How bad is the rust in my fuel tank??

[Schiefer]

Hi.
Changed fuel lines and filter today and decided to take a look inside the tank. A bit hard to see, but there is rust at the bottom and some rusty particles. The upper part of the tank seems excellent. Surface rust in the edges on the outside.

How bad do you think this is, and what should I do? Had hoped to avoid a full service now but think thats the only way to go.

Thanks!

[edmayo]

Did you remove the filter sock from the outlet line, and if so was it clogged with rust particles?

[Schiefer]

Did you remove the filter sock from the outlet line, and if so was it clogged with rust particles?

No, not yet. Will take out the tank and inspect it carefully asap. Have only changed the fuel lines in the engine compartment, that´s the reason I have not checked it yet. Will post pictures of the filter sock when I remove it.

[jameshtaylor]

In my experience just having some rust on the tank walls is of no consequence. But if you find many particles in the filter, remove the tank and have it cleaned and sealed. Mine filled a fuel pump necessitating replacement and doubling the cost... the price of procrastination.

[Schiefer]

Ed/James;
Here are some pictures. The filter sock actually looks OK. Not clogged, could blow through it. The fuel was very dirty and lots of particles. The fuel lines were totally rotten with several of the connections not even secured. The tank has some rust that has to be taken care of, but think it can be repaired. Will clean the tank now and restore it 100% next winter.



















Cheers,
Radmund

[edmayo]

The outside of the tank looks worse than the inside! That filter sock is more clogged than you think. Use aerosol carb cleaner and keep spraying the sock and then blowing with compressed air. When totally clean you will be able to hold it up to light and be able to see through to the tube inside, all the way around the sock.

[merbesfield]

This may be a dumb question, but after cleaning my filter sock I found a small hole in the screen mesh. Does that mean it should be replaced or is there a fix using new screen?

[Schiefer]

The outside of the tank looks worse than the inside! That filter sock is more clogged than you think. Use aerosol carb cleaner and keep spraying the sock and then blowing with compressed air. When totally clean you will be able to hold it up to light and be able to see through to the tube inside, all the way around the sock.

Thanks for the advice. You are right about the outside rust. My mechanic looked at it today and advised me not to use it. He was surprised it was not leaking. The metal is very thin in some areas.

[edmayo]

merbesfield This may be a dumb question, but after cleaning my filter sock I found a small hole in the screen mesh. Does that mean it should be replaced or is there a fix using new screen?

The filter sock should still available as a new part from Porsche. You get the whole fitting, not just the mesh.