Is stainless fuel tank a bad idea?

[sazabi2001]

Hi:

I recently found out the fuel tank on my 911 3.2 is heavily rusty both inside and outside. The fuel pumped out from the tank is blood red so I assume it is not worth to fix.

So I searched a bit on internet and there aren't many about stainless fuel tank. Is there any particular reason that stainless fuel tank makes a bad idea? Cos I'm think whether I should build one.

[DaveMcKenz]

$$$$

[evan9eleven]

I can't imagine why it wouldn't be a good idea. Stainless is basically an intert metal and is safe for food and beer, so why not gas

Though I'm a brewer and not a metallurgist, I'd say 304SS would work, 316 would really do the job. And yes, it will be expensive, but not so much for the stainless as the fabrication time. Perhaps someone with gas tank expertise will chime in with other options.

[sazabi2001]

Hi Dave.

I'm in UK, so the price here for a fuel tank is a bit high..

A Dansk fuel tank, painted steel is around £200, reasonable price... but.

A original 911 fuel tank, £1274.79..

A RSR style plastic fuel tank, £2500+

So I think a custom made stainless steel.. if I find a local stainless steel tinker to make one for me, would be less than £1000 I guess.

[sazabi2001]

Originally Posted by evan9eleven

I can't imagine why it wouldn't be a good idea. Stainless is basically an intert metal and is safe for food and beer, so why not gas

Though I'm a brewer and not a metallurgist, I'd say 304SS would work, 316 would really do the job. And yes, it will be expensive, but not so much for the stainless as the fabrication time. Perhaps someone with gas tank expertise will chime in with other options.

That's what I'm thinking as well, using 316 steel. I took a look the tank, it don't seems to complex. And, if I don't need the wheel well it would be easier.

[JohnJL]

its not just a box though. you need to consider the baffling or swirl, vents, fittings, a level sensor that fits....

search threads here about flushing and treating it. it worked for me and others

[Charles Freeborn]

Cost.

Use proper storage methods (full tank when it's stored, clear gas & Stabil) and your tank will last for years and years (mine's 42 yrs old..)

[sazabi2001]

Took the fuel tank today, not looking very good from the outside.

[jlex]

Mere surface rust. Take off the fuel sender and look/feel the inside wall. Mine was like corn flakes it was so rusty. Local guy wanted more to fix it than for me to buy a new one. Would have had to cut it in half, sand blast it, weld it back together, coat it, etc....

Looking inside will tell the tale....

[chris_seven]

Guys,

New Dansk tanks are around $450 for an 85 Litre and they last around 30 years in all weather use so with the limited use that most 911s now get it should last 50 years.

Is it really worth mucking about for $15 a year?