gas tank problem

[nismospek]

Well while i was trying to install a new filler tube a screw fell into my gas tank.

I was wondering if there was a possibility of it getting lodged somewhere where it would cause the fuel to stop. I really don't have the time or tools at my disposal to remove the screw from inside of it. I'm gonna try a magnet to see if

i can fish it out.

[MikeW]

The magnet idea is going to be tricky since the magnet will want to stick to the tank itself more than the screw. You'll have a hard time moving it around; I believe there are baffles inside of the tank.

As always be very careful when working around the tank.

[240ZX]

Juan,

It is unlikely the screw will plug the fuel outlet line....however, stanger things have happened! The odd are, if you had to replace the filler neck, all the vent hoses on the tank likely need replacing as well. What this means is, it is best to remove the fuel tank from the car. At that time you should also inspect the tank for rust and address that as well. Rusty fuel tanks are common in these old Z's.

[nismospek]

The evap system looks to be in good shape. The fuel filler neck was cracked and thats why im in the process of replacing it. I can't drop the fuel tank because some previous owner decided to to put a a hitch and then weld a piece of metal from the hitch to where the differential is at blocking the gas tank. I don't have the tools to cut it away. Not to mention im scared of causing a spark down there. The car was rust proofed some time in its life so it has very little rust.

My plan is to use a metal wire that is semi hard so that i can actually push it around without it getting stuck.

[JimmyZ]

There is a baffle between the pickup and filler. The baffle is directly underneath the termination of the tank's "hump".

FWIW. I used a hair dyer to heat my filler neck so that it became pliable. You have to keep the plastic warm/hot as it becomes rigid quickly when the heat is removed.

Use a fan to blow the fumes away from the hair dryer as you can imagine a remote possibility of the gas fumes igniting.

[JimmyZ]

Here's a link to some pictures inside my tank...

http://warbuddies.homestead.com/gastank.html

[nismospek]

well i was successful with the magnet. I got one of those long metal tubes with the magnet at the end. My next step is to try to get that filler tube installed.

I'm having problems making it fit through the hole. Im gonna buy some of those

metal clips and heat it up to see if I can bend the rubber enough to make it fit. Any other ideas on how i can make it fit??

[geezer]

I used a Black & Decker heat gun on the low setting and slowly/evenly heated up the rubber. I was amazed at how pliable it became. Can't stress enough the need to be careful using heat in the presence of gas fumes.

[EScanlon]

The filler tube is easiest to install from inside the car.

Feed the bottom end through the floor of the inner fender panel and the upper through the back of the gas access panel cup. That's the only spot you really might use heat to help soften the rubber. But do be careful if using a heat gun, it doesn't take a lot of heating to deform rubber / plastic.

E

[nismospek]

The filler tube is easiest to install from inside the car.

Feed the bottom end through the floor of the inner fender panel and the upper through the back of the gas access panel cup. That's the only spot you really might use heat to help soften the rubber. But do be careful if using a heat gun, it doesn't take a lot of heating to deform rubber / plastic.

E

Yah, i ended up bending it toward itself and it got stuck that way, so I had to remove it and pull it outwards and reinstall it. For some reason the rubber wouldn't reach all the way till it was touching the gas tank. On the back end it felt as if it was bending slightly. I'm not sure how far down it was meant to go. I warmed it up and tried pushing it down as far as i could. I probably had a little more than an inch down the gas tank mouth and about half an inch away from the gas tank. I secured it with a metal clip. I poured a little bit of gas and nothing came out. Is there the possibility that it might undo itself?

Is it suppose to touch the gas tank?

[Mat M]

My 71 has a dual band clamp that holds the filler neck tight on the tank flange. I had to drop my tank last weekend (great father's day getaway!) There is about 1/2" between the bottom of the filler neck rubber and the top of the tank on my car. Yours may be different. IIRC, the tank flange sticks up about 2 inches.

If you do not have a clamp holding the filler neck, I strongly suggest you install one. The fuel vapor will find a way into the passenger compartment if you do not.

[nismospek]

I just wanted to make sure that the filler neck didn't actually touch the gas tank portion. I did install a clamp to hold it in place. I'll try posting some pics later today.