Moderator Curtis Jacobson Portland Oregon (4577 posts) Registered: 10/12/2007 02:16AM Main British Car: 71 MGBGT, Buick 215 |
It wasn't my fault!
I ran out of gas three times during BritishV8 2012, plus once more on the way home - and I'm sure many of you thought I was losing my grip - but I found out today that there was a technical reason. The pick-up in my fuel tank had come apart, so it was no longer reaching the bottom third of the tank!
Here's what my fuel tank looks like, viewed through the fuel sender hole. The fuel strainer is laying on the floor, in the background. Baffles are conspicuously missing, because this is an el cheapo aftermarket fuel tank. Soon, the pick-up tube will be attached via hose to an in-tank fuel pump. I plan to install 1977+ MGB fuel level sender, which has an integral pick-up tube, but I'll use that second tube for the EFI system's return line. |
Preform Resources Dave Craddock Redford,Michigan (359 posts) Registered: 12/20/2008 05:46PM Main British Car: 72 MGB V6 3.4 |
Re: It wasn't my fault!
My suit was late from the cleaners, I had a flat tire, there was a tornado,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,IT WASN'T MY FAULT ! ! ! lol.
( courtesy John Belushi/Blues Brothers ) Dave |
pspeaks Paul Speaks Dallas, Texas (698 posts) Registered: 07/20/2009 06:40PM Main British Car: 1972 MGB-GT 1979 Ford 302 |
Re: It wasn't my fault!
Hey Curtis, was that one of those Moss fuel tanks? I'm planning on replacing mine and would appreciate a heads up.
Paul |
Moderator Curtis Jacobson Portland Oregon (4577 posts) Registered: 10/12/2007 02:16AM Main British Car: 71 MGBGT, Buick 215 |
Re: It wasn't my fault!
I bought the tank way back around 1990. I don't recall whether it came from Moss or Victoria... but I'm certain it's NOT as well made as what Moss sells now. Moss sells tanks at two price points: basically $200 or $400. Their more expensive tanks are made by British Motor Heritage in England using MG's original production dies. I read a press release several months ago wherein BMH announced they're now using galvanized steel. (I believe they're applying black paint over top of the zinc.) The really big advantage of BMH tanks is that they're internally baffled. Moss' less expensive fuel tanks are made by Spectra in Canada from Ni-terne coated steel. (Ni-terne means there's a layer of nickel and then a layer of lead/tin alloy.) The Spectra tanks come unpainted - in fact they recommend you don't paint them - and they don't have baffles. Incidentally, I was surprised how nearly completely rust-free the inside of my 20+ year old tank is. It appears to be plain old mild steel.
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74ls1tr6 Calvin Grannis Elk Grove,CA (1151 posts) Registered: 11/10/2007 10:05AM Main British Car: 74 TR6 / 71 MGB GT TR6/Ls1 71 MGB GT/Ls1 |
Re: It wasn't my fault!
Nice find Curtis.....I wonder how long it would have taken to find that out, if you hadn't done this conversion? So when it came apart inside the tank, after four times of running out of gas, you were filling up at half tank. That wouldn't be fun on a long trip. When my car is at 1/4 tank on the gauge(first fill up ever), I found out I have 7 gallons of fuel left not including the sump. At 1/4 tank fill up, can pump in 12 gallons max of fuel. So Maybe 160 mile reserve or a little more on that 1/4 tank. Made me feel a little better I wouldn't run out of fuel.
Anyway, are you going to vent the tank somehow, roll over vent safety ball check, some safety switch to turn off fuel etc..? |
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pspeaks Paul Speaks Dallas, Texas (698 posts) Registered: 07/20/2009 06:40PM Main British Car: 1972 MGB-GT 1979 Ford 302 |
Re: It wasn't my fault!
Thanks Curtis, I heard Moss had two levels of tanks but didn't know exactly what the difference was. My existing tank doesn't leak or have any dents in the bottom but it's original and I just don't trust it. I might give the inside a look but would feel better with a new one. I'm betting I'll find a bit more rust than you did.
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BlownMGB-V8 Jim Blackwood 9406 Gunpowder Rd., Florence, KY 41042 (6470 posts) Registered: 10/23/2007 12:59PM Main British Car: 1971 MGB Blown,Injected,Intercooled Buick 340/AA80E/JagIRS |
Re: It wasn't my fault!
Two things contribute to that clean tank. Well three or four really. Curtis probably drives the car nearly year round so he keeps gas in it. The climate in Colorado is dry so not much humidity to condense in the tank, and then oddly enough the ethanol they've been putting in our gas is hygroscopic so it has a marked tendency to suck up any water moisture that is available to it and carry it away to be burned. Of course if the car sits for extended periods that could be a bad thing rather than a good one.
Jim |
pspeaks Paul Speaks Dallas, Texas (698 posts) Registered: 07/20/2009 06:40PM Main British Car: 1972 MGB-GT 1979 Ford 302 |
Re: It wasn't my fault!
Other than assured fuel delivery under hard acceleration and cornering with a low fuel state, which I do very little of, what is the real advantage of baffles in the tank and is the $400 tank worth twice the price? I suppose Curtis has already answered that question, but has there been other problems with the less expensive tank? This is probably a pointless question because I know my personality and would always regret not getting the better tank; besides, if I did you guys would never let me hear the end of it.
Paul Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/21/2013 04:13PM by pspeaks. |
kstevusa kelly stevenson Southern Middle Tennessee (985 posts) Registered: 10/25/2007 09:37AM Main British Car: 2003 Jaguar XK8 Coupe 4.2L DOHC/ VVT / 6sp. AT |
Re: It wasn't my fault!
Paul. I have been very pleased with my Spectra Premium tank with NO Baffles. I suspect Baffles are an over rated, unseen item that people have heard is desirable. I personally don't care to let my fuel level drop low enough to matter. The Spectra tank has a little extra capacity and that is a plus. The later models MGB's did not have baffles I don't think. Instead of baffles, I prefer waffles! Pecan to be exact
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britcars Phil Ossinger New Brunswick, Canada (346 posts) Registered: 02/02/2009 07:58PM Main British Car: 1977 MGB Roadster, Rover 3.5 ADVENTURE BEFORE DEMENTIA! |
Re: It wasn't my fault!
Kelly, do you want Dickel on those pecan waffles?? :~)
I cheaped out last year and bought a Spectra tank. The top of the original looked like lace after a few touches with a rotary wire brush. Mine came ffrom the Little British Car Co. in Michigan. Even cheaper than Moss. |
ex-tyke Graham Creswick Chatham, Ontario, Canada (1165 posts) Registered: 10/25/2007 11:17AM Main British Car: 1976 MGB Ford 302 |
Re: It wasn't my fault!
Quote: Hate to burst your bubble, Kelly, but the Spectra tank has the same capacity as an original Leyland tank,(10 Imperial gallons) I also installed a Spectra last year and had the original '76 tank on the floor for measurement and comparison...externally identical in all respects....and as you indicated with no internal baffling.. I suspect the mirepresentation came form the Imperial to US conversion...originally listed as 10 Imp, 12.5 US, which eventually came to be 12.5 Imp and 14.5 US (although the conversion math doesn't work out!) |
kstevusa kelly stevenson Southern Middle Tennessee (985 posts) Registered: 10/25/2007 09:37AM Main British Car: 2003 Jaguar XK8 Coupe 4.2L DOHC/ VVT / 6sp. AT |
Re: It wasn't my fault!
Thanks Graham for the "wake up call" I knew I pumped 14+ gal into the tank on install, but did not understand the 12.5 was Imperial Gal. Still; it give a good cruising range. YES, I can handle the Dickel on my waffles Phil!
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Johnous John Montgomery (22 posts) Registered: 01/11/2010 01:29PM Main British Car: 1978 MGB Roadster 3.5L British Leyland V8 |
Re: It wasn't my fault!
An external swirlport might solve the issue of fuel slosh and could be easily fitted for a low fuel light, no? Keep the cheap tank, add an external swirlpot in your unused battery compartment! 1001 ways to skin a cat
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/22/2013 11:04AM by Johnous. |
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MG four six eight Bill Jacobson Wa state (324 posts) Registered: 10/23/2007 02:15AM Main British Car: 73 MGB Buick 215, Eaton/GM supercharger |
Re: It wasn't my fault!
One thing worth mentioning is if you use one of the new plastic fuel pump "modules" found in most newer cars a swirlpot is not required. With this set up the pump is mounted within a plastic container and the fuel return line exits back into the plastic container.
In the OEM applications the new cars and trucks almost never use swirlpots (just a big open tank), when they use a fuel pump module assembly. Which makes it nice as you can use the cheaper tank without the baffles! Bill |
MGBV8 Carl Floyd Kingsport, TN (4514 posts) Registered: 10/23/2007 11:32PM Main British Car: 1979 MGB Buick 215 |
Re: It wasn't my fault!
Don't let the tank sit empty for long periods. I was amazed how clean my dad's 50 year old tank was (is) in his MGB.
As for baffles, I much prefer them. That is a lot of weight that is constantly shifting in the corners. |
DiDueColpi Fred Key West coast - Canada (1365 posts) Registered: 05/14/2010 03:06AM Main British Car: I really thought that I'd be an action figure by now! |
Re: It wasn't my fault!
Summit sells a nice in tank conversion kit made by aeromotive.
It comes with everything needed to install it and has a good anti slosh pick up. So baffles aren't needed. It's a little pricey but really nice quality and it's all new. Summit's # AEI 18688 Cheers Fred PS Curtis, I think your excuses "just ran out of gas". ;-) |
BlownMGB-V8 Jim Blackwood 9406 Gunpowder Rd., Florence, KY 41042 (6470 posts) Registered: 10/23/2007 12:59PM Main British Car: 1971 MGB Blown,Injected,Intercooled Buick 340/AA80E/JagIRS |
Re: It wasn't my fault!
Carl, if you keep the tank full it doesn't slosh...
Jim |