spitfires
[Top] [All Lists]

Gas tank "blues"

To: Spitfire List <spitfires@autox.team.net>
Subject: Gas tank "blues"
From: "Simmons, Reid W" <reid.w.simmons@intel.com>
Date: Tue, 18 May 1999 09:34:27 -0700
Well, the talk lately about draining gas tanks inspired me to pull the
panels off and get ready to remove mine for cleaning, etc. (as if I didn't
already have enough Spitfire projects going on at one time).  Well, my first
"thoughts and comments" I can't print here because there might be ladies, or
children reading this, so we'll go with my second set of thoughts and
comments: "AAARRGGHH!!!!!!!"  My gas tank had collapsed in on itself, (see
almost any text on black hole theory for an explanation).  Apparently those
years of the tank not venting properly and vacuums building up had caused
the front and back to cave in.  That WOULD explain why it would only take
about 5.5 gallons for a fill-up; and why the fuel gauge would not go below ½
because the float was resting on the caved in side.  So, has anyone had to
deal with this situation?  How might I "pop" the sides back out?  Or, if
this cannot be done, does anyone have a tank for sale?  

Who would have thought those little British Leyland mechanical fuel pumps
were SO POWERFULL!!.  I would have much rather had the fuel pump "Implode"!
Those are a lot easier to replace.

Thanks.

Reid
'79 Spitfire (with a 25% smaller stomach than most)



<Prev in Thread] Current Thread [Next in Thread>