97 Ranger Super Cab fuel tank replacement?

[jharry3]

Any one know where I can buy a new fuel tank for my 97 Super Cab Ranger (6 foot bed)? Mine has a leak. The leak is on the top of the tank so my symptom is fumes but its also causing a Check Engine Light because its a leak in the vapor recovery system circuit.

I have checked with probably 10 or 15 suppliers and for some reason no one makes a replacement tank for that year.
I'm trying to avoid a used one since it may also be leak prone.
Ford is out of stock of them as well.

 

[RonD]

You probably won't find a replacement for plastic fuel tank

Best bet and good bet is plastic welding to repair your tank, as good as new.

But if leak is at the top then you could slide off the bed, 6 bolts, and fix a crack using JB Weld or similar epoxy, it should last a few years but gasoline will eat away at epoxy.
If it looks like a growing crack then drain the tank, remove tank and take it into be welded.
I believe you can rent plastic welders as well, just read up on how to do it

 

[racsan]

its possible another year tank may fit, my 94 has a 97 tank in it, both same wheelbase, "new" tank is about 20 gallons where the stock tank was about 15.

 

[Andy D]

Are you sure that the tank is cracked or is the fitting on the pick up of the EVAP cracked. Also the filler hose on the Rat was split at the tank connection. I would smell gas if I filled the tank past 1/2 way. I gooped the begeezus out of the splits with Aviation Forma-Gasket and another clamp IIRC. I have yet to fill the tank up though. I've heard you can find new filler necks on E Bay. After spending 1000s on the Rat, I don't replace stuff I can "fix"

 

[jharry3]

Thanks,
I have replaced the filler neck, it was rotted. I changed the fuel pump gasket and put in a new check valve with new grommet for the evaporative vent. I had to partially remove the bed to do this. I guess my next step is to take the bed off completely and see if I can get a visual on a crack, then decide how to fix it depending upon its size. Its got to be on top because no liquid leaks, I just smell gasoline and I have a permanent CEL for the evap system having a leak. (yes, I replaced all those hoses from the tank forward first)
My inspection is in two months so I need to fix it before then, Houston is tough on failed emission tests.