GT6ixer

In the process of reinstalling my bumper cover last night I came across the fuel tank "desk pad" (#28 below) that I inadvertently had sitting with the bumper stuff, which means it didn't get installed when I reinstalled the fuel tank.





How crucial is this part and what is the worst that could happen if I left it out? Just a PITA to drop the tank again to install it.

polecat702

It's there for a reason Nate. Put it back in place, it probably keeps the tank from rubbing and getting a hole rubbed in it.

Nothing like gasoline, and a hot exhaust to invite trouble.

GT6ixer

I figured it was a rub protector of some sort, but the distance from that corner of the tank to the body is about 3 inches. The tank does not budge at all if I try to push it. It doesn't seem like it would be possible for it to move 3 inches laterally unless in an accident.

linderpat

Agree with Joe. If it were some other system (I.e., not flammable be inclined to let it ride. Not this though. Anyway, will be interesting to see what the experts think.

NelaK

Those three inches can become a lot less when you're actually driving the car and the frame is flexing, things are vibrating and so forth. If the engineers felt it was necessary - that was probably the result of their calculations and testing which showed that they needed it there.

polecat702

Nate, one thing to remember is that's a plastic tank, and it'll expand when it's full of gas, especially on a hot day.

Jadz928

It's pretty much there to keep the tank from rotating.
It's possible that the fill-snout could move out of position.

You shouldn't have to drop the tank all the way. Lower the cradle the length of the bolts and see if you can wedge it into place.

GT6ixer

So I was able to reinstall this last night. Getting access to that corner where it lives was mot as much a PITA that I was concerned about. I did have to disconnect the fuel supply and return lines, the fuel tank filler neck bolt, as well as the fuel sending unit connector. After that I just used a floor jack to allow the tank to lower enough so that I could fit the "desk pad" above the tank via the access hole in the rear hatch. There is no room to put it in from the bottom unless you completely remove the tank, which then would have been a PITA. Finally, with the tank lowered I was able to add some new rub protection on the body where the top rear of the tank sits against.

Speedtoys

Frame flexing...a 3 INCH space?


Mate..have your windows exploded out of the car from that much flex yet?

drooman

Nice clean and dry car Nate!

GT6ixer

I wish I could take credit. But that picture is from Dwayne's fuel tank removal write-up. I didn't have a before picture. My car is dry just not as clean