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Tank corrosion

Discussion in '206/246' started by alhbln, Apr 4, 2011.

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  1. alhbln

    alhbln Formula 3
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    Adrian
    #1 alhbln, Apr 4, 2011
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Found out that both my tanks have small holes (6-8 in each) in the bottom after removing the paint and dirt. Looks like the thick paint layer kept the fuel in. See also the inside of one of the tank, looks like a bit of rust? No idea why an aluminium tank would corrode that way, any idea?

    Would it be sufficient to just weld the holes shut? Or should the bottom panel be cut out and replaced?
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  2. swift53

    swift53 F1 Veteran
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    #2 swift53, Apr 4, 2011
    Adrian, you can test the integrity of the bottom of the tank, very gently, with an ice pick.
    If it penetrates easily, replace the complete bottom, if not, a good welder can perform the repairs.
    Regards, Alberto
     
  3. daviekj

    daviekj Formula Junior
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    #3 daviekj, Apr 4, 2011
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Adrian,

    I don't see there are any issues either way, however, your holes look a little large and numerous to be filled with weld. I suspect you may end up struggling to prevent blowing a larger hole with the held. A new bottom section may be more practical and robust.

    I attach some photos of the corrosion I had in mine. The pits were not bad enough to require welding. I got rid of the oxidation carefully with a small Dremel bit before priming.

    Did you come across any painted numbers on your tanks?

    Kevin
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  4. alhbln

    alhbln Formula 3
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    #4 alhbln, Apr 4, 2011
    Alberto & Kevin, thanks for the input! I didnt notice a number on the tanks but then again they were a bit dirty to say the least. Did anyone replace the bottom on their tanks and can report about the work included? I am a bit hesitant as there is a dividing wall (baffle plate) inside which seems to have been installed at the factory before the two halves were welded together.

    Cheers,
    Adrian
     
  5. GermanDino

    GermanDino F1 Rookie

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    #5 GermanDino, Apr 5, 2011
    I never found any holes in my tanks, that looks like a strainer...
    I would blame it to E10 petrol
    ;-)
     
  6. alhbln

    alhbln Formula 3
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    #6 alhbln, Apr 14, 2011
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Tanks have had their bottom section replaced to avoid any future surprises. Interesting to see what was lurking below the paint though.
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  7. HMB-Dino

    HMB-Dino Formula 3
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    #7 HMB-Dino, Apr 14, 2011
    So did the color of fuel tanks vary over the years? Some in this thread are gold, mine are silver...
     
  8. alhbln

    alhbln Formula 3
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    #8 alhbln, Apr 14, 2011
    My tanks ('72 E Series) had still the original paint job, which was beige (light brown).
     
  9. dignini

    dignini Formula 3

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    #9 dignini, Apr 14, 2011
    Me too
     
  10. simonc

    simonc Formula Junior

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    #10 simonc, Apr 15, 2011
    My tanks are silver - 73 E-series #05898
     
  11. alhbln

    alhbln Formula 3
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    #11 alhbln, May 5, 2011
    Quick question, i forgot to take a look when removing them, where do get the tanks their ground (earth) connection from?
     

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