It goes without saying that an engine must have a clean, rust-free reservoir from which to drink-and a lack of punctures helps, too. However, after a recent trip to a local sandblasting outfit, it became apparent to us that the original fuel tank found under our beloved Suburban was not going to make the cut. We had the rig's undercarriage sandblasted in preparation for a fresh coat of paint. The process revealed several holes in the factory steel fuel tank. We suspected these holes were caused by rust that attacked the tank's inner walls, as the vehicle had been in storage for more than five years before being resurrected. For some odd reason, the salty coastal air out here in California doesn't play well with unprotected metal surfaces-ponder that. Our suspicions were confirmed when we removed the unit from the vehicle to inspect the contents. The fuel we poured out was several years old and contaminated with a rich red substance-rust. So, we contacted MTS Company about a line of plastic replacement gas tanks they offer. MTS has specialized in such fuel tanks for over 20 years. With a simple phone call, MTS had us handled, and a new rust-proof 21-gallon replacement fuel tank was on its way to our door. Check out the highlights from our home-garage installation. The new fuel tank from MTS came packaged in a single box with a new sending unit and steel straps to secure it to the vehicle's frame.The new fuel tank from MTS came packaged in a single box with a new sending unit and steel Prior to removing the old gas tank, we test-fit the new sending unit and confirmed that all electrical hook-ups were the same as our cancer-infested original.Prior to removing the old gas tank, we test-fit the new sending unit and confirmed that al With the tank out of the box, we gave it a good look-over to ensure we had the correct product. With the two tanks side by side, it was obvious that we had the correct unit. The SuperBurb has undergone a steady array of retrofits since the project's inception in 2001. However, the original '70s-era steel fuel tank has remained since the beginning.With the tank out of the box, we gave it a good look-over to ensure we had the correct pro The sending unit that MTS provided us with was a direct replica of the OE design. It uses a 30 micron cylindrical screen filter, made from a modern advanced synthetic, which will not rot or become brittle over time. Additionally, the unit features a sealed plastic float to discern fuel level within the tank. The system uses six small sheetmetal tabs with screws to secure the device to the plastic tank, and a thick neoprene O-ring provides a leak-proof seal.The sending unit that MTS provided us with was a direct replica of the OE design. It uses The MTS fuel tank incorporates all the original tie-in ports for fuel inlet, outlet, vent, and return lines. The unit even comes with the appropriate stainless-steel hose clamps to complete the arrangement.The MTS fuel tank incorporates all the original tie-in ports for fuel inlet, outlet, vent, Here you can see some of the holes on the exterior of the original fuel tank. This type of corrosion is caused by rust attacking the unpainted interior walls from the inside. If the unit had been stored with a full tank, the rust probably would not have formed.Here you can see some of the holes on the exterior of the original fuel tank. This type of Once the new sending unit was installed properly in the new tank, the remainder of installation process was fairly straightforward. The process required two tools: a 9/16-inch-deep socket on an electric impact gun and a flathead screwdriver. Thanks to the lightweight nature of a plastic tank, the unit was easy to lift in place under the floor of the SuperBurb.Once the new sending unit was installed properly in the new tank, the remainder of install The new tank fits in the stock location perfectly and now we won't have to worry about rust holes.The new tank fits in the stock location perfectly and now we won't have to worry about rus One important thing to consider about switching to a plastic fuel tank is the unit's proximity to heat sources such as the exhaust system. MTS informs customers of this with the sticker shown here. Another noteworthy consideration is vulnerability to trail damage. While we don't feel the need to arm the underside of the SuperBurb's new fuel tank with a steel skidplate, you may consider such an upgrade if your vehicle regularly sees trail use.One important thing to consider about switching to a plastic fuel tank is the unit's proxi SOURCES MTS Company 3270 Central Avenue Dubuque IA 52001 800-522-1622 www.mtscompany.com By Robin Stover Enjoyed this Post? Subscribe to our RSS Feed, or use your favorite social media to recommend us to friends and colleagues!
