New S3 Fuel tank in alli

[mwbs3]

Hi

I didnt like the cost of replacement fuel tanks and have had one made in alli for my S3.
This came complete with the replacement brackets and fuel sender all up for £300 plus vat and delivery.
Its slightly smaller as alli comes in 1m wide sheets.

Anybody interested in further info ?

Mark

[JonnyGrant]

yeah i am interested in further info, my sender unit is not working and the tank is all rusty.
Is it easy to fit? jonnyg

[nawarne]

I'd be interested in an ally tank.
Have you got yours? What gauge aluminium are they using? What are you going to do about the 'joint' between the cradle angles and the tank? (thinking about galvanic action here.)

Will you post some photos and a contact address/phone number?
Nick

[MWBS3]

Hi Jonny & Nick

The fitting problems are not really an issue - its getting the bolts out of the old frame / chassis which is the challenge - also need to have the exhaust off. Once released just lower the tank down - I used a trolley jack. ( assumes the car is up on jacks )
The fuel pipe to pump actually fell in half when removed - if its old or original a new one is a must.

ref electrolytic action the maker didnt think this would be a problem but if in doubt I would suggest using nylon washers or some other insulator.

The thickness ( I would need to check ) is 2mm from memory.

If you wish to contact me Im [e-mail]

Cheers

Mark

[spludge]

Mine had a new ally tank fitted about 3 years ago. I've just dropped the cradle to paint it and cannot see any evidence of corrosion to the tank. It sits on a rubber pad on the cradle and the securing straps have rubber strips around them so the tank isn't in direct contact with any other metals. Wouldn't expect galvanic corrosion.

[GreenV8S]

Are you filling it with anti-surge foam while you're at it?

[V8Smith]

I would like details mate, I am going to need a new tank soon, so might be an option.

Cheers

Mike

[V8Smith]

Mark, YHM

Mike

[V8Smith]

Mark, I need to order the fuel tank ASAP so would like to know the details if possible, can you please send me the details over??

Cheers

Mike

[profstoff]

nawarne said:

What are you going to do about the 'joint' between the cradle angles and the tank? (thinking about galvanic action here.)

Nick
I'm not an expert but my reading of it is that aluminium is the more anodic so would be the one to corrode but it forms a passive layer of aluminium oxide which prevents further corrosion. So as long as there is nothing that might damage the passive layer it should be okay. It would be wise to fit it using rubber anywhere where the aluminum surface might get scratched.

Edited by profstoff on Friday 16th February 07:22

[jed-s]

Alluminium fuel tanks are used in Westfields and load of cars of that style. I had a Westfield that was used as sole daily transport for many years by a previous owner (at least 56k miles - that was when the speedo packed up) and there was no significant corrosion of the tank or supports. Just the usual minor surface corrosion on the tank that you'd expect from exposure to salted roads.