Gas Sending Unit Hole

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Nov 18, 2007 | 09:18 AM

RUSTY50F1

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From: I live in Mustang, OK

Gas Sending Unit Hole

The jeep tank I got for my 50f1 has the hole for the lines on the upper curve of the tank in the middle at the back. The sending unit that came with my Auto Meter gauges shows it has to be mounted on the top of the tank (flat). The tank is used and still smells like gas. The hole is about a 2 inch circle. What would be the best way to cut the hole. To keep from having any sparks.

Nov 18, 2007 | 10:14 AM

havi

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From: Northshore, MN

Maybe fill it with water and use a hole saw 2" in diameter on the end of your drill. Empty out all the water afterward, and clean out the metal shavings. Afterward, maybe apply a coating inside, slosh it around to cover everything to prevent rust? I'm guessing here, but faced with that dilemma, I guess that's what I'd do. A couple years ago, a local muscle car guy died while cutting open a used oil (or something volatile) drum...and all I can say is, better safe than sorry. Even if it means your truck doesn't run good with water in the gas for a couple miles. My 2 cents.

Nov 18, 2007 | 10:16 AM

Randy Jack

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I haven't done this, but I would use a hole saw of the right diameter and cut the hole with the tank filled with water. I'd also use an air-driven drill, if I could, just so I didn't have to mess with an electric drill around water.

If you can do this outside, you could also displace the gas fumes with auto exhaust fumes (or any inert gas) by running a line from the tailpipe to the existing fill hole. Tape it all up as gas tight as you can after purging everything for awhile, then use the hole saw.

Basically, if there isn't sufficient oxygen in the tank, the fumes can't ignite.

(Now somebody will probably answer this and point out what an idiot I am.)

Last edited by Randy Jack; Nov 18, 2007 at 10:21 AM.

Nov 18, 2007 | 10:58 AM

ALBUQ F-1

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RJ's way with the exhaust pipe is a favorite in every discussion of this I've seen, but with the difference that you leave the car running while actually sawing (keep the exhaust flowing thru the tank) and fill as much as possible with water. If you have welding nitrogen or CO2, you can purge with them too. All involve some level of risk. Personally I'd do the exhaust trick after washing the tank out with soapy water (maybe TSP), rinse, let sit open in the sun for a couple days. My son did all that to a gas tank last week for shipping, left it out for a week. It still reeked of gas and was rejected by UPS.

A sawzall or sabre saw might be less sparky.

Nov 18, 2007 | 11:49 AM

Kusto

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Randy Jack

(Now somebody will probably answer this and point out what an idiot I am.)

Makes two of us then because I've done the same thing while welding a gas tank, the only exception was that I would leave the exhaust on to continue purging while the work is being done. But with the new emissions standards these days is there still enough Co2....LOL

Nov 18, 2007 | 02:07 PM

ALBUQ F-1

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Kusto

But with the new emissions standards these days is there still enough Co2....LOL

I was wondering the same thing! My flathead can produce exhaust that is extremely noxious, I knew it was good for something.

Nov 18, 2007 | 07:07 PM

RUSTY50F1

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From: I live in Mustang, OK

Thanks fellas I think I'll fill it full of soapy water and use the air drill. And I'll run water over the hole saw as well to keep any sparks away. Thanks a bunch.