Gas tank pinhole (Page 1/2)
skywurz DEC 26, 05:14 PM
So actually the gas tank is missing out of my 88 GT project... Some how i didn't notice.

I have an extra 88 tank sitting in the corner. But im 95% sure it has a pinhole leak in the center rear right on the bottom. I have tons of options and thought id ask and see what you all think

1. I could try a repair such as this

2. I could drill it out and add a plug like this [url=https://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-g1380][/url]

3. I could use the not leaking 85 gas tank thats sitting right next to it and lose out on the 1gal extra capacity.

4. I could try to source another 87/88 tank.
wwcvel DEC 26, 05:38 PM
Do you have a radiator shop nearby? I’d let them clean the tank (to remove the rust that caused the pinhole) and plug it.
Dennis LaGrua DEC 26, 06:38 PM
The guy doing the tank repair in the video gets the job done, but I would always blow exhaust gas into the tank when welding or soldering a gas tank. The object is to get enough Oxygen out so that the inside residual fumes are not combustible.

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" THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, HP Tuners VCM Suite.
"THE COLUSSUS"
87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H
" ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "

skywurz DEC 26, 06:38 PM
So after posting i decided id go look at the tank closer.

Opened it up and saw lots of cheeto goo




I decided to take a blunt object and poke at some of the rust spots.




10 holes opened up and happily leak.
cvxjet DEC 26, 06:40 PM
I hate to say this, but if RUST caused that hole- How bad is the rest of the tank? Might be better to find a replacement; Either one from a junked Fiero or possibly a newly manufactured replacement. I saw on the RD website that Rodney was looking at possibly making replacements.
skywurz DEC 26, 07:05 PM
So i pulled this tank i pulled out of an 86 and put it next to this one... If i use the 86 front strap will it work in an 88? The only difference i really see is the tank seam is lower on the 88 and the bottom is deeper in the front.

[This message has been edited by skywurz (edited 12-26-2020).]

skywurz DEC 27, 04:16 PM
So i decided to play around with this 88 tank as the nearest one i have located is 500 miles.

I cleaned up the front of the tank.

I drilled out all of the discolored possible pinholes


I took some copper pipe and flattened it out


I started trying to figure out how to solder non electronics

I figure ill do the rest and water test it and see if any of my patches are worth a darn.
Gall757 DEC 27, 05:50 PM
If you have located that many holes that need repair, there must be many corroded spots that will soon turn into more holes. Keep looking for a replacement. Have you checked Car-part.com ?
theogre DEC 27, 06:45 PM
Patching is good but doing in video and above is way wrong. I've seen kids solder better then the video in top post.

With as many holes in a short space needs expert level repair or will fail sooner then later and likely on highway maybe burning down w/ little or no warning.
Even then If holes are near the plastic baffle then expect damage to the baffle.

Also if tank is Galvanize, you have Zinc poison dust/fumes to sand/grind solder or weld. Must do this outside and better you wearing a "hard" mask and P100 w/ Carbon filters.

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Dr. Ian Malcolm: Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should.
(Jurassic Park)

The Ogre's Fiero Cave

skywurz DEC 27, 08:28 PM
Well its done. As in trash. I tried my hand at soldering and i just suck at it. Probably running out of flux didn't help. Now to the search bar to look and see about putting a pre 87 tank in an 88 has been discussed.