Stripping gas tank found a screw in top?

Number1_dog · 07-27-2010, 04:52 AM

I purchased a used gas tank for my 911SC and noticed some rust on the underside flange of the edge and so proceeded to strip off the rubber undercoating on the tank. The only thing I found that worked well was a 4 inch wire brush on the end of my drill.

On the top of the tank, on the side opposite the filler neck, I found a small hump that was covered with the same grey undercoating as the rest of the tank, when I took off the undercoating I found a small philips head screw in the tank. There is absolutely no rust around the screw and when I removed it there was a small round clear plastic piece in the tank that the screw went into?

Is this something Porsche did or was it a prior owner?

Should I braze the hole shut or leave it as is?

Thanks for you advice you have.
dog

Joeaksa · 07-27-2010, 05:03 AM

A picture would help.

Bob Kontak · Bob Kontak's Garage

The clear plastic piece tells me it ain't Porsche. Someone may have mounted a CD changer or other something-or-other

Since it is out I would have it brazed then re-coat the textured stuff. There will be a cost to prep it (tank boil?) for brazing but it would be worth it to me. I suspect you could use a petroleum proof epoxy but I would always be leery if it is holding.

Zeke · 07-27-2010, 05:00 PM

Why not just put the screw back? Run a ground wire so it looks official.

Number1_dog · 07-28-2010, 04:15 AM

Took pictures last night, they are still in the camera sitting in the garage.

I took a better look at it and it isn't a plastic piece, it is a metal piece that the screw goes into and looks like it belongs there, could it be for a ground?

Bob Kontak · Bob Kontak's Garage

I like Milt's idea best.

vash · vash's Garage

i had my gas tank cleaned. they had to drill a hole for some reason..i asked. cant for the life of me remember why..i think it was to pour the sealant? or to blow vent air? he showed it to me, when i picked it up.

it was as you described..plastic plug with a screw in it.

EDIT!! i remember! it was to drain the excess sealant..the plug was in a low spot..a corner so that they could lean it up and drain all the excess!!

Number1_dog · 07-29-2010, 09:13 AM

I took Milt's advice and put the screw back in.

dshepp806 · dshepp806's Garage

Good info.

Thanks,

Doyle

1979 930 · 1979 930's Garage

I don't think i would use it as a electrical ground!!!

Number1_dog · 07-30-2010, 05:09 AM

I didn't use it as a ground, just put the screw back in and started re-coating the tank, using Eastwood products.

Here is a picture of the screw, as I said it is on the top on the left side and should not be a problem.

ppanagis@gmail. · ppanagis@gmail.'s Garage

I had my gas tank redone 2 years ago. They did not need to drill a hole in it. If the tank is out and clean can't you just have it welded?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v468/patpan/DSC01142.jpg

brd · brd's Garage

Oooohhh... Be careful with the idea of welding. It's very difficult to get ALL fuel vapour from the tank and I've heard a few stories of tanks going boom. Brazing could be an option.