plastic gas tank info

[X36]

Hi I'm going to replace the 33 gal gas tank in my Bronco.I'm leaning towards using a plastic tank.Any buddy have any draw backs with the plastic
Thanks

 

[Mil1ion]

Anybody ?

No problem .... Plastic tanks were installed by Ford.

 

[UNRULEE]

I recently put one in the rear of my 79 F250. Direct fit, easy install. The best part.......the reason that I changed it, PLASITC WON'T RUST! That's why I went with one. It'll last forever.

 

[chuck101st]

Might check your local exhaust shops. If you plan on running duals some shops wont do it if the pipes will run near the tank. Atleast here in IL..

 

[Fellro]

They are pretty durable, but still can be punctures, but not likely fixed if it should happen. Ground problems to the pump/sender are other problems.

 

[tomtoc]

Ground problems to the pump/sender are other problems.

that was the one thing i read that scared me off of them, but otherwise they look like a great alternative

 

[TexasNomad]

They are pretty durable, but still can be punctures, but not likely fixed if it should happen. Ground problems to the pump/sender are other problems.

Just ground it to the frame...

 

[Fellro]

Yes, but they sometimes lose such ground. Fixed a few of them for just that reason... Many pumps have been blamed for the failure when the ground connection was what was failed.

 

[TexasNomad]

Well how do they get them to ground good on factory plastic tanks?

 

[UNRULEE]

The ground topic is interesting, I never even thought of it. I've had my tank in about 6 months and haven't had one issue with the gauge or otherwise.

If I did have a problem, running a short ground wire from the sender to the frame wouldn't be hard at all.

 

[Mil1ion]

 

[bucks77ford]

If you have a good ground to the frame, there shouldn't be any problem there. Plastic tanks are pretty durable and would think that it's a good alternative. And yes, they won't rust.

 

[Fellro]

Well how do they get them to ground good on factory plastic tanks?

See, that is the trick, I have dealt with the factory ones that lost ground... Usually are fine, but they like to play tricks some times. I didn't claim that they all have that as a problem, it is just a consideration.

 

[TexasNomad]

See, that is the trick, I have dealt with the factory ones that lost ground... Usually are fine, but they like to play tricks some times. I didn't claim that they all have that as a problem, it is just a consideration.

Oh! sorry, I think I misunderstood what you said.. sorry.

 

[LEB Ben]

Another thought for the plastic tanks is...everyone I've ever pulled with thoughts of re-using...the straps that held the tank in caused a good bit of wear and the tank always leaked from the wear spots after the re-install. That said...I find that problem to occur about as often as a steel tank rusting through.

 

[TexasNomad]

Maybe buck will step in and tell us how he installed the plastic tank on his truck.

 

[Fellro]

Installing is basically just like putting in a steel tank, with a little more attention to the prior mentioned ground wire to be sure it is there. I'd add skid plates if they aren't already there myself.

Side note on plastic tanks, always hated them at the yard because we had no way to get rid of them, not allowed to stay on the car, and no source to sell or give them to for recycling... Also, had a plastic tank on the Dodge I stripped to get the Cummins from...

 

[UNRULEE]

Another thought for the plastic tanks is...everyone I've ever pulled with thoughts of re-using...the straps that held the tank in caused a good bit of wear and the tank always leaked from the wear spots after the re-install. That said...I find that problem to occur about as often as a steel tank rusting through.

Possible. I used new rubber belting between the straps and new tank. But really biggest reason I could see a tank wearing through on the straps would be if the straps aren't tight and the tank is allowed to move.

FYI - The front tank in my 79 250 is a factory plastic unit and since I've owned the truck (about 8 years) I've never had one issue with it.

 

[Fellro]

I don't think the factory put one in back then... it likely got added over the years. I have never come across a plastic that old, they were all steel until into the late 80's as far as I know...

 

[UNRULEE]

I'd be willing to bet that it's factory.


Where's Dennis when I need him! haha