Gas gauge quite working so went to replace sending unit and found something in the gas tank. Its steel - looks like a tank in my tank - best I can describe it. I can move it around in the tank with a screwdriver or magnet. I assume its some sort of baffle that has come loose. Is there some sort of shroud that protects the float arm? I'm guessing theres a new tank in my future but it has me stumped.
56 gas tank
- Thread starter drchip
- Start date
Daves55Sedan
Well-known member
There is nothing inside the tank except for a fuel pickup tube which runs from the front of the tank inside along the bottom to about halfway to the rear. When the fuel tank is empty, the float actually rests on a round indentastion in the bottom of the tank above the pickup tube. To my knowledge, there is no baffle anywhere.
My guess is that someone sealed the tank with a sealer that has become loose from the tank. But that does not explain how it can move with a magnet. However it would not surprise me if the sealer has become dislodged. In order for the sealer to stick well, the tank needs to be cleaned in a dunk tank, drained and thoroughly dried prior to applying the sealer.
Any minor imperfections in the sealer will allow ethanol to penetrate and build-up underneath the sealer in the form of corrosion that looks like black mold if you were able to see it.
My guess is that someone sealed the tank with a sealer that has become loose from the tank. But that does not explain how it can move with a magnet. However it would not surprise me if the sealer has become dislodged. In order for the sealer to stick well, the tank needs to be cleaned in a dunk tank, drained and thoroughly dried prior to applying the sealer.
Any minor imperfections in the sealer will allow ethanol to penetrate and build-up underneath the sealer in the form of corrosion that looks like black mold if you were able to see it.
Blue Futura
Member
Sounds like a baffle that has broken loose . Any fuel tanks i have opened up accept farmer home made ones have baffles ,helps keep the fuel from splashing around.
SSsssteamer
Well-known member
We live on the border next to Canada. The border customs find secret tanks inside of fuel tanks all of the time. The inner tanks are used for a hiding place for all types of illegal stuff. Don't cross any borders with your truck until you find out that the inner tank is not full of drugs, or they will take your truck from you if it does. 
We live on the border next to Canada. The border customs find secret tanks inside of fuel tanks all of the time. The inner tanks are used for a hiding place for all types of illegal stuff. Don't cross any borders with your truck until you find out that the inner tank is not full of drugs, or they will take your truck from you if it does.
LOL - I was just talking to my wife about that very thing! Actually I was just going to post on here to see if anyone thought it was a possibility. I'm going to have to get another tank so new sending unit isnt damaged by that thing. When its out I'm gonna open it up and see what the heck it is. I live near Buffalo but bought the car out of New Hampshire - Who knows what history it has.