludged and rusted. I decided to clean and coat them myself. I now do not recommend this. It was a lot of work to avoid a reasonable expense. I got the tank cleaning and coating supplies from POR-15. I power wire brushed the exteriors and coated with Chassis Saver (good stuff). The main tank cleaned up very easily and I had no problems coating it. The front tank I could not get the rust cleaned out no matter how hard I tried and no matter what additional chemicals I used. I tried washers, nuts etc to scrub the rust out, no go to a satisfactory level. I gave up (for now) and pulled the tanks out of my parts transmode and sent the front tank off to Strip-Rite. This tank was very sludged and rusted just like the one off my coach. Sludging was even worse. For $100 they cleaned it inside and out and I coated it inside with POR-15 and outside with Chassis Saver. Just for the effort it saved on wire brushing the exterior it was worth it.
So - if your guy can clean it and there is no rust let him do it. If you have rust you will need to get it chemically cleaned, radiator shop may be able to do this if they do boilouts. If you have rust I believe you should coat the interior. The POR-15 works but there are other coatings also.
Some of my pictures are here:
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g5564-gas-tank-rework.html
Steve Southworth
1974 Glacier TZE064V100150 (for workin on)
1975 Transmode TZE365V100394 (parts & spares)
Palmyra WI
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| Re: [GMCnet] Looking for options re fuel tanks [message #170080 is a reply to message #170045] |
Fri, 18 May 2012 07:25 |
Jim Bounds
Messages: 842
Registered: January 2004
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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I tell ya guys, the fuel tank thing is starting to get serious. This ethanol is really screwing us with regard to steel tanks. SOP in the past when we had leaking issues was to epoxy line the tanks, it cost a bit to do it well with no guaranty from the folks doing the work. As important as the fuel delivery system is, looking to the future and retrofitting our GMC's to the new environment of oils, fuels, tires, air bags, audio/video, colors, textures and new technology in general is where I feel our future is. Of this, having reliable fuel containment is one of these important considerations.
We looked into this-- OK so you look at what is available--- new exact steel tanks for @ $1000 each--- ouch, can't we spend our money on something better. Looking into correct, proper, quality fuel tank manufacturing thinks are not cheap. We are not making enough to even get involved if we were actually trying to make a profit selling our tanks at $950 each. Ouch again, sound high but it's not. These are baffled, good fitting all aluminum tanks with new bolt down senders, correct venting and a couple of gallons more capacity. This option as opposed to simply new steel tanks is a much better purchase. Spending 1/2 that to get canks properly cleaned and lined, I just do not know if it will last and isn't that the whole reason for doing the job?
One day, sooner or later, we all will have to deal with our fuel delivery system. Fuel hoses over 3 years old are probably not alcohol resistent material and they will fail-- no question! Steel rusts and there is little we can do about that and water makes it rust. Alcohol is a good cleaner so keep extra fuel filters in your glove box, clay like rust particles on on the way to clog up your filters-- it's just the fact of life we are living with.
Wish there was a cheaper solution but I have not found it, let me know if you do,
Jim bounds
--------------------------
________________________________
From: Steve Southworth <midlf@centurytel.net>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Thursday, May 17, 2012 9:46 PM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Looking for options re fuel tanks
Sean wrote on Thu, 17 May 2012 15:58
> For example, how effective should just cleaning the tanks (and the
> rest of the fuel system) be?
>
> I see Gas Tank RENU mentioned at the bottom of
> http://gmcmotorhome.info/Fuel.html - how has that worked out for those
> who have done it?
>
> What about aftermarket tanks? I'd prefer to stay stock, but if there's
> a viable aftermarket option, I'd be interested in hearing about that.
>
> Thanks,
>
> --
> Sean
> 1973 260 Painted Desert
> Luna County, NM
My tanks were full of sludge and rust. I called my local Gas Tank RENU franchise (Rockford IL) but their price was, in my opinion, excessive. Their process involves cutting the tank in half and blasting it clean, welding it back together, and coating it inside and out with appropriate coatings and bake it to cure the coatings. I believe they would have done a good job. One item you need to check on. It did not sound like all locations could do a tank as large as a GMC tank. I decided to do it another way.
Of my tanks, the main (rear) tank was sludged up with varnished old gas. The Aux (front) tank was sludged and rusted. I decided to clean and coat them myself. I now do not recommend this. It was a lot of work to avoid a reasonable expense. I got the tank cleaning and coating supplies from POR-15. I power wire brushed the exteriors and coated with Chassis Saver (good stuff). The main tank cleaned up very easily and I had no problems coating it. The front tank I could not get the rust cleaned out no matter how hard I tried and no matter what additional chemicals I used. I tried washers, nuts etc to scrub the rust out, no go to a satisfactory level. I gave up (for now) and pulled the tanks out of my parts transmode and sent the front tank off to Strip-Rite. This tank was very sludged and rusted just like the one off my coach. Sludging was even worse. For $100 they cleaned it inside and out and I coated it inside with POR-15 and
outside with Chassis Saver. Just for t
he effort it saved on wire brushing the exterior it was worth it.
So - if your guy can clean it and there is no rust let him do it. If you have rust you will need to get it chemically cleaned, radiator shop may be able to do this if they do boilouts. If you have rust I believe you should coat the interior. The POR-15 works but there are other coatings also.
Some of my pictures are here:
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g5564-gas-tank-rework.html
--
Steve Southworth
1974 Glacier TZE064V100150 (for workin on)
1975 Transmode TZE365V100394 (parts & spares)
Palmyra WI
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| Re: [GMCnet] Looking for options re fuel tanks [message #170090 is a reply to message #170080] |
Fri, 18 May 2012 08:57 |
Sean
Messages: 189
Registered: March 2012
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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Jim,
Do you have a link with more information about these aluminum tanks?
--
Sean
On Fri, May 18, 2012 at 6:25 AM, Jim Bounds <gmccoop@yahoo.com> wrote:
> I tell ya guys, the fuel tank thing is starting to get serious. This ethanol is really screwing us with regard to steel tanks. SOP in the past when we had leaking issues was to epoxy line the tanks, it cost a bit to do it well with no guaranty from the folks doing the work. As important as the fuel delivery system is, looking to the future and retrofitting our GMC's to the new environment of oils, fuels, tires, air bags, audio/video, colors, textures and new technology in general is where I feel our future is. Of this, having reliable fuel containment is one of these important considerations.
>
> We looked into this-- OK so you look at what is available--- new exact steel tanks for @ $1000 each--- ouch, can't we spend our money on something better. Looking into correct, proper, quality fuel tank manufacturing thinks are not cheap. We are not making enough to even get involved if we were actually trying to make a profit selling our tanks at $950 each. Ouch again, sound high but it's not. These are baffled, good fitting all aluminum tanks with new bolt down senders, correct venting and a couple of gallons more capacity. This option as opposed to simply new steel tanks is a much better purchase. Spending 1/2 that to get canks properly cleaned and lined, I just do not know if it will last and isn't that the whole reason for doing the job?
>
> One day, sooner or later, we all will have to deal with our fuel delivery system. Fuel hoses over 3 years old are probably not alcohol resistent material and they will fail-- no question! Steel rusts and there is little we can do about that and water makes it rust. Alcohol is a good cleaner so keep extra fuel filters in your glove box, clay like rust particles on on the way to clog up your filters-- it's just the fact of life we are living with.
>
> Wish there was a cheaper solution but I have not found it, let me know if you do,
>
> Jim bounds
> --------------------------
>
>
> ________________________________
> From: Steve Southworth <midlf@centurytel.net>
> To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
> Sent: Thursday, May 17, 2012 9:46 PM
> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Looking for options re fuel tanks
>
>
>
> Sean wrote on Thu, 17 May 2012 15:58
>> For example, how effective should just cleaning the tanks (and the
>> rest of the fuel system) be?
>>
>> I see Gas Tank RENU mentioned at the bottom of
>> http://gmcmotorhome.info/Fuel.html - how has that worked out for those
>> who have done it?
>>
>> What about aftermarket tanks? I'd prefer to stay stock, but if there's
>> a viable aftermarket option, I'd be interested in hearing about that.
>>
>> Thanks,
>>
>> --
>> Sean
>> 1973 260 Painted Desert
>> Luna County, NM
>
>
> My tanks were full of sludge and rust. I called my local Gas Tank RENU franchise (Rockford IL) but their price was, in my opinion, excessive. Their process involves cutting the tank in half and blasting it clean, welding it back together, and coating it inside and out with appropriate coatings and bake it to cure the coatings. I believe they would have done a good job. One item you need to check on. It did not sound like all locations could do a tank as large as a GMC tank. I decided to do it another way.
>
> Of my tanks, the main (rear) tank was sludged up with varnished old gas. The Aux (front) tank was sludged and rusted. I decided to clean and coat them myself. I now do not recommend this. It was a lot of work to avoid a reasonable expense. I got the tank cleaning and coating supplies from POR-15. I power wire brushed the exteriors and coated with Chassis Saver (good stuff). The main tank cleaned up very easily and I had no problems coating it. The front tank I could not get the rust cleaned out no matter how hard I tried and no matter what additional chemicals I used. I tried washers, nuts etc to scrub the rust out, no go to a satisfactory level. I gave up (for now) and pulled the tanks out of my parts transmode and sent the front tank off to Strip-Rite. This tank was very sludged and rusted just like the one off my coach. Sludging was even worse. For $100 they cleaned it inside and out and I coated it inside with POR-15 and
> outside with Chassis Saver. Just for t
> he effort it saved on wire brushing the exterior it was worth it.
>
> So - if your guy can clean it and there is no rust let him do it. If you have rust you will need to get it chemically cleaned, radiator shop may be able to do this if they do boilouts. If you have rust I believe you should coat the interior. The POR-15 works but there are other coatings also.
>
> Some of my pictures are here:
>
> http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g5564-gas-tank-rework.html
>
>
> --
> Steve Southworth
> 1974 Glacier TZE064V100150 (for workin on)
> 1975 Transmode TZE365V100394 (parts & spares)
> Palmyra WI
> _______________________________________________
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Sean
1973 260 Painted Desert
Luna County, NM
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| Re: [GMCnet] Looking for options re fuel tanks [message #170114 is a reply to message #170112] |
Fri, 18 May 2012 14:40 |
Sean
Messages: 189
Registered: March 2012
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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On Fri, May 18, 2012 at 1:28 PM, Larry Davick <ljdavick@comcast.net> wrote:
> That's what I was thinking about. Wow, $950 a pop! My tanks would have to be in very bad condition to go that route. I like the idea of plumbing a hard line on top of the tank to the edge where a hose can be easily serviced.
I agree, that's a lot of money. Still, I think Jim's comments have
merit, and if I decide to replace my tanks in the future, I'll
probably go with his tanks.
--
Sean
1973 260 Painted Desert
Luna County, NM
Gallery: http://goo.gl/Gfcpd
_______________________________________________
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Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
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--
Sean
1973 260 Painted Desert
Luna County, NM
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