Removing Fuel Tank

[ramsesosirus]

Hey guys

Well upon inspection of the G3 filter I put in a week ago, with a new pump, and the noises/stalling of my 76 Z, I think the tank needs to be cleaned/sealed.

A local radiator shop will do this for about $125, so I'm going to do it.

How do I remove the tank, in order?

How do I get to the filler neck, and how is it attatched?

I will get some new 1/2 inch fuel line for the feed line.

What size hose can I use for the:

return line

vent lines

Thanks!

[cali260Z]

i have a 1974 260Z and i just did the same thing and it was really easy

make sure you run as much fuel as you can

jack up the back end and set jack stands up underneath

drain the remaining fuel out of the tank

disconnect the fuel feed

the fuel return

the fuel pump

fuel gauge wires

then behind the passenger side wheel well, remove the 4 screws (phillips head) that hold the splash plate in place and then you will be able to see the filler neck of the gas tank there will be 1 screw ....loosen that screw

then put a bottle jack under the fuel tank. pump it up til it touches the fuel tank.

Now loosen the saddle straps to let tank down from its craddle in car body

now there should be 3 vent hoses on the tank 2 on the top and 1 at the very driver side end( it'll be a t 90 degree angle) you will have reach up in there and loosen those screws and diconnect those hose lines............ now in my case they were super brittle and brokewhen i dropped the tank right down.

now cleaning can be as easy as taking to your local self serve car wash and blasting out the pick up tube or,...... take it in and get it boiled

I hope this helps

[Walter Moore]

I suggest that you wear goggles unless you know the car has never been driven on dirt or gravel roads. When I pulled my gas tank I had dirt falling everywhere. There must have been 5 pounds of dirt and dust on top of the tank.

[ramsesosirus]

What is the capacity of a 76 280z gas tank? ie: how much gas is in the tank, so I can buy jugs for it?? I tried running it but it dies so I can't take it out too far or fast.

Thanks for the tips! Yes, I always wear eyewear (should get goggles) under my car now. I once got super glue and gasoline in my eyes, not a fun experience either time. A hood or stocking cap helps too, I had a piece of rust almost fall in my ear last week;

What can I do to replace the vent lines that may break? Do they attatch to a steel line? Sizes?

I know MSA sells them but that is way too much for me.

I plan to have it boiled at a shop, I do ALL my own car work, I will even swap my trans, but I'll leave this to a shop. Too messy, hazardous waste, etc.. for me. Plus I just want it done, I don't have much time as I have college finals in 3 weeks. Can't screw up in college trying to get the car running!

Edited April 9, 2009 by 280ZSS

[sblake01]

17 1/8 gallons according to the FSM. Most if not all of the main fuel lines are 5/8" but it has to be rated for fuel injection. Too bad you're not closer. I bought the remains of a spool of it, about 35ft., before I left ACE hardware.

[ramsesosirus]

Isn't the tank to pump hose 1/2" I had a 1/2 inch adapter for the

G3 and had a hard time getting it on, so it must be 1/2 inch or 7/16; But the vapor lines are 5/8"?

I thought it only needed to be fuel hose behind the pump, and FI hose after the pump, where there is pressure?

You're gonna sell your cars sblake??

[sblake01]

Isn't the tank to pump hose 1/2" I had a 1/2 inch adapter for the G3 and had a hard time getting it on, so it must be 1/2 inch or 7/16; But the vapor lines are 5/8"?

I said 5/8" but I really meant to say 5/16" id which is smaller than 1/2" so that would be a tight fit on your G3. I use EFI hose for everything even return hoses. Yes, I'm going to sell my Datsuns gradually over a three year period in favor of a 2005-2006 Pontiac GTO. I've reached the point where I'm tired of working on 30+ year old cars and especially sourcing parts for them. I plan to sell one per year for the next three years starting with the truck. Who ever buys them will get quite a deal since I'm basically going to sell them for what I have in them plus they'll come with the spare parts I have for them. This is the hose I use. http://www.acehardwareoutlet.com/(j0i1jxisk1wqx0ryfkvz1fmb)/ProductDetails.aspx?SKU=4090437

Edited April 10, 2009 by sblake01

[geezer]

Yes, I'm going to sell my Datsuns gradually over a three year period in favor of a 2005-2006 Pontiac GTO.

First, I thought, hmmn...more than a week late for a April Fools joke, then I was going to say "no, say it isn't so", but I know exactly where you are coming from Stephen. Nothing wrong with your plan, which will most likely afford you some extra time to enjoy your retirement and perhaps branch out with other interests. I too have downsized since I retired and as of last week my wife has also retired, which has drastically changed my daily routine. I have two restorations underway and when I'm done, the majority of my tools & equipment will be gone too.

Sorry for the diversion, just felt the need to acknowledge what some of us may initially find unthinkable or at the very least, odd.

[Arne]

I've reached the point where I'm tired of working on 30+ year old cars and especially sourcing parts for them.

Hmm, I haven't got there yet. In fact I actually find "working on 30+ year old cars and....sourcing parts for them" to be almost as much fun as driving them. Recreational and takes my mind off work. In fact, that was the problem with the MGB - restoring it and hunting down the correct parts was much more fun than driving the finished product. Not so the Z, so I can't yet foresee the day I'll want to sell mine.

But those days do come for many of us. They're only cars, and when they fail to be entertaining, it's time to move on.

[cali260Z]

Dibs on your 280Z in 2011;) sblake01

Edited April 10, 2009 by cali260Z

[DatsunZsRule]

Yes, I'm going to sell my Datsuns gradually over a three year period in favor of a 2005-2006 Pontiac GTO. I've reached the point where I'm tired of working on 30+ year old cars and especially sourcing parts for them. I plan to sell one per year for the next three years starting with the truck. Who ever buys them will get quite a deal since I'm basically going to sell them for what I have in them plus they'll come with the spare parts I have for them.

Selling your Datsuns In Favor of a 05-06 Pontiac GTO :disappoin Did you bump your head while working under one of your Datsuns? :stupid: Doesn't sound like the stephen I thought I knew Oh well ya gotta do what ya gotta do. I think you should at least hang onto your 280Z for your fun hobby car. Now that your retired, you'll be able to really enjoy it.

Edited April 10, 2009 by DatsunZsRule

[Tim 76' 280Z]

I suggest that you wear goggles unless you know the car has never been driven on dirt or gravel roads. When I pulled my gas tank I had dirt falling everywhere. There must have been 5 pounds of dirt and dust on top of the tank.

Been there done that!:classic: