Does anyone have any comments on the Corvette Central Deluxe Gas Tank Kit? It comes complete with a new tank w/baffles(not original but sounds like a good idea), meter, neck, hose, straps, pads, gas cap, filler neck grommet, vent hose, and hardware. All for $380.
-
-
Re: C1 Fuel Tank
Sounds OK but their gas cap bottom ears are not aligned right.You should be able to use your neck and straps. -
Re: C1 Fuel Tank
Thanks Roy. They list two types of gas caps, the one for my year and a replacement one which is much cheaper. Shouldn't either one of those fit the new neck that they supply? Also, why wouldn't I use the new straps that are provided?Comment
-
Re: C1 Fuel Tank
You can get a new tank from most vendors and Quanta for $200. So you're spending $180 for the other stuff. I can understand why you'd need a new sender, hose, and grommet. But what's wrong with your existing cap, straps, and neck? Individually price the stuff you do need.Comment
-
Re: C1 Fuel Tank
Chris, your right about the price for the tank. The price for the sender alone is $70 and another $20 for the hose and grommet. I am not sure if it has the proper cap. I don't know the condition of the straps and hardware. The neck and hose are somewhat new. I just thought that for the additional $90, I would have a completely new system that should guarantee my fuel odor problem is solved and one less thing to repair in the future. I am concerned about the quality of the Corvette Central parts.Comment
-
Re: C1 Fuel Tank
Cant see what you need the other parts for $180,00 more if your sender is OK,neck and straps. The hose you can buy at any parts house for $2.00. The gas cap isn't reproed right any way, is your cap original and OK.? The tank is $200.00. May be I'm cheep.Comment
-
Comment
-
Re: C1 Fuel Tank
The neck and the straps are metal and should be OK. I would replace all the rubber parts because they do age, and because you're in there anyway. The replacement gas cap all the vendors will sell you comes from NAPA. It's under $10. If you've got an original one that doesn't seal tight, you can buy a new gasket from Dr Rebuild for $3. There is some disagreement over what an original cap looks like. So use what you have. Or buy a cheap one - probably from your FLAPS.
There are 2 kinds of senders. One is cheap and is made overseas. One is more expensive, and is US made. One is an AC Delco part. But I'm not sure if that one is US or foreign. There have been a lot of failures of one kind reported. Again, I'm not sure if it's the US or the foreign one.
The fuel odor problem is caused by:
leaking tank
leaking fill hose
leaking cap
leaking vent hose
It is exacerbated by:
poor seal of the compartment lid
right hand turns when the tank is over 3/4 full
no nipple and hose for the overflow compartment
The fuel overflow compartment is that part of the car behind the fuel fill door. It's where the fuel fill is. At the bottom front is a hole. Overflow gasoline is supposed to drain out there. On the other side of that hole, on the underside of the compartment, there should be a glassed in nipple with a hose attached. That hose is to direct any overflow gasoline direct to the ground. Many times the nipple and the hose are missing, so that any overflow gas dribbles all over the the underside of that compartment. Makes for gas smells. You can only get to that nipple when the tank is out. And even then it's not too easy.
Corvette Central parts are good. As good as any others. I wouldn't be concerned over their quality.Comment
-
Re: C1 Fuel Tank
Chris, thanks for all the help. The information you provided me was very helpful. The gas cap is definitly not original, so I would like to spend the extra money and get one that is as close to original as possible. As far as the sender goes, I'll just have to keep my fingers crossed on the one CC has.
I believe the tank is original. I know the previous owner (my brother) replaced the filler neck and connecting hose along with the vent hose. I also know that the compartment lid is poorly sealed and lacking some of the attachment screws. I was not aware of the nipple and hose in the overflow compartment. I will definitly be checking that out! You mentioned a problem on right hand turns with over 3/4 tank of gas. Is this a non-correctable issue? The majority of the smell occurs in that situation.Comment
-
Re: C1 Fuel Tank
That's the easiest cause of them all to fix. Either:
1. Don't make right hand turns. Do like NASCAR. Only go left.
2. Don't fill the gas tank. Always drive around with the tank half full.
Sorry. Couldn't resist. Sounds silly, but lots of people do indeed practice #2.
Are you getting a gasoline smell now? Drive around with the lid off. When you smell the gas, stop and see if you can find gas leaking.
Your tank is original? Don't you suspect that? They develop pin hole leaks after time.
I always suspect the fill hose. Either old leaky hose. Or, leaky connections at the tank and at the fill tube. At rest, the gas settles in the tank, and it is below where the hose connects. So no leaks. However, when the tank is filled, or when gas sloshes to the hose on right hand turns, it can leak out slightly. On hard right turns, the gas can slosh up to the cap, and leak there. You might check the tightness of the 2 hose clamps there. They're difficult to tighten, so maybe they're too loose.
CC should have a good sender. If it doesn't work, send it back. Test it before you install it to save time. Their cap is from NAPA. It'll work fine. It's under $10. CC will also sell you the screws and J-nuts to fasten the lid. Buy the "dum dum" putty sealer at Home Depot/Lowes.Comment
-
Re: Fuel odor can be from many sources
Don't forget the front end of the car. I had a slight fuel smell and it turns out the fuel pump on my '79 has begun to leak.
But then, that wouldn't account for more smell on right hand turns, which is probably around the filler.Comment
-
Re: C1 Fuel Tank
Chris, I've spent the better part of this morning mapping out a new cruising route for the summer that only has left hand turns. I also have decided to drop a big block in it and run with the 'big dogs' on the oval. All kidding aside, I really do suspect the tank due to its age and possibility that the cap is leaking. Your advice has been very helpful and I appreciate it! I am going to add up the price of the individual components that I need versus the cost of the kit. The bottom line is if I replace everything at once, for a reasonable cost, my problem should be solved. I am also going to check the nipple and hose along with the cover, screws, and putty. Let's be honest, is money or time really a factor when we're dealing with our 'loved ones'? Thanks again Chris!Comment
-
Re: C1 Fuel Tank
If you suspect the tank, replace it. Ignore Corvette hobby issues. Now it's a safety item.Comment
Comment