Tank corrosion | FerrariChat

Tank corrosion

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

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

  1. alhbln

    alhbln Formula 3 Consultant Owner

    Joined:
    Mar 4, 2008
    Messages:
    1,749
    Location:
    Berlin, Germany
    Full Name:
    Adrian
    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?
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    alhbln, Apr 4, 2011
    #1
  2. swift53

    swift53 F1 Veteran Rossa Subscribed

    Joined:
    Nov 17, 2007
    Messages:
    8,304
    Location:
    E.S.
    Full Name:
    Alberto
    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
     
    swift53, Apr 4, 2011
    #2
  3. daviekj

    daviekj Formula Junior Silver Subscribed

    Joined:
    May 9, 2008
    Messages:
    486
    Location:
    UK
    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
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    daviekj, Apr 4, 2011
    #3
  4. alhbln

    alhbln Formula 3 Consultant Owner

    Joined:
    Mar 4, 2008
    Messages:
    1,749
    Location:
    Berlin, Germany
    Full Name:
    Adrian
    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
     
    alhbln, Apr 4, 2011
    #4
  5. GermanDino

    GermanDino F1 Rookie

    Joined:
    Aug 14, 2007
    Messages:
    3,488
    Location:
    Germany
    Full Name:
    Matthias
    I never found any holes in my tanks, that looks like a strainer...
    I would blame it to E10 petrol
    ;-)
     
    GermanDino, Apr 5, 2011
    #5
  6. alhbln

    alhbln Formula 3 Consultant Owner

    Joined:
    Mar 4, 2008
    Messages:
    1,749
    Location:
    Berlin, Germany
    Full Name:
    Adrian
    Tanks have had their bottom section replaced to avoid any future surprises. Interesting to see what was lurking below the paint though.
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    alhbln, Apr 14, 2011
    #6
  7. HMB-Dino

    HMB-Dino Formula 3 Silver Subscribed

    Joined:
    Jun 28, 2010
    Messages:
    2,283
    Location:
    Pebble Beach, CA
    Full Name:
    RonG
    So did the color of fuel tanks vary over the years? Some in this thread are gold, mine are silver...
     
    HMB-Dino, Apr 14, 2011
    #7
  8. alhbln

    alhbln Formula 3 Consultant Owner

    Joined:
    Mar 4, 2008
    Messages:
    1,749
    Location:
    Berlin, Germany
    Full Name:
    Adrian
    My tanks ('72 E Series) had still the original paint job, which was beige (light brown).
     
    alhbln, Apr 14, 2011
    #8
  9. dignini

    dignini Formula 3

    Joined:
    Aug 21, 2005
    Messages:
    1,348
    Location:
    NJ
    Full Name:
    Luigi Marazzi
    Me too
     
    dignini, Apr 14, 2011
    #9
  10. simonc

    simonc Formula Junior

    Joined:
    Nov 1, 2003
    Messages:
    884
    Location:
    Herfordshire, UK
    Full Name:
    Simon Campbell
    My tanks are silver - 73 E-series #05898
     
    simonc, Apr 15, 2011
    #10
  11. alhbln

    alhbln Formula 3 Consultant Owner

    Joined:
    Mar 4, 2008
    Messages:
    1,749
    Location:
    Berlin, Germany
    Full Name:
    Adrian
    Quick question, i forgot to take a look when removing them, where do get the tanks their ground (earth) connection from?
     
    alhbln, May 5, 2011
    #11

Share This Page