1985 SS fuel tank, 4 openings

KKRRSS · Jan 12, 2013

Hey guys, sled didn't want to run today, decided to clean out the fuel system.
Tank is nasty.
There are 4 openings in the tank:
1) fill neck
2) vent
3) outlet
4) mysterious unknown opening, that has a hose and rubber grommet

Any ideas what #4 is for?

The rubber grommet is shot and probably won't seal again, wondering if I can just fiberglass over the opening or if I need to replace it?

Thanks,
KRS

KKRRSS · Jan 12, 2013

that one must be for a sight tube for fuel level; going to epoxy it shut.

steepndeeper · Jan 12, 2013

You are correct in that there is a sight tube. I don't thenk that epoxy will make a permanent seal. If you are anywhere close to Idaho, I have several of the smaller fuel tanks that don't have that gromet that you'd be welcome to.

KKRRSS · Jan 13, 2013

I wote epoxy, what I should have wrote is fiberglass. Got the tank all cleaned with a length of chain in it, some gas, lots of shaking, and then a powerwash.

Now going to acetone clean the area around the hole, rough it with sandpaper, and fiberglass a patch 5" x 5" or so.

Thank you for the offer!
I live by Burley.
On this SS I would like to keep a larger tank. What were the smaller tanks for?
KRS

steepndeeper · Jan 13, 2013

By smaller tank, I was referring to the tank Polaris used prior to 1990 in the fanners and 1991 in the liquid cooled machine. I think that they are 7.3 gallons.
You're near Burley, Idaho? My daughter-in-law has family down that way and I could get her to haul one that way if you are in that vicinity.

I don't think that you'll get your repair to stick to the plastic. I do think that you could pick up a rubber plug (solid grommet) from an automotive parts place that would plug the hole much better than trying to fiberglass it.

KKRRSS · Jan 13, 2013

Just found out the tank is polyethelene, you're right, it probably wont stick. I would take a tank! Would it fit in a flat rate box? Would be happy to pay shipping.

Having fun working on it, these are my first machines and my son is by my side helping (he's 14.5 yrs old).

Krs

sled_guy · Jan 14, 2013

Go to NAPA and get 2 rubber washers that are solvent resistant. You can get them that are like 3/8" hole that are 1.5" in diameter. Put a short 3/8" bolt with 2 regular flat washers and a nut with them and make a "sealing sandwich" in that hole you don't want to use any more. I've done it several times when moving the tank outlet to a different location on mod sleds.

sled_guy

steepndeeper · Jan 14, 2013

I did some checking and the SS tanks are not the same as the Indy tanks that I have. If you could get them to work you'd be welcome to one. Are you down toward Burley, Idaho?

KKRRSS · Jan 15, 2013

Yes, in Burley.

KKRRSS · Jan 15, 2013

sled_guy said:
Go to NAPA and get 2 rubber washers that are solvent resistant. You can get them that are like 3/8" hole that are 1.5" in diameter. Put a short 3/8" bolt with 2 regular flat washers and a nut with them and make a "sealing sandwich" in that hole you don't want to use any more. I've done it several times when moving the tank outlet to a different location on mod sleds.

sled_guy

Good idea, can't see how to get the fender washer, rubber washer, and bolt (or nut) inside the tank and lined up through the hole. Filler neck is too small.

sled_guy · Jan 15, 2013

Run a small wire in from outside the tank through the hole you want to plug. Use another wire to reach down in the filler neck and snag the first wire. Put the washer and rubber grommet on the bolt, wrap the wire around the threads. Pull it through the hole, hold it with needle nose and put your outer rubber grommet, washer, nut on... tight down. It should have enough resistance inside when it bottoms out to allow you to tighten it.

sled_guy

KKRRSS · Jan 15, 2013

Awesome, never thought it through that way!

steepndeeper · Jan 16, 2013

CAL Store carries some expandable rubber plugs that you stick into the hole and then tighten a bolt in the center to swell the plug and seal the opening. They are found in the nuts and blts section in the small pull out speciality drawers. Ace Hardware and some auto parts store also have those type products.

volcano buster · Jan 16, 2013

Called "Well Nuts", but I would question how fuel resistant they are, one for leaking at the threads, or the rubber itself.

steepndeeper · Jan 21, 2013

No, I'm not referring to the well nut type plug. These are a solid rubber and have a stud (attached to a solid wasker embedded into the rubber) sticking out and a washer on the face and then a nut on top of the washer. When you tighten the nut, the stud pulls against the internal washer and swells the rubber, thus plugging the hole. I do know they have these for fuel tank applications.

KKRRSS · Nov 16, 2013

My repair held all last year, but its leaking now.

KKRRSS · Dec 7, 2014

Finally getting to this. Pulled fuel tank, its a 1/2 inch hole.

Going to hardware store tomorrow.

Thank you all,

steepndeeper · Dec 12, 2014

I still have 1 of the 7.3 gallon Indy tanks if you want it.

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1985 SS fuel tank, 4 openings

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