83 fuel tank replacement
09-07-2011, 05:50 AM
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83 fuel tank replacement
guys my 83 2wd developed a gas leak, and try as I might I wasn't able to find the exact spot, it would only leak while driving and gas was sloshing around. I went looking for a replacement and could not find a new tanks except for one website and they wanted $700, for it.
Since my 22r has a carb and a mechanical fuel pump, the tank really did not need to be fancy. I did however want it to be safe and thought the stock location was ideal. After looking at several only places I started looking for an 84 tank which is the next generation, the measurements on the tank seemed identical. I took a chance and ordered one for $143 with shipping, turns out its the same tank. The site listed it as a 17 gallon, but I do not think my tank was that big to begin with. Everything was a bolt up match and could not have been better.
I drilled out the fuel gauge and pickup screws, (carefully) and the new tank came with seals and screws for both. I also painted the tank with some rubberized undercoat paint,and I'm back in business. I wanted to replace the screen for the fuel pickup, but it is round and I wasn't able to find that part, I cleaned it and it still looked fine. The old tank was clean inside, I didn't find any rust like I was expecting, the hole originated on the outside and rusted in on the back lower side, where the extra metal is used to support the mounting area.
Long story short if you have an 80-83 and your looking for a tank, try an 84-88, just make sure to get the right one, carb, or fuel injected, as that makes a difference in the size of holes for the fuel pickup, the fuel injected one is much larger.
Hope this helps the next guy out.
Since my 22r has a carb and a mechanical fuel pump, the tank really did not need to be fancy. I did however want it to be safe and thought the stock location was ideal. After looking at several only places I started looking for an 84 tank which is the next generation, the measurements on the tank seemed identical. I took a chance and ordered one for $143 with shipping, turns out its the same tank. The site listed it as a 17 gallon, but I do not think my tank was that big to begin with. Everything was a bolt up match and could not have been better.
I drilled out the fuel gauge and pickup screws, (carefully) and the new tank came with seals and screws for both. I also painted the tank with some rubberized undercoat paint,and I'm back in business. I wanted to replace the screen for the fuel pickup, but it is round and I wasn't able to find that part, I cleaned it and it still looked fine. The old tank was clean inside, I didn't find any rust like I was expecting, the hole originated on the outside and rusted in on the back lower side, where the extra metal is used to support the mounting area.
Long story short if you have an 80-83 and your looking for a tank, try an 84-88, just make sure to get the right one, carb, or fuel injected, as that makes a difference in the size of holes for the fuel pickup, the fuel injected one is much larger.
Hope this helps the next guy out.
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02-25-2024, 09:12 PM
#9
Hey just found this thread. Im in a similar situation. I have a 83 long bed and removed my fuel tank and Ive been thinking redkoting it and all but seems like a lot of work. And for $150 i see a tank that looks identical online. I think i might pull the trigger on it. Was jusr curious when you drilled the holes did you need to tap them or was the hole good enough for the screws to thread?
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