Actually, the fuel pump can collapse the tank. I had it happen to mine when
one of the two vent restrictors got plugged. As the vacuum built up the
idle would gradually increase to upwards of 3000 RPM. That was my queue to
pop the filler cap and let some air back into the tank. The first time I
did this the vacuum build-up in the tank was so strong that it nearly sucked
me in! :-)
BTW Len, the radiator & tank shop charged me $75 but the tank looked like
new when they finished. (This was done in the Portland, Oregon area where
things tend to be a lot more expensive.) My only complaint was that they
used a flat black paint on it instead of a semi-gloss.
Reid
'79 Spitfire (original owner)
-----Original Message-----
From: Nolan Penney [mailto:npenney@mde.state.md.us]
Sent: Wednesday, August 23, 2000 4:10 AM
To: spitfires@autox.team.net; lubbers@sympatico.ca
Subject: Re: Puckered gas tank
Like another pointed out, you're tank isn't vented. Fix that.
I rather doubt you're buckling the tank from driving it. The fuel pump
doesn't have much vacuum
capability. Much more likely is heat cycling with the tank near empty.
Cold nights collapse a tank
nicely, just watch an empty plastic milk jug.
Yes, it can be blown out with compressed air. Motorcycles have this done
regularly to their highly
exsposed fuel tanks. Probably worth your while to take the tank to a Harley
shop to do, since they
are so familiar with actually doing it.
No, it will not fix the tank perfectly. Creases are creases, and are there
to stay. That also isn't where
the leak are likely to occur. Leaks are most likely at the metal joint
seams.
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