Larger Petrol Tank

[fuelpump]

Does anyone know of larger petrol tank manufacturers ?
Does anyone have experience of enlarging the tank themselves ?

[ASL642]

We have fitted the larger 91/2 gall tank to one of our Minors (couldn't get the standard size at the time) Only problem is it's taller than the original (of course) so the spare wheel has to fit in the boot space, rather than in the wheel storage underneath. No problems fitting it (remember to empty the old one first!) Ours came from B'ham Minor Centre, but I think all suppliers stock them.

[fuelpump]

Thanks for response. B'ham. Morris Center have advised me they are not able at this point to manufacture the 9 1/2 tank. When did you purchase your tank ?

[Wal]

Fuelpump,
I bought a larger fuel tank from a known vendor and it had no internal baffling (fuel sloshed around every where) and no drain plug. I was not impressed and had to modify it myself, though this was at least 10 years ago and hopefully they have improved.

Regards,
Wal

[IaininTenbury]

As far as I know the 9.5 gal tanks that have been available are just an Escort Mk2 estate tank with a modified filler, so supply depends on availability and production of those. If you really want one you could try other non Minor suppliers and ask for the Ford one and then modify it or have it modified. No risk as its a brand new tank of course...
Personally I get over 200 miles out of the small Series 2 tank, and if i'm going a long way I'm normally ready for a break by then, fill the tank, check the oil and water and stretch the legs etc...

[fuelpump]

Need a larger tank as I'm running a modified 1275cc w/ Weber carb.
The idea of an Escort tank sounds interesting. Was the only modification the filler neck ?
Thought has since crossed my mind to cut the existing in half and weld in 6" to 12' of extra sheetmetal. Of course the guage becomes useless ... anybody tried ?

[IaininTenbury]

Well, I've never actually had one in my hands, I suppose the outlet pipe may be in the wrong place. Hadrian Motor panels certainly list them and I understand this is the tank that you get if you buy a 9 gal one froma Minor specialist, abeit modified to suit. And it shoudl be easy enough to modify a new tank as there's no welding risk. I've converted enough car tanks to van tanks and its pretty straight forward.

However if you modified a standard tank as you suggest, presumably you could extend the arm of the sender unit, so that the working arc of the float still covers the height of the tank so that the gauge still works.

Thinking about range, I probably don't get 200 miles on a 5 gal tank now, as a 1275 went in earlier this year. Still on a smallish SU though so its not far off. Prob high 30s on run....

[fuelpump]

Again, thanks for response ... interesting. Would you be able to supply me with an email/website for Hadrian Mtr. panels ?

[bmcecosse]

Even with the very inefficient Weber carb (why??) the car will surely still do 25 mpg. Surely there are Service Stations every 100 miles or so ?? If you want best road performance and chance of decent mpg - use an HIF 44 SU! Weber is really only for ultimate performance Track use - when mpg and 'tractability' doesn't matter so much.

[IaininTenbury]

www.carpanels.co.uk

http://hadrian.dominohosting.biz/hadria ... nt&Ret=ALL

[fuelpump]

Thanks to all for correspondence ... I'll also look into the SU idea.

[Jefftav]

Here are some pics of the larger 9G tank for a saloon. Measurements are (approx) H230xL790xW335mm.

[bmcecosse]

Does it fit into the standard 'slot' in the boot floor Jeff?

[Jefftav]

Yes it should do. The last one I did needed a wee bit of fettling but nothing serious and even lined up with most of the existing fixings.

[bmcecosse]

Just need to win the Lotto then - to be able to afford to fill it............