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Topic: Warning about the gas tank (Read 2376 times) previous topic - next topic

Warning about the gas tank

The pan that feeds the fuel pump broke off the brackets and was moving around inside the tank.  This caused the strainer to tear and let a bunch of dirt in my walbro.

My solution was to replace it with my other bird's tank.  When I took it off I noticed one of the brackets was broken and it wiggled a bit too.  I fully cleaned the tank and sealed it back with some liquid steel. (resistant to gas)

I just wanted to let everyone know it might be time to get a new tank.  Seems like this is a common problem.
2013 Focus (Daily)
1968 Cougar XR7
1987 Turbo Coupe
5 Speed, Stock IHI, Aeromotive 340LPH, Stinger 3in DP w/Magnaflow 3in Race Series ler, Hallman Boost Controller, Corbeau Fixed Back Racing Seats, Rebuilt 35# Injectors, Kirban AFPR, Stinger's Front Mount Piping w/Big NPR Front Mount IC, 3/8 E-85 Fuel Lines, SPEC Stage 3+ Clutch, Explorer 4.0 Dual Core Radiator, Optima Red Top Battery
1988 Turbo Coupe (RIP)
1984 Cougar (RIP) :cougarsmily:
1986 Cougar XR7 5 Speed.  (sold)

Warning about the gas tank

Reply #1
Well, they ARE over two decades old. They can be found really reasonable on Ebay...even after shipping. I'm getting one next year. I have paint to deal with right now.
'88 Sport--T-5,MGW shifter,Trick Flow R intake,Ed Curtis cam,Trick Flow heads,Scorpion rockers,75mm Accufab t-body,3G,mini starter,Taurus fan,BBK long tube headers,O/R H-Pipe, Flowamaster Super 44's, deep and deeper Cobra R wheels, Mass Air and 24's,8.8 with 3.73's,140 mph speedo,Mach 1 chin spoiler,SN-95 springs,CHE control arms,aluminum drive shaft and a lot more..

Warning about the gas tank

Reply #2
Several companies make new gas tanks that seem to be well built.  I hope this one holds for a while.
2013 Focus (Daily)
1968 Cougar XR7
1987 Turbo Coupe
5 Speed, Stock IHI, Aeromotive 340LPH, Stinger 3in DP w/Magnaflow 3in Race Series ler, Hallman Boost Controller, Corbeau Fixed Back Racing Seats, Rebuilt 35# Injectors, Kirban AFPR, Stinger's Front Mount Piping w/Big NPR Front Mount IC, 3/8 E-85 Fuel Lines, SPEC Stage 3+ Clutch, Explorer 4.0 Dual Core Radiator, Optima Red Top Battery
1988 Turbo Coupe (RIP)
1984 Cougar (RIP) :cougarsmily:
1986 Cougar XR7 5 Speed.  (sold)

Warning about the gas tank

Reply #3
Vinnie,
Are the ones you are seeing on Ebay new or used?

Carl,
Can you give us a couple of the companies' names that build the new tanks?

Darren

83 351W TKO'd T-Bird on the bottle


93 331 Mustang Coupe - 368 rwhp

Warning about the gas tank

Reply #4
I know I started a thread about this a while back. I found a gas tank 3 years ago for like $105 new from SPI or STI distribution in Worcester Mass. I have the receipt at home, I'll look it up when I get home and repost. Good Tank, never had any problems with it.

Warning about the gas tank

Reply #5
A general list of companies that make new tanks, and pricing.

http://www.partstrain.com/ShopByDepartment/Fuel_Tank/FORD/THUNDERBIRD/1987

A Dorman Tank.  Seems like a good buy.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/RNB-576-132/

For your 83 bird the gas tank is different.  Make sure you change the year on the website.
2013 Focus (Daily)
1968 Cougar XR7
1987 Turbo Coupe
5 Speed, Stock IHI, Aeromotive 340LPH, Stinger 3in DP w/Magnaflow 3in Race Series ler, Hallman Boost Controller, Corbeau Fixed Back Racing Seats, Rebuilt 35# Injectors, Kirban AFPR, Stinger's Front Mount Piping w/Big NPR Front Mount IC, 3/8 E-85 Fuel Lines, SPEC Stage 3+ Clutch, Explorer 4.0 Dual Core Radiator, Optima Red Top Battery
1988 Turbo Coupe (RIP)
1984 Cougar (RIP) :cougarsmily:
1986 Cougar XR7 5 Speed.  (sold)

Warning about the gas tank

Reply #6
The tank that Dorman shows for an 83 5.0 Bird is incorrect as far as I know.  It shows an 18 gallon fuel tank and I am pretty sure I have put 20+ gallons in the tank on my '83 on several occasions.  Is the tank for an '86 the same as an '83?

Darren

83 351W TKO'd T-Bird on the bottle


93 331 Mustang Coupe - 368 rwhp

Warning about the gas tank

Reply #7
The V8 and V6 Tbird had a 22 Gallon Tank.

The Turbo Coupe pre 1987 had an 18 Gallon Tank.

They should both bolt right up, hell.. the fuel pump is the exact same on both cars.
2013 Focus (Daily)
1968 Cougar XR7
1987 Turbo Coupe
5 Speed, Stock IHI, Aeromotive 340LPH, Stinger 3in DP w/Magnaflow 3in Race Series ler, Hallman Boost Controller, Corbeau Fixed Back Racing Seats, Rebuilt 35# Injectors, Kirban AFPR, Stinger's Front Mount Piping w/Big NPR Front Mount IC, 3/8 E-85 Fuel Lines, SPEC Stage 3+ Clutch, Explorer 4.0 Dual Core Radiator, Optima Red Top Battery
1988 Turbo Coupe (RIP)
1984 Cougar (RIP) :cougarsmily:
1986 Cougar XR7 5 Speed.  (sold)

Warning about the gas tank

Reply #8
What's the capacity of an 88 Turbo Coupe guys?
William

Warning about the gas tank

Reply #9
Quote from: 88 Blackbird 5.0;399253
What's the capacity of an 88 Turbo Coupe guys?

22 gallons.....I got my brand new one on Ebay for less than a hu8ndred bucks delivered, and it came with the o-rings and the lock rings.
'88 Sport--T-5,MGW shifter,Trick Flow R intake,Ed Curtis cam,Trick Flow heads,Scorpion rockers,75mm Accufab t-body,3G,mini starter,Taurus fan,BBK long tube headers,O/R H-Pipe, Flowamaster Super 44's, deep and deeper Cobra R wheels, Mass Air and 24's,8.8 with 3.73's,140 mph speedo,Mach 1 chin spoiler,SN-95 springs,CHE control arms,aluminum drive shaft and a lot more..

Warning about the gas tank

Reply #10
I thought 87 & 88 TC's had smaller fuel tanks than V6 & V8 T-Birds Vinnie.  I know you have a Sport instead of a TC.
William

Warning about the gas tank

Reply #11
Nope '87 & '88 TC have 22gal tank, I swapped one on a '87 TC from a '86 LSC, except for gauge sender was same tank... Reused the TC straps...

 

Warning about the gas tank

Reply #12
Thanks for the info Vinnie and Tom.  I appreciate it!
William