Gas tank and AN fittings, Can it be this easy? Options

[Phoenix-MN]

I was working on getting my fuel tank, fuel pump, and lines intalled today and I have been trying to figure out how to adapt the tank fittings to AN. After getting the tank on the bench and removing the stock fittings and tubes it looked like a 1/4npt pipe thread fitting might fit in the opening of the stock fitting. I dug out my taps and low and behold the 1/4npt tap threaded the hole in the stock fitting quite nicely. Could it realy be this easy? What am I missing? Anyone else done it this way?

[John]

That could work, but you may run into clearance issues under the tank (which is why the original fittings make a fairly sharp bend just after exiting the tank).

I like the simple approach. Just make sure it does not leak.

[Phoenix-MN]

Here is a comparison of the stock tubes and 90deg. -6 AN fittings. It looks like there should be space for this, I'll have to drop the tank into position to check to be sure.

[John]

Looks good to me. Like I said, just make sure it doesn't leak.

I prefer steel fittings, but that is just me.

[rjames]

You'll have plenty of room under the tank with that setup, in fact, it should be even better than stock with respect to fuel hose routing with the 90 degree bends. Looks great!

[Phoenix-MN]

John,
The aluminum -6AN to 1/4npt fittings are ones I had on hand. I agree with you on using steel fittings on the tank, I'll be ordering some up Monday.

rjames,
You are correct, I dropped the tank into position and there is all kinds of room (IMG:style_emoticons/default/piratenanner.gif)

[Gint]

Keep this thread updated please! I'm dying to know how that all works out in the end.

Just to be clear, did the AN fittings screw right into the factory fittinga without being tapped?

[sixnotfour]

It would be great to have an elevated pickup tube, like the factory , So you dont have every little piece of dirt in the system. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/idea.gif)

[John]

Keep this thread updated please! I'm dying to know how that all works out in the end.

Just to be clear, did the AN fittings screw right into the factory fittinga without being tapped?

I think he used the 1/4"NPT tap on the inside of the fittings. (That's how I would have tried doing this.)

I too want to know how this works out. I may be doing this with my current (long term) project car.

[Phoenix-MN]

Yes, the inside of the tank fitting was threaded with a 1/4npt tap. If an elevated pickup tube was wanted you could use a peice of brass tubing and a steel AN fitting and solder them together. My self I don't thik I will use an elevated pickup, just start out with a good clean tank and use a filter before the fuel pump and it should be good to go.

Next step is to figure out where to mount the pre filter, the pump, and where to cut holes for the -6 hose.

[andys]

Paul,

The tap drill size for a 1/4NPT is 7/16" (.4375). What is the inside diameter of the tank fitting? Were you able to get reasonably full thread form?

Your method greatly simplifies the challenge of plumbing to the tank. I applaud your thinking out-of-the-box! I'll drag my tank out maybe tomorrow and take a look. I know I have some -6 in aluminum, but I too would prefer steel for this application.

Andys

[Phoenix-MN]

andys,

The id. of the stock fittings is a little larger than 7/16", I didn't measure the exact size. I think the threads that are cut will be fine, they are just a little deeper on the tap so the fitting screws in a little bit more, but far from bottoming out. The final test will be to put some fitting on with caps, fill the tank and see if it leaks before putting it in the car.

[rick 918-S]

You may want to use a sealant on the threads. I would use POR 15. I sealed 1/8" holes in the Healey gas tank with the stuff. Gas won't touch it and if you ever used the stuff and tried to put the lid back on the can and reuse it later you know how well it bonds metal to metal...

[JB 914]

You may want to use a sealant on the threads. I would use POR 15. I sealed 1/8" holes in the Healey gas tank with the stuff. Gas won't touch it and if you ever used the stuff and tried to put the lid back on the can and reuse it later you know how well it bonds metal to metal...

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif)

i had a gallon of it. had to buy some empty quart containers from Home Depot to transfer the contents after (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sawzall-smiley.gif) the sealed can.

tough stuff

[JB 914]

another thougth would be to use POR PATCH which is a thick POR-15 that comes in a tube. it can be used as a seam sealer or on small repairs.

[turbo914v8]

I have done this mod and it works great. I just used blue lock tight no leaks. Good luck with the remainder of your project.

[Cap'n Krusty]

By the looks of what little of the inside of your tank is visible in the picture, you NEED that screen. Rust city. Better get it cleaned and coated before you use it. The Cap'n

[Phoenix-MN]

Yup, the inside of the tank is nasty. I found a local place that looks like it's the "ticket"

http://www.gastankrenu.com/index.htm

They seem to have several other locations as well. This place was recomended by a local Porsche shop.

Paul

[Phoenix-MN]

Update -
I installed Tangerine Racing SS fuel lines today, they fit perfect, took about 20 minutes to put them both in (the engine is out). It's real nice when after-market parts work this well.

[Phoenix-MN]

'nother