a cheaper solution wanted

[Zhead]

Hello everyone, I'm looking for some advice to solve my problem.

I was having leaks when gas was pumped... it was the plastic filler tube (the one on my avatar). So when I pulled off it the flexible part came out in pieces

When searching for the new replacement part, I find it for 100+shipping . Too expensive for me, call me what you want, but I will prefer a cheaper doit yourself solution to tackle this problem. the rigid plastic piece seems o.k. the lower flexible plastic piece it's all rotted

Do anyone out there had the same problem?

Can the filler neck from a 280zx work?

Where to look for a cheaper new part?

Don't want to buy a used one from another 240z, probably they will be rotted too.

I'll appreciate all of your Zknowledge, Thanks

[gema]

Couldn't you just get a piece of flexible plastic tubing and somehow bond it at the end? Of course, this tubing wouldn't be harmed/altered by gasoline...hmm...good question, but I'm sure there's a feasible fix.

[hls30.com]

I feel your pain-I am working on my '72-finally shiney side down! and had the same portion crumble when I dropped the tank. I am thinking about a couple of different options: (in no particular order)

A)making a fiberglass or composite piece and using two pieces of rubber sleeve(and clamps) at the ends.

trimming up the original tube and cutting a piece of suitable flex hose to extend it, using MEK or a suitable solvent to bond the two pieces of tubing together.

c) Using a piece of silicone Intercooler hose for a replacement and splicing in the smaller hoses with hard nipples(Contain your excitement-you pervs!) sealed with silicone.

d) spend the money, time, and energy to buy a new one, sacrifice it to make a casting of the tube, and reproduce a cheeper copy much like MikeW did so successfully on the glove box.

I am at least 60 days from needing the part, and I have more than plenty to do in the meantime.

Will

[wal280z]

Where to look for a cheaper new part?

Try your local junkyard.... I was removing the taillight off a late model 'stang and that baby looked just like the one for our Z.....

Flexible on both ends.... stretch to fit.... is it worth a try?

If I needed one, I would have grabbed it and given you a 'for sure' answer, but it's only specualtion on my part.

Wayne

[EScanlon]

I don't want to over-react and act like a 500 hairy ape going ape-sh!t for the lack of banana's, but

ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR FRIGGING MIND?????

Ok, back to reality.

That $100 may be steep, in fact it is and unfortunately for us, that's the current going price. In a few years it may be twice or three times that.

Next, that is a VITAL, as in CRITICALLY VITAL part of the fuel system.

Don't think so? Try leaving a gas station with a one gallon can WITHOUT the cap on it.

That hose is what allows you to carry the fuel in a closed system. If you go around a corner, it accepts the sloshing around of the fuel without allowing it to flow out. Additionally, it has the hoses to finish your fuel vapor system.

Then again, you would rather drive a molotov coctail around. The reason that hose is flexible is to allow the tank and the body to flex. The reason it is in ONE piece is so that the stress of flexing doesn't separate them and allow the fuel to escape.

Frankly, I would want to know if someone had monkeyed with the fuel inlet hose, BEFORE I got in that car.

Now, if you want, chop out the lower third of your right rear fender, and put an end of metal tube cap, like those used on the late 50's pick-ups, or on the necks of the tractor trailer diesel tanks, but don't skimp here.

Heck, even a used one is better than someone's Rube Goldberg Fix.

3¢

Enrique

[Zedrally]

I had a similar problem, however mine was a split in the hose.

Some that read this may think of the solution as being inadequate, however, I gave it much thought.

With the tank out, I removed the hose and throughly cleaned the outside and dried it.

Then I coated the outside of the hose with a layer of black silicon sealent AND proceded to wrap roller bamdage around the split, carefully applying more silicon as required.

Once dried, It porved to be effective, has lasted over 4 years to this date.

Frankly, I had no idea if it would work or not at the time I did this and suspect that now I have written this up it will fail tonight.

Regards

MOM

[hls30.com]

Obviously some answers are right for some people and some are not. Just because one person does not feel that an answer from 30 years ago with an obvious deteriation problem(?) is the better value against the application of todays technology does not necessarily mean that there is a screw loose!

Innovation is more frequently born from shade trees than from conglomerates, especially when 30 year old discontinued cars come into play. Is $100 to much for a part that lasts 30 years? No. Is 30 year old technology the most cost effective answer given the advances in polymer engineering? No-I seriously doubt there is one Z in this club that is still running OE tires. They are still available, but no one uses them, they cost more, and they don't hold the road as well-was I just talking about advances in polymer engineering?

Do you make a part you know you will need when it is convenient, or wait until the car can't move and the part is NLA to stop you cold until you do? Sounds kind of like preventative maintenance to me!

Will

[Gav240z]

For what it's worth I passionately hate cheap fixes in general they often cause more trouble than they are worth.

Just fork out the cash and buy the OEM product I know it sucks but that's what happens when you own something unique. You think it's any cheaper for newer car parts not really try the same amount of money for a 89 corolla intake rubber.

If you can find a good second hand 1 then that's ok I guess but your always running the risk of having to replace again in a couple of years.

My moto time is money so you will be saving money by paying more now

[Gav240z]

just had a quick read again if you can fabricate something that does the same job as the OEM product and can be used with Gasoline or petroleum products than by all means go for it just make sure whatever it is fits correctly like the OEM product.

I should read the whole post before posting sometimes.

[hls30.com]

You're all right mate! Nothing loose in the upper paddock!

Will

[Gav240z]

Thanks for the re-assurance

[beandip]

I can't believe someone would want to burn up there car and likely the garage they park it in , to save a couple of bucks. I also cant imagine some one risking driving a roman candel. There are things we can cut corners on but anything dealing with fuel , in this manner , is down right foolhardy. If you cannot afford $100. for a part , you cannot afford to own the car . I will bet the radio and sound systime was more than that. I have seen first hand what a person looks like that has burned to death . Believe me you dont forget it.