Old Girl's Getting Expensive...

"Long_Voyager94" (yourenotavalidusername) 10/20/2020 at 07:05 • Filed to: fuel leak, rallyvan

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After smelling a slight gas smell over the weekend, I investigated the source.

Interesting cause, my fuel tank straps rusted, but instead of rusting out, they rusted themselves into the fuel tank. Of course this lead to a hole and subsequent leaking of fuel.

Oh well, the lines are still in good shape, so I suppose I can replace the tank on my 280k mile WI vehicle.......... Still far cheaper than a car payment:

Now I just gotta get the parts ordered and get it replaced.

nerd_racing > Long_Voyager94 10/20/2020 at 07:11

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That’s exactly where they rotted on my 90 dodge shadow, my sister’s old Dynasty, and our gen 1 caravan. I’d recommend some rubber matting between the straps and the tank.

pip bip - choose Corrour > Long_Voyager94 10/20/2020 at 07:33

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but new car is shiny

:P

Long_Voyager94 > pip bip - choose Corrour 10/20/2020 at 07:43

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So is old car

Long_Voyager94 > nerd_racing 10/20/2020 at 07:44

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I mean it’s been in WI for 26 years and 280k miles, if a new tank and straps lasts 1/2 that long I’ll probably be ready to retire her anyway.

nerd_racing > Long_Voyager94 10/20/2020 at 08:45

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I’d say that sounds good to me.  My experience is aftermarket tanks rot a lot faster than OEM though.  But you clearly know more than I do about painting and coating.  I’m a total nub at that sort of thing.  No sarcasm. 

Long_Voyager94 > nerd_racing 10/20/2020 at 10:04

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I generally undercoat the tank before I put it in just for an added layer of protection.
That being said, adding a rubber strip between the straps and tank can’t hurt either ;)

Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom > pip bip - choose Corrour 10/20/2020 at 11:04

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LOL. That’s my go-to response when the subject of buying anything comes up. My friend asked me about buying a new airplane vs used even though there’s not a huge difference in price between the two for the type he’s considering. My knee-jerk reply was “But new airplane is shiny” 

Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom > Long_Voyager94 10/20/2020 at 11:04

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Not underneath it’s not..

Long_Voyager94 > Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom 10/20/2020 at 11:11

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Eh, other than the straps and the exhaust the rest of the underside still has it’s factory undercoating.

If I’m being honest I’ve seen 2 yo vehicles that look worse underneath .

Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom > Long_Voyager94 10/20/2020 at 12:17

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Hell, I’ve seen a few cars painted with undercoating over the years. Apparently more than one screwball has had the idea..

Long_Voyager94 > Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom 10/20/2020 at 12:31

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Big difference between slathering the underside in undercoating and looking at factory undercoating.