Ok, I am not one to wait around to replace something worn completely out AFTER it damages other good parts that are connected to it. Case in point: my stock 23 year old fuel tank. Right now, it doesn't leak and I haven't seen any signs of rust in the fuel filter, but how do I tell for sure?

After sitting for about a year, my engine has been rebuilt recently with a brand new $300 Holly carburetor and fuel lines. Not to mention completely rebuilt AOD transmission. I am completely restoring this truck to make it dependable, and I do not want something as simple as an old rusted out fuel tank to contaminate my new fuel system!

So what do you think? Has my fuel tank seen its best days, or do they last indefinetly? Should I go ahead and just replace my 23 year old fuel tank BEFORE it leaks or gets rust in my fuel system, or am I doing more work than I need to? What is the life expectancy of a typical fuel tank?

 

Both of Clyde's tanks are OE, build date 10/83, with no problems. I have NO intention of doing a pre-emptive replacement. IF you have a fuel filter in line why worry? If you're nervous about it put another filter just in front of the carb and change it, and "autopsy" it often enough to feel good about it.

I had a '76 E-150 window van that had a rear tank that eventually slightly seeped from the middle seam when filled above the halfway mark. Not something you want in a closed garage but still usable. When we traveled with it I still topped off both tanks but ran the rear down below 1/2 and then switched to empty the front tank. When I had to switch back to the leaky rear I'd start thinking about a refill ~1/4. When I didn't need both tanks I wouldn't top off the rear. Simple. Owned that one from 1981 until 1996, then gave it to my son who ran it ..... without a tank replacement ... for a few more years. At ~200,000 the 351 finally spun a cam bearing and was retired.