flower pot loose in fuel tank

[jonp821]

Greetings ---I have removed my fuel tank and found that the flower pot is rolling around the inside loose.---I wondered what that sound was every time I went around a corner ---anyway ---is there a special glue that can be used to stick it back down and is the position it's in critical --thanks ---

[mdsalemi]

Jon, you might gasp at the initial layout in cost, but you'd never regret replacing the fuel tank in the long run.
If you look at adhesives, many are listed as gasoline, or gas and oil resistant. There's a difference between resistant and proof, as in water-resistant and waterproof. Same for gas. Kind of a tough deal living in a notorious solvent all the time.
If you were to find something appropriate, you are probably going to have to clean and flush the tank, and remember now, the inside of the tank is 40+ years old, and prone to rust. Even rust you can't see can cause issues in your fuel system. While the cleaned tank is drying waiting for the flower pot repair, the atmosphere and elements is at work on the probably already compromised interior of the tank. Is what I'm saying a guarantee of failure? No, absolutely not. But you run a strong risk of additional fuel system problems and your problems exacerbating at some point after you do all the work.

I've had fuel system issues related to the tank and they are maddening if only because your brain refuses to accept the obvious because it is an expensive solution. We are by nature trying to find a simple external solution...

You would unlikely have this issue with a new tank, and that will probably last another 40 years...

[jonp821]

Thanks for the reply M----

In looking at the interior of the tank with a flash light and mirror it is clean as a whistle,  smooth and shiny, not rough like an older one that has be rusty and cleaned.

I'd say the tank is a relatively new old stock replacement from examining it,  not sure how that flower pot would have come loose, but I'd hate to replace the tank at this point.

MBZ must have used something to glue these flower pots down with---anybody got an idea??

[ja17]

The flower pot is held in place mechanically. The tank has metal tabs which hold the flower pot.  Some companies can cut the tank open, repair it and then weld it back together.

[jonp821]

Tabs---well that makes more sense for holding it in place than glue.   I may have to consider cutting it open---

[bsimaz]

That is exactly what I had to do.   Cut a square in the top about 14 inches square.   After that it's easy to get access to everything in there (and easy to clean too).  The little tabs look like they are tack welded on the bottom of the tank.  They poke through the bottom of the flowerpot and are bent over to hold it in place.

[bsimaz]

You can see more here...  http://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=19431.0

I took some pictures of the end result...

[jonp821]

Thanks for the pictures Bill--- I think that's the route I'm going to have to go ---open it up and take a look see just exactly what caused the flower pot to come off.

Nothing but fun ---- thanks again 

[ja17]

Be safe. Even empty gas tanks are dangerous. A spark can cause an explosion. Take it to a pro or fill the tank with water before you do any cutting or welding on it !  

[clembeauch63712]

 I had a badly rusted tank inside. However it was a very sound tank other wise; I had it reconditioned with the RENU process at a radiator shop in Glens Falls New York. Its been 2 years and no issues, They had to cut it open and fabricate a new metal flower pot due to when they bake the tank at about 450 degees it wiuld have melted the plastic one $450 and a life time warnty. and it wont rust now inside or out side.. Look on Goole for a shop near you for the service. Good Luck; Clem

[Norm]

About 4 years ago I had my fuel tank reconditioned by the local RENU dealer in Houston.  Two months ago the car started to sputter and quit running.  After a few minutes of sitting on the side of the road the car re-started only to repeat the problem a few miles down the road.  After about 6 re-starts I was able to get the car back home without the need of a tow.   I had the car taken to my mechanic who diagnosed a plugged vent canister and deterioration inside the tank that was plugging the fuel line.

I'm not saying this will happen to anyone else.  Different storage, temperature and humidity,  fuel quality, use of fuel stabilizers, and frequency of re-fueling are all factors that could contribute to this problem.  That said, I'm now a firm believer of Michael Salemi's consistent recommendation to replace the fuel tank.  The new Mercedes tank wasn't cheap but I don't want to find myself on the side of the road again waiting to see if the car will re-start.

Norm

[mdsalemi]

Here's the funny thing…everyone…

When you have [what you THINK is an uncompromised] fuel tank inside, (but believe me after 40 years it's compromised) and you repair it by cutting a patch to clean, drain, fix the flower pot or whatever, you have to get that patch welded or brazed back together. Guess what? Even with NASA certified welder or brazers you will most seriously compromise the inside seam because it is no longer galvanized or coated. It will rust in a heartbeat. With the ethanol in most US fuel, this attracts water, plus humidity is omnipresent…rust WILL happen. It will be worse than before.

If you go the renu process for $450 that's not chump change, and what you have is a serviceable--maybe--but seriously "gunked" up tank…maybe for you but I'd never do it.

As the mechanics sometimes say, "you can pay me now or pay me later"...