FIA Gas Tank removal/replacement

Jim Holden · #1 (**permalink**) 03-05-2008, 07:41 AM

Folks:

Removing and replacing the gas tank in an ERAFIA is a bit more involved than that of the ERA427SC.

Disconnect the battery and remove as much of the fuel from the tank as you can.

The tank, located over the rear axle, is behind a large panel in the trunk that must be removed. There is also a second small panel on the right side that needs to be removed.

There are little access panels in each rear wheel fender well that need to be removed to gain access to the bolts that secure the tank hold down strap. The electrical connections to the fuel level sender are located in the driver's side opening and should be unplugged. After unfastening the hold down strap, it can be slipped over the tank and out through the trunk. The trunk lid and hinges (save and mark any shims) need to be removed as well as the little aluminum pieces that hold the rear panel to the body. The fuel connections under the tank need to be disconnected as well as the filler casting. You should be able to make the fuel line disconnections without having to drop the rear axle. It's a good idea to have a pan under the car to catch any fuel remaining in the tank.

I strongly suggest taping cardboard over the aluminum panels in the trunk and taping the edges of the trunk opening to avoid scratching everything as you wrestle the tank out through the opening.

Note that the tank cannot come straight out inasmuch as it is too wide for the opening. The trick is to pull it straight back as far as it will go and then turn it 90 degrees by pushing one side forward. Note: it cannot be turned once it is pushed into the area over the rear axle. Most of the turning takes place in the trunk area. The tank has beveled corners to enable it to be turned. Replacement is just the reverse.

The tank is engineered to come out (and go back in) if you take your time and are careful. Follow the directions and you will save yourself a lot of angst (and blood letting). Take it from one who now knows...

Jim

ack fia · #2 (**permalink**) 03-05-2008, 07:49 AM

If you have the tank out can it be converted/modified to a fuel cell?

Jim Holden · #3 (**permalink**) 03-05-2008, 08:02 AM

ERA has at some buyer's request done fuel cell tanks. My tank has foam in it, but not a separate cell.

I frankly don't know what's involved in (or the advisability of) cutting open a used aluminum fuel tank and trying to convert it to a cell.

Check with Bob P at ERA. It may be that they have fuel cells as an option.

Jim