Fuel tank reinforcement

#1

Hello,

I have the following rules question:

As we all know the fuel inlet for the e30 fuel tanks are relatively weak.
I am swapping the fuel tank out of my SE30 and was interested in reinforcing
this area of the tank by welding in a collar or something similar to
strengthen the tank in this area.

This is obviously not a performance advantage but may be considered a reliability
advantage.

What is the general consensus be on whether or not this would be legal?

Thanks,

-Dave

#2

We do?

Is this really a problem? I’ve never heard of a failure here.

#3

I changed a fuel tank last weekend and didn’t notice a weakness. What specific part are you worried about?

#4

Not in the rule book so not legal.

That said, folks might not care either. Talk to your regional director. If you go to a nationals event, talk to Carter Hunt. I had a new front end put on my car last month and that’s not in the CCR either so a little logical flexibility is kinda assumed. The difference is that my car had a critical need for a front end and your car’s need for reinforcement of it’s fuel inlet is more fuzzy. No impound inspector is going to raise their eyebrow and ask me to repeat my explanation for why my car needed a front end.

Each Fall the directors debate rule changes. Write up a rule change request complete with strong justification and the text of the recommended change, and send it to your regional director next Fall.

#5

Thanks for the info…I will pass my request on to the appropriate folks.

An e30 from the rust belt forms a ring of corrosion where the main fuel inlet
attaches to the tank (passenger side, rear, lower)

The last e30 I worked on did spring a leak there from age and it is something we
see up here in MN.

If I really wanted to I could say it did break/leak and I was forced to reinforce
it but a valid argument would be why didn’t I just replace the tank?

Thanks,

-Dave

#6

Ya, heck with trying to reinforce the crappy old tank, just buy a new one. Then move South. Keep going until you hear “y’all.”

#7

Our rules do contain provisions to repair damage.

7.6.1. All chassis/structural repairs, if performed, shall be in concurrence with factory procedures,
specifications, and dimensions. Unless specifically authorized by the manufacturer for repair
or allowed by these regulations, no reinforcement, e.g. seam welding, material addition, etc. is
permitted.
7.6.2. Body repair shall be performed using every reasonable effort to maintain stock body
contours, lips, etc.

A fuel tank isn’t chassis, structure, or body, therefore somewhat a gray area. If you don’t want to buy a new or good used tank, welding in material or using a composite material coating would be in line with 7.6.2 IMO.

#8

[quote=“Dave532” post=80057]The last e30 I worked on did spring a leak there from age and it is something we
see up here in MN.[/quote]

Have you looked inside the tank yet? Lots of E30s rust inside the gas tank, and that is the point where most people will just replace the thing, as the rust will keep killing fuel pumps. New tanks are under $200.

#9

The inside of the tank is excellent. You make a good point but I tend to sleep
better with the factory suction pipe thingy that goes over the hump as opposed to the aftermarket.

#10

9.3.1.3.8. Any stock and [color=#ff0044]unmodified[/color] E30 fuel tank or OEM equivalent is permitted.

Not legal.

#11

[quote=“turbo329is” post=80082]9.3.1.3.8. Any stock and [color=#ff0044]unmodified[/color] E30 fuel tank or OEM equivalent is permitted.

Not legal.[/quote]

Unmodified and repaired are obviously different. The OP is not talking about modifying his tank, he is talking about repairing rust around the inlet pipe. It’s unreasonable to say that he cannot repair his tank… For the record, I recommend just replacing the tank, but replacement is not what the OP is asking about.

#12

Looks to me like he wants to reinforce not repair. It will be fine until someone else’s filler neck breaks off at the track and then they’ll start crying about how they would have finished if only they had illegally modified their filler neck like you.

#13

From the e30 zone wiki:

[i]Filler Pipe

The primary source of fuel delivery into your tank. The filler cap on the body connects to a stub pipe on the tank itself via a large rubber hose, which acts as an insulator. Unfortunately the seams around this stub pipe can rust, causing total tank failure.

To check the filler pipe for leaks, lift the rear o/s wheel and slide under the car. Locate the filler pipe coming from the rear wing. Grab the joining rubber pipe to the tank stub and pull it downwards.

Either the rubber pipe will pull off or fall apart, or you will see the filler stub on the tank move on it’s brazed join to the tank. The rubber pipe can be replaced cheaply, but if the filler stub moves then the entire tank will have to be replaced.[/i]

Thanks for all the input from everyone. I appreciate the discussion. At this point I believe welding a collar and sleeve would be considered a modification while simply welding a new bead around the filler neck would be considered maintenance.

BTW, where can one et a new 63 liter tank for $200?

Thanks,

-Dave

#14

eBay look for Radiator Connection I believe. They sell both the tank styles I believe. I have used and installed two of them so far with no issues.