79 SC fuel tank ?s

OldTee · 03-14-2004, 05:57 PM

My fuel tank has a large allen in the bottom center. Is this a drain? What is the size of the allen?

Bottom line. I am going to remove the tank in a few weeks and this plug is inviting if in fact it is a drain.

AFJuvat · 03-14-2004, 05:59 PM

Yes, it is a drain, 22mm They are in there pretty tight, me careful not to strip it out when trying to remove it. Be prepared for a rush of gasoline.

AFJuvat

OldTee · 03-14-2004, 06:14 PM

Thanks, now where do I find a 22mm allen? Probably not at Sears. Might have to mortgage the house and go to Snapon.

AFJuvat · 03-14-2004, 06:16 PM

Snap-on just started producing a 22mm that fits on a 1/2" socket. Think they retail for $25.00 each

AFJuvat

Mike Kast · Mike Kast's Garage

Use a big bolt and grind it down to fit. Then double nut it and use a ratchet. It will only cost a couple of bucks and works perfectly. I bet that will be the general concensus. Jack up the car as high as you can siphon the tank through the sending unit hole. Thats the only place you can get a peek inside the tank anyway.
You know what? I drained the last bit by disconecting the hose that runs to the fuel pump. It was way less hairy than pulling the screen plug first. There will be a couple of quarts left in there after you siphon all you can. I think Souk lets the pump do the work and catches the fuel in the engine compartment before the filter.

pjv911 · pjv911's Garage

Get a 22mm nut and weld it to a shortened bolt. Then use a socket on the bolt. Or if the nut sticks out enough simply use a socket on it directly.

Kurt Williams

Mike Kast · Mike Kast's Garage

weld it? come on now... we're not all machinists here

pjv911 · pjv911's Garage

I guess your right but most of us who work on our own cars do have tools and know how to use them. Mig welders could be had for under $400.00 these days . Every do it yourselfer should have one.

Kurt Williams

Mike Kast · Mike Kast's Garage

you don't have to rub it in! lol. One day my friend one day. I'll have a sandblaster first though

Jim Sims · 03-14-2004, 07:54 PM

You don't need no "stinking welder"

to make this tool; make it from a 12mm x 30 mm long hex head cap screw with two 12 mm hex nuts (the outside hex is 22mm on these nuts). Screw on the two nuts and jam tightly together with a couple of wrenches.

Jim