Fuel tank hose connector rusted..

Discussion in 'Mech Tech' started by Johnnyunderpants, Aug 22, 2016.

  1. Hi, i have a leak on my 1979 type 2 van coming from the 90° knuckle which the fuel hose connects to. The front of it has fallen off due to rust and the rest of it isnt too flash hence why its leaking. Is there anything i can do to fix this with tank in situ? How thick is the tank? I was thinking i could remove the rest of the rusty hose connector and drill and tap new hole in the tank and screw in a hose connector? Ive tried cleaning up the remainder of the knuckle but it still leaks, badly! Ive also put new fuel pipe throughout so its not the fuel pipe leaking. Many thanks. Nick
    johnnyunderpants
    Posts: 8
    Joined: Tue Jul 01, 2008 1:42 am
     

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  2. I would look to get a new tank if it were me. You are proposing an in situ bodge which sounds risky with fuel and fuel vapour around.
     
  3. WHS^^
     
  4. Ive just noticed you can buy a fuel tank outlet replacement kit. Not quite sure how it fits on the tank when its in situ though
     
  5. That's for earlier tanks. Later tanks had a brazed pipe. Sounds like yours has rotted around the connection.

    New/used tank time, I'm afraid.
     
    mgbman likes this.
  6. davidoft

    davidoft Sponsor

    New tank time, unless you wanna remove and weld it
     
    mgbman likes this.
  7. Faust

    Faust Supporter

    Deffo new tank ...don't bother going for second hand , there will usually be some thing not quite right .
    If you have the money treat yourself . One big advantage is you will never get any crud foiling your filter and any part of your fuel system for a long while :thumbsup:
     
    Coco and mgbman like this.
  8. I would cut the end off to see if there is any good metal nearer the tank...

    if it is on the road i would be tempted to put some jb weld on the risty bit and push the pipe on and tighten ,if it was a resto I would weld it...
     
    deadturtle likes this.
  9. I soldered a new pipe on, but I did have the tank out, and I purged it some considerable time before I applied the heat.
    Whatever you do you'll probably have to pull the tank out.
     
  10. Flakey

    Flakey Supporter

    Tank out either way, repair or replace
     
  11. The rotten outlet pipe has told you its time for a new tank. You don't want to mess about bodging the fuel system, it will let you down or worse.

    Good opportunity to replace the tank with a nice clean rust free one so no more cruddy bits to hit the carb.

    With the engine out and tank out, good time to replace anything else that needs doing like breather pipes, filler hose etc. as well as painting up the engine bay, that's what I did.

    You know its all done then.
     
  12. Type 4 engine doesn't necessarily need to come out to get tank out
     
    Flakey likes this.
  13. A company has found me a tank but its from a 68-72 camper. He told me it will fit but with a couple of mod coms. Does anyone know the difference between the two?
     
  14. It has different vent pipes on it
     
  15. Hi. Which means what? Do i have to seal them and cut new ones? I havn't the foggiest. I can remove the tank and fit a new one but no idea what i have to do to make this tank work in my van.
     
  16. matty

    matty Supporter

    It also uses a different level sensor that is not compatible with later clocks
     
  17. davidoft

    davidoft Sponsor

    You can buy brand new ones from
    VW heritage, they fit and have the correct vent pipes etc, you just need to make a cut out for the tank drain, I've fitted a few.
     
    mgbman likes this.
  18. Hi. Im having to replace my fuel tank in my 1979 bay and have got to the tank and undone everything... except the two steel straps which hold the tank in place. Done some research on the net and other vans have a worm screw that you use to tighten or untighten these steel strips. Mine has nothing! Just these two steel straps pulled tight over the tank. Only way to remove it is to cut the straps! Then of course i wont be able to use them to tighten back up when i replace it. Has anyone any ideas? I wouldnt of thought so as cutting them is the only way to remove the tank. Cheers Nick
     
  19. On mine there was a pair of nuts you get to from underneath. You need a long nosed 13 mm socket I seem to remember. Good luck - it was fiddly.:thumbsup:
     
  20. Oh right! Thanks. I gather you mean underneath the van somewhere?
     

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