How bad is this damage to the fuel tank?

[mattpresley]

Just now I went outside to smoke at the truck. I just happened to look in the crack between the cab and the bed and notice that my fuel tank had a hole ripped in the top. From what I can tell(I got under for a better look and feel) The top part where its damaged has 2 layers of plastic. The damage is thru layer number 1 but not 2. I know for a fact that the damage was caused by a previous owner and I have had the truck for over a year. Please any quality feedback would be appreciated if you understand the 1998-2000 16 gallon fueltank

Edit:I have been driving fine with it like this for a ear for sure. It looks like some jackass dropping something heavy between the cab and the bed

 

[martin]

If it's not leaking it must be all right.

 

[mattpresley]

If it's not leaking it must be all right.

Thats what I'm thinking but with all the dust storms and the monsoons rains here(severely lacking so far this year) I'm worried about dirt and water getting in the fuel

 

[LearjetMinako]

Are you sure it is not some kind of plastic sheild on top? The shield could be ripped, but not the fuel tank underneth.

 

[mattpresley]

Are you sure it is not some kind of plastic shield on top? The shield could be ripped, but not the fuel tank underneath.

Actually thats exactly what it is I think!!!

 

[Ranger Sport Honduras]

dude....aliens are stealing your fuel at night!!!

 

[unknown]

lol you probly could just get a new plastic mold if not replace the tank you wont have that problem at night the aliens just have a easy way to get fuel

 

[odie1969]

hey you might get ahold of 84fordproject. I think he might have a spare tank he's not gonna use. If not I have a spare tank off of a 87 that might work for you but it is a steal tank. hope that helps you/

 

[mattpresley]

hey you might get ahold of 84fordproject. I think he might have a spare tank he's not gonna use. If not I have a spare tank off of a 87 that might work for you but it is a steal tank. hope that helps you/

how many gallons is the steel tank. I'd prefer steel over plastic anyhow

 

[mattpresley]

dude....aliens are stealing your fuel at night!!!

Maybe the Illegal ones are

 

[mattpresley]

lol you probly could just get a new plastic mold if not replace the tank you wont have that problem at night the aliens just have a easy way to get fuel

Hell I decided the best route to take. I'll do what any hard working lower middle class american would do. If it ain't broke....IGNORE IT

 

[odie1969]

how many gallons is the steel tank. I'd prefer steel over plastic anyhow

I'm not sure it is out of a 87 stx 4x4 supercab.

Hell I decided the best route to take. I'll do what any hard working lower middle class american would do. If it ain't broke....IGNORE IT

I totally agree with you. that is the way I roll. you might throw some duct tape on top of the crack, Or maybe bubblegum, I have had really good luck with it.

Also how bad can the crack be, you didn't blow up while smoking next to it. But I have to ask did you use the lighter to see the crak better?

 

[mattpresley]

I'm not sure it is out of a 87 stx 4x4 supercab.


I totally agree with you. that is the way I roll. you might throw some duct tape on top of the crack, Or maybe bubblegum, I have had really good luck with it.

Also how bad can the crack be, you didn't blow up while smoking next to it. But I have to ask did you use the lighter to see the crak better?

lol thank God I was smart enough to grab my mag light. Im gonna cover it with "hipwrap" tape. Its what I use out in the field to build containments. If the contain has to be up for more than 74 hours or if its summer duct tape always fails. Hipwrap never does

 

[AllanD]

Iwent WAY out of my way to convert my 1987 from the 14.5 gallon steel tank to the 17gallon plastic tank that came on the '89 and early 1990's

Later on I switched again to the even bigger tank used from 1990-1997?

it wasn't only about fuel tank capacity.

Plastic tanks don't rust.

BTW, the '90-97's came with a closely moulded fiberglass shield
on the inboard side of the fuel tank on the 2wd's, possibly you are just seeing
the gap between the sheld and the tank? or a crack in the shield?

the '90-95's had an aluminum over steel heatshield that was part of the
factory gas tank skid plate.

Personally I'm running BOTH shields on my midship tank, but...

AD

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

After fighting with old steel tanks, it is hard to beat plastic tanks. They don't rust, which can cause holes in the tanking making it leak or debris to float around and plug things up.