Legerra Fuel Tank Leak

[James Doulton]

I should have been going to the Omex/CKC Track day at LLandow this weekend but the petrol tank in the Legerra has developed a bit of a leak. I cannot see exactly where it is coming from but it looks like it is the join between the top and the bottom pressings which is hidden by the rear bumper.

The existing tank is approximately 8 gallons, maybe a little more, and is very box like but with rounded edges. It was made in two parts and has a join which is also the mounting flange which is about 3/4 of the way up the tank. I measured the tank, ignoring the flange, as being 27" x  11.5" x 9" tall. It seems a little tall to be an Escort van or estate tank but it is about the right volume. It seems a little odd that the tank is also lowere than the bottom of the bumper, so it is clearly visible from the rear.

There is a small access panel in the base of the boot to get at the sender unit but it is not big enough to see the area where I think that the leak is coming from. I am not looking forward to fighting the rusty fixings in order to remove the rear bumper to get at the tank. I might end up removing the boot floor with the angry grinder.

So what is my best plan? Should I replace the tank? Maybe I could get one that was fuel-injection ready. Is there any reliable way of extending the life of my existing tank instead? Any ideas would be welcome.

[Adrian Southgate]

Mine is 'plastic' if I remember correctly, that clear stuff with the woven criss cross. ASH do a silicon one and also do smaller bits you could use as joiners to replace dodgy rubber ones. AP motorstore link All the tanks I have have a short filler that is about 45mm OD 

[James Doulton]

Aaron Radiators have come back to me, they can't get a tank but they can repair mine. They separate it, shot blast it, fix any holes and put it all back together. Only trouble is the price, from £150 to £250 plus VAT, probably carriage on top as well. I dare say that is what it would cost too. That Midget tank is looking better.

[Adrian Southgate]

I'd get one of mine repaired and sent down to you cheaper than that !

Have you tried the other link 

[James Doulton]

Yes, I tried both but I haven't heard from the other one. Maybe I'll have to phone them if I get a chance in the day (and if I remember).

[Steve Kerswell]

Many moons back, I recall someone who used to post on here, was using a fiesta tank, it was similar in shape and had the return pipe, however, I haven't a clue who it was. I will keep thinking.

[Adrian Southgate]

Pete Loynes has a fiesta tank under his Melos which means it would probably fit the legerra BUT the filler neck will be on the right so you'd have to fit a cross car filler pipe to retain the original filler.

[Steve Kerswell]

Could it be fitted the other way round? 

[James Doulton]

So how about a Corsa tank. ebay item 361540923622. Filler in the right area. Fuel Injection ready. Won't rust. 45 litres capacity. I just can't work out if it would fit or how to hold it in place. That one is a bit pricey at £120 but it is complete.

[James Doulton]

So I was going to take the afternoon off today and get started on replacing my petrol tank but problems at work kept me there all afternoon. Then the wife 'reminded' (for the first time, I reckon) that we are going to her parents' tomorrow. So my weekend has shrunk to one day. And being in Bristol, the weathermen are forecasting thunderstorms from lunchtime on Sunday. Can I replace the tank in 3 hours? I'd be lucky if I had even drained the old one in that time.

[Adrian Southgate]

2 pipes, 1 wire and 4 bolts - not ignoring its a metal box full of flammable liquid...

[James Doulton]

Maybe I'll pop to Halfords on Sunday morning and get a big tub of Hammerite and paint the new tank instead of fitting it. Is Hammerite suitable or would I be better off with something else?

[Paul Sheridan]

POR15 Metal Ready as an etch, then a POR15 paint.  Best of the best, but bloody pricey!