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deformed SMC tank?

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1badwe4

New Member
Joined
Dec 2, 2006
Messages
13
Over the course of the last couple weeks or so, I have noticed fluid under my car from some sort of leak. I immediately assumed that it was either transmission fluid, or engine oil. Upon closer inspection, it was not engine oil, and did not seem like tranny fluid either.

Today I took a closer look at where it was coming from. I saw that it dripped down the passenger side fender from the engine bay. Then I noticed that my methanol level was quite low considering I just filled it up.

By looking at the SMC methanol tank, it was obvious that there is a leak from the top of the tank. I don't know how it gets out of the top - perhaps evaporation/condensation/sloshing, but all I know is that it is for sure escaping from the lid.

This is a relatively new tank that I got a few months back, but now also notice that "lip" that the cap screws onto is deformed. The cap will not screw down all the way, and I can just pull it off even when "threaded." I assume that this is caused by the proximity of the tank and the turbo whose heat must deform it. However, this should not be happening because it is not only a nuisance, but is also dangerous since methanol is highly flammable.

So I come to you with this question...what should I do? Demand a new tank from SMC, look into other tank options, etc? I don't really have a problem getting a new tank besides the hassle of shipping, etc, but am mostly worried about preventing this from happening again. Is there some sort of heat shield that I could put around the meth tank? I also plan on getting a turbo blanket in place of the OEM turbo heatshield. Perhaps also wrapping the downpipe and spray it with high temp coating...

Any and all suggestions are welcome. Hope this makes sense...

I can also take pictures to help explain if my description is not clear enough.
 
I'd like to see some pics of where you mounted the tank. I would call SMC, I thinkhis name is Mike. I accidentally ran rubbing alcy instead of denatured like a total moron and it burned the motor in the tank up. He replaced the motor in the tank for FREE! I think he may have paid shipping back to me. Not sure, but I think he will cover you, especially since you just bought it. I didn't contact him for over 2 years laterafter buying my kit. He also provided me with a free nozzle for the up pipe when I changed over to a bigger up pipe. I think he will help you out. Give them a call.
 
I'd like to see some pics of where you mounted the tank. I would call SMC, I thinkhis name is Mike. I accidentally ran rubbing alcy instead of denatured like a total moron and it burned the motor in the tank up. He replaced the motor in the tank for FREE! I think he may have paid shipping back to me. Not sure, but I think he will cover you, especially since you just bought it. I didn't contact him for over 2 years laterafter buying my kit. He also provided me with a free nozzle for the up pipe when I changed over to a bigger up pipe. I think he will help you out. Give them a call.
Yea, I remember talking to him - extremely nice guy. The reason I got this tank in the first place is because my old one was one of the original prototypes and wayy out of date. Replaced everything free of charge.

I'll try to get pics within the next hour or so to help explain my predicament.
 
here are some pics of the tank and the problem area..

buick001.jpg

^^note: proximity to turbo and dp

buick002.jpg

^^note: level down about 1 inch from last time I checked with NO driving...

buick004.jpg

^^note: distortion of "lip" where cap screws on

buick007.jpg

^^leaked methanol

buick008.jpg

^^another shot from above showing distortion/deformation

hope these help a bit...
 
Forward these pics to SMC, I would think you'd get a new tank. It doesn't even look like a heat problem, but a bad tank to begin with.
 
Pretty common place for everyone's alky tank and people aren't melting them. Looks like the tank was either molded wrong or maybe the cap was forced on crooked.
 
Those tanks are made by GM. As posted above..

Contact Steve for support with his system.
 
My tank did the EXACT same thing......I wrapped the neck with a piece of electrical tape, cap fits very tight and no leaks...

I'm was thinking I caused it, since I did not notice it until I spilled alcohol all over the outside of tank.?.. Could that have caused the thin plastic threads to "deform"..??...
 
My tank did the EXACT same thing......I wrapped the neck with a piece of electrical tape, cap fits very tight and no leaks...

I'm was thinking I caused it, since I did not notice it until I spilled alcohol all over the outside of tank.?.. Could that have caused the thin plastic threads to "deform"..??...
Glad to hear that I'm not the only one with this problem. Thanks for the tip about the electrical tape. I will use that as a temporary fix.

I've never forced the cap on, and spilling alcohol from time to time is a given with such a small opening, so that shouldn't cause it, but that plus the heat could do this I suppose. I will email and/or call SMC this weekend and let everyone know what they have to say.
 
Hey guys, what is the fitting with the two wires coming out? Is it a level sensor? That is a allot smaller than my sensor if that is what it is?
Sorry for butting in here but I just had to ask.

paul
 
Hey guys, what is the fitting with the two wires coming out? Is it a level sensor? That is a allot smaller than my sensor if that is what it is?
Sorry for butting in here but I just had to ask.

paul

pretty sure thats what it it
 
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