Fuel Tank Question

[mfiazzo]

Hi All,

I seem to have many issues with my 1978 911SC either when my gas is running low or when I just filled up my tank.

The car will act up, run rough, almost stall etc....

This leads me to believe the inside of my tank is nasty.

Where is the best place to source a replacement tank? Our host does not have them.

Is there a plastic version available?

Thanks!

[irl]

I would think a 78 shouldnt be too bad to completely scrap. Check out my pinterest boards of tank threads.
911 Porsche fuel tank info

[mfiazzo]

Hi Eddie,

Thanks for the info. This looks to be a pretty heavy lift cutting the tank open. how long did it take you?

[timmy2]

I would take a look inside the tank first. Pull the sender and shine a flashlight in there.
May just need the bottom screen cleaned.

[irl]

Those are others posts I collected but I seriously wouldnt cut the tank open. Unless your car has been sitting in field for years unused I doubt you problems are really too bad for a 78. And if is was bad, there are plenty of part-outs of cars where you could pick one up reasonably. Read some of the links I collected. Drain it and look inside, with a great care and a fire extinguisher.

[Sunroof]

Start by replacing your fuel filter. You can then very carefully cut open the older filter to see what its catching. If the fuel filter was filthy see if the new filter helps the problem (at least temporarily).

Remove the fuel level sending unit on the tank and use a flashlight to look inside. Safety first when dealing with vapors!!!!!!!!!!!!!!You have just enough of a viewing port to see the bottom of the tank with the light. Sludge? Scale? Rust?

Their must be hundreds of threads on fuel tanks here with dozens of remedies. Its easy to remove a tank after draining. Many get the tanks cleaned out via a radiator shop where they dunk and boil them. The interior of the tanks can be coated and the exterior refurbished.

Do your homework on this one by searching and reading these threads to educate yourself on the tanks. No need to spend a fortune on a new one unless you have damage so extensive (rust and perforation) you have no choice.

I went through this several years ago and learned the hard way!! Sooner or later the fuel tanks on these older cars have to be addressed.

[mfiazzo]

Thanks all for the advise, I will try some of these over the weekend.

Last year I had to go through a WUR rebuild because of blockage. I have been diligent replacing the fuel filter every year. I never tried carefully cutting it open to see what it was catching though.

After some on line research, I was able to find a Dansk reproduction fuel tank for $355.00, which I thought was reasonable. Worst case after looking this weekend will be to order the replacement. I am hesitant to keep driving it as it may cause more damage the the fuel injection system.

I will keep you posted