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MG MGB Technical - Petrol Tank

Hi,

How easy/tricky is it to remove and refit the fuel tank on a GT - it has some fuel in it, whats the easiest way to remove it first ?

Thanks
Chris

It's bolted up through the boot floor all around it's edge into captive nuts. I think (but my memory is hazy) there are 2 bolts on each edge. You also have to undo the filler at the hose clip in the boot. Oh, and first you have to disconnect the fuel feed line and the petrol gauge wires. Actually it's easier to knock round the circular fixing and remove the tank sender unit complete (obviously the tank needs to be mostly empty first). The bolts that are hardest to get at are the two between the rear valance and the tank. You will need a socket on a long extension.

To get the fuel out, disconnect the pipe at the carbs, collect suitable containers, then switch on the ignition and let the fuel pump do the work. Once the tank is empty, it isn't too heavy for one person to manage quite easily. Rig up some blocks to help support it while you unbolt the fixings. The only snag can be if the bolts won't undo because of rust....

Mike H
Mike Howlett

...or use the drain plug on the bottom of the tank. Be sure the fuel goes into a proper container.
Steve Simmons

Draining fuel depends on year as later tanks don't have drain plugs. I was told this was to reduce danger from leaks not to cut costs.

Surprisingly fuel can build up a strong static charge when moving, so you're best to earth both car and container beforehand. Otherwise there is a risk of a spark.!

Task I found hardest was locating and turning the ring that holds in the sender unit after transferring it to the new tank.

MG specify spring clips to hold the rubber fuel lines. I found these were fine until I'd filled the tank and then they allowed petrol to drip out. Unlike supposedly inferior worm drive clips, nothing can be done to tighten the spring clips in situ. So I'd recommend worm drive type.

I swilled out the old rusty tank with detergent/ water then left it , holes uppermost, in a quarantined area of the garden for 12 months before cutting it into sensible chunks with tinsnips.
Vic
V Todman

Thanks everyone, will try and see how far I get.
Chris

This thread was discussed between 19/07/2005 and 21/07/2005

MG MGB Technical index

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