Rusted Fuel Tanks

[Colin Smith]

My 1988 Esprit Turbo has 1 rusted fuel tank (I know this is a common problem).

I have been told a new one will cost me £450 (UK pounds) plus fitting charges.

Having driven and owned numerous race cars over the years, my immediate thought is :

Why hasn't someone had alloy fuel tanks made ?

Even custom made they should be cheaper, they will certainly be lighter, and the rusting problem is gone for good.

So has anybody ever done this ?

I have an excellent fabricator who can make anything in alloy, so all I need now are some fuel tanks for him to work from, if anyone has any spares (rusty or otherwise) lurking in their garage ?

All comments gratefully received................

[cnh1990]

Is that what the tanks really go for?
You can get fuel cells for that over in the USA.
Most of the owners I know of just get the tanks refinished and the foam pad changed to closed cell to solve the rusting tank problem. I also have seen special bladders inflated with air and when they inflate it the bladder bonds to the inside of the tank. Have a go at the fabricators, seems like a good idea. Also which side is leaking? Is it the side with the fuel sender for the gauge?
Calvin 90 SE

[Colin Smith]

That's the price I've been quoted by SJ Sportscars for a replacement steel tank.

It's the tank to the left of the engine, as viewed from the rear of the car that's the problem.

Anyone know of a UK supplier for the tank liner solution ?

[cnh1990]

I could not find a place in the UK for the inflatable liners. It can only be installed by a shop.
I have found a place where they fix tanks and one kit product that is very popular here in the USA here are the links for the UK. Even if they are not near you Tank Renu has shops all over here and the POR15 kits are sold in many auto restoration places.
www.fuel-tank-renu.co.uk/
www.frost.co.uk/acatalog/Index_Petrol___Tanks_19.html
Calvin 90 SE

[Colin Smith]

Thanks Calvin, I appreciate your help.

I have spoken to the tank refurbishing people, and they can do my tank for under £200, and give a lifetime guarantee on it.

The POR15 product also looks interesting, any idea how it is applied? Do you have to take the tank out, or can it be done in-situ?

[cnh1990]

Hey no problem, we all want to keep our cars running well. We Lotus owners look after our own, much more than other cars. We all go through the same thing at one point or another. I'm glad out found the place. Tank Renu is a franchise type of operation in the USA and have heard many good things from car restoration people. The POR15 is for the do it yourself. In most cases to do a good job the tank is removed. I only know of one person who has done it with the tank in place. He drained and vented the tank of fumes, blocked off the fuel line with gas only in other side. His leak was towards the bottom of tank. I think he poured in the solution with a hose into the tank and then drove to a parking lot and did some violent donut manuvers to spread out the solution and then drained out the excess. It seemed to work for him but it is not something I would recomend as a fix. But then again we are talking about Dan a person with many outrageous Lotus stories. Like how needed a quarter panel mold for his crashed car so in wee hours of the morning he snuck in to the dealers lot and too the mold off an Esprit right in the lot. We still joke about that one.
Looks like you are on the right track with the lifetime guarantee.
Good Luck,
Calvin 90 SE