Help- Fuel Tank Leaking

[Boostmeister]

Yep, tank is leaking on the '86 GN. Rusted through under one of the straps. Who makes a no hassle, fit-right replacement and are there any walk-through instructions for replacing? Any tricks I should know about? Thanks

 

[OneLethal87GN]

If you don't need a new tank there are plenty of vendors up here that part out GNs. It would be much cheaper and you know everything will fit right. Just a suggestion.

 

[norbs]

fix it with JB weld clean it tip tank upside down or get some instant epoxy at home depot, stuff is amazing! Should last a bit for now

 

[Boostmeister]

I've seen some stuff in the auto parts store that says you can stick it on even if the tank is wet, like mine is. will it work?

I tried regular gas tank repair epoxy, but it wouldn't stick. on contact with the gas, it got plenty warm and hardened in about 2 minutes.

I really just want to get by for a week. I will replace the tank as this is a daily driver and I don't want to mess around. I found a Spectra GM307C tank for $170 shipped. Of course I would prefer a genuine GN tank. Anybody?

 

[Hawaiian Turbo]

I have a tank out of my 86 T, I'm not sure on the shipping though. I'm in Hawaii.

 

[Nick Micale]

Throw it away and get a new one. Couple different aftermarket suppliers make them specifically for the turbo Buick.

 

[PEACHS]

Tanked Up

My gas tank started to rust under the strap and leak. I bought some gas tank repair epoxy from the parts store and sealed it sanded it, then painted it. It prolly had 12 pin ho;es in it. That was 10 years ago . I even went out and bought a new gas tank from GM that i still have sitting in the attic. That epoxy stuff sure works.

 

[WarpSpeed]

I vote - Get a new one.
This is common - - They rust out under the driverside strap because the strap bolt hits the frame when it's tightened (when it was installed at the factory.) Design flaw.

 

[strikeeagle]

The Spectra tank fits perfectly. Unlike the OEM tank, which has an elaborate plastic baffle to discourage fuel starvation during hard acceleration and cornering, the Spectra turbo tank (NOT the non-turbo tank) has a simple "dog dish". However, it works. Even so, you may want to keep at least a 1/4 tank in the car at all times so as not to tempt fate.

The Spectra tank comes with a new locking collar and o-ring for the sending unit. Clean the OEM sending unit flange and use plenty of Vaseline on the o-ring to keep it from ripping.

If your straps are rusty you used to be able to buy them from GM for about $5 each. I don't know if they're still available, but I wouldn't be surprised.

Note the orientation of the rubber insulators before you remove the tank.

I clean the rubber insulators between the tank and straps using warm, soapy water, both sides, then dry them. Check the staples that hold the velcro on the insulators and repair or replace as necessary. I "grease" the insulators using WD-40 or some other type of light oil - dry insulators are very tacky and do not slide at all. This makes the tank go up easier and keeps the water out after it's up, helping discourage rust and a repeat of your current problem.

Make sure the old tank is empty when you drop it and have a buddy help you R&R it.

 

[turbo nasty]

I just went through this.
Remove the tank, clean up rust(handheld wire brush NOT WITH A DRILL) really well, contact cleaner/brake clean the areas of repair, then patch with JVB Weld epoxy puddy/stick, paint over the areas that come in contact with the straps with a very good rust proofer. I used the Eastwood rust encapsulator and it has held up perfectly. The tank is sealed fine, prep will be the key for the epoxy, etc to stick.

Good luck

 

[Boostmeister]

Thanks for all the info. I'm trying the JB weld stuff now to get me going. Then I'll get a solid tank and R&R later. One thing though, the rubber band tghat was by the leak has swelled up and distorted from the gas, are these common to regulat regals and other g-bodies, or special?

 

[turbo nasty]

Put the distorted part of the strap on top.

 

[PEACHS]

rusted tank

The cause of my tank getting rust pin holes was from road sand getting lodged inbetween the rubber strap and gas tank. The gas should evaporate out of the rubber strap and return to normal size. That gas tank epoxy fix did wonders for 4.00 bux.