Sourcing Replacement Auto Fuel Tanks: Plastic Options

If you're looking for a replacement plastic auto fuel tank, there are a few options available to you. You can find these products on Amazon, Raybuck, and Transfer Flow. Amazon offers a wide range of plastic fuel tanks for cars, trucks, boats, and other vehicles, with various capacities and features such as shut-off valves and caps. Raybuck specializes in replacement auto body parts and offers a wide selection of replacement plastic and steel gas tanks for various vehicle models, including Ford, GM, Toyota, and Jeep. They also provide related hardware and accessories. Transfer Flow, on the other hand, offers top-quality fuel tank systems made from aluminized steel, providing superior durability and strength compared to plastic tanks. They cater to truck owners looking for high-capacity replacement fuel tank systems to extend their driving range.

Online retailers that sell replacement plastic auto fuel tanks

There are a number of online retailers that sell replacement plastic auto fuel tanks. Here is a list of some of the top options:

Amazon

Amazon offers a wide range of replacement fuel tanks for various car models. They have a dedicated section for Automotive Replacement Fuel Tanks, with over 3,000 results to choose from. Amazon offers free delivery on many of these products and also provides used and new options at different price points.

Raybuck

Raybuck specializes in replacement gas tanks for trucks, including Chevy, GMC, Ford, and Jeep models. They offer polyethylene tanks, which are known for their superior strength, durability, and corrosion resistance compared to metal tanks. Raybuck provides free shipping on orders over $189 and a 5-year warranty on all poly tanks.

PlasticAutoTank

PlasticAutoTank is an online store that manufactures and sells plastic fuel tanks for automobiles. Their tanks are made of modern composite materials based on polyester resins, fiberglass, and carbon fabrics. The tanks comply with original dimensions and offer high reliability and resistance to shocks. PlasticAutoTank ships to Europe and prices are listed excluding tax.

EBay

EBay is another great option for finding replacement plastic fuel tanks for cars and trucks. They have a dedicated section for Plastic Car and Truck Fuel Tanks, with a variety of new and used options available. eBay offers a wide range of brands, including OEM, unbranded, and aftermarket products.

Transfer Flow

Transfer Flow specializes in aftermarket fuel tank systems for trucks. Their replacement fuel tanks are made from aluminized steel for superior durability and strength. They offer extended driving range and reduced fuel sloshing during acceleration, braking, and cornering. Transfer Flow's products are backed by a 6-year, unlimited-mile warranty and are made in the USA.

The benefits of polyethylene tanks

Polyethylene (PE) is a type of plastic commonly used in water storage and transportation systems. It is a highly resilient material that offers numerous advantages over other materials such as steel and concrete. Here are some benefits of choosing polyethylene tanks:

Durability and Strength

Polyethylene is an extremely durable and strong material that can withstand heavy loads without breaking or buckling. Its toughness makes it ideal for fuel storage containers, as it can endure harsh physical conditions. Polyethylene is also resistant to punctures and cracks, which is crucial for fuel storage to prevent leakage and contamination. The absence of welds or seams further enhances the durability of polyethylene tanks, reducing the chances of failure or breakage.

Resistance to Corrosion

Polyethylene is naturally resistant to corrosion caused by chemicals and other contaminants. This quality ensures that the stored fuel remains uncontaminated and pure. Unlike steel tanks that are susceptible to rust and degradation over time, polyethylene tanks remain intact and functional for years, reducing the need for frequent replacements.

Cost-Effective and Easy to Install

Polyethylene tanks are more cost-effective than steel and concrete tanks, requiring less maintenance and offering easier installation. Their lightweight design makes them convenient to transport and install, resulting in time and cost savings for manufacturers and users. Additionally, the customizability of polyethylene allows for moulding into specific shapes and sizes to meet diverse application needs.

UV Resistance

Polyethylene is naturally resistant to UV rays, which can cause degradation in other materials over time. This feature makes polyethylene tanks suitable for outdoor storage without worrying about brittleness, cracking, or discolouration due to UV exposure. The addition of UV-resistant coatings further enhances their protection against sunlight.

Eco-Friendly and Recyclable

Polyethylene is an environmentally friendly option as it is non-toxic, biodegradable, and 100% recyclable. Its recyclability contributes to sustainable practices, as it can be repurposed into new products or used to create additional polyethylene tanks. This makes polyethylene a preferred choice for those seeking eco-conscious solutions.

Aftermarket fuel tank systems

Transfer Flow offers top-quality fuel tank systems, empowering truck owners with high-capacity replacement fuel tank systems that meet the needs of demanding drivers. Their products are made from aluminized steel, providing durability and strength, and are designed to reduce fuel sloshing during acceleration, deceleration, and cornering. They also offer 50-state legal gasoline replacement fuel tanks for select vehicles.

Aero Tanks, in the business since 1969, specializes in manufacturing auxiliary and replacement gas and diesel tanks. They offer fuel tank systems for Jeep, Dodge, GMC, Ford, and Chevy, as well as custom-built fuel tank systems. Aero Tanks is known for its cost-effective solutions and reliable customer service.

Raybuck, with over 30 years of experience, provides a wide selection of replacement plastic and steel gas tanks. They offer both polyethylene and steel options, allowing customers to choose based on their specific needs. Raybuck caters to popular vehicle brands and provides a comprehensive selection of hardware and accessories for fuel supply systems.

Another company to consider is Aeromotive, which offers fuel tanks with pre-installed iconic fuel pumps to deliver superior performance across a wide range of vehicles. Their Gen II Stealth Fuel Tanks are known for their efficient fuel technology and are ideal for modern builds and restorations. Aeromotive also provides rugged and reliable fuel tanks for trucks, including options for Chevy 1500/2500s, 1/2-ton trucks, and C10 fuel tanks.

How to identify if your fuel tank needs replacing

The fuel tank is a critical component of your car. Without it, your car won't go anywhere. While modern cars have plastic fuel tanks, older cars used metal tanks, which are more prone to failure.

• You smell gasoline inside or around your car: This is a sign that your gas tank may be cracked and leaking. Aside from being costly due to wasted fuel, this is also dangerous.
• Your car won't start or starts poorly: If your engine is only getting a trickle of fuel or none at all, it may sputter or stall during operation. However, this could also be due to other issues, such as a malfunctioning fuel pump.
• Your fuel pump is malfunctioning: If you have fuel injection and an electric fuel pump, you should be able to hear it start up when you turn the key to the "ON" or "accessory" position without trying to start the engine. If you can't hear it, this may indicate a problem with the fuel pump or a lack of fuel reaching the engine.
• Visible damage: If you can see damage to your fuel tank, such as cracks or holes, it will need to be replaced.
• Corrosion or rust: If your fuel tank is corroded or rusty, it may start to leak and will need to be replaced.

If you suspect your fuel tank needs replacing, it's important to act promptly. A leaking fuel tank can be dangerous and costly, and it's best to get it checked by a professional.

Repair kits for plastic fuel tanks

If you're looking to repair a plastic auto fuel tank, there are several repair kits available on the market. Here's an overview of some options to help you get started:

Blue Magic QuikSteel Plastic Tank Repair Kit:

This kit is designed to repair larger leaks in plastic tanks. It includes everything needed for the repair and can be used on various vehicles, including cars, trucks, motorcycles, and lawnmowers. The product is easy to use, with a set time of just five minutes, and it can be drilled, tapped, filed, machined, sanded, and painted after curing. While some customers have reported successful repairs with this kit, others have experienced issues with leakage and cracking, especially when the tank flexes. It's available on Amazon for $8.99.

Permatex Plastic Tank Repair Kit:

The Permatex kit is suitable for repairing cracks up to 4 inches in length and holes up to 3/8 inch in diameter in various plastic tanks, including windshield washer reservoirs, radiator overflow tanks, and coolant reservoirs. It is not intended for use on plastic fuel tanks. The kit includes detailed instructions with photographs and can be purchased from Autozone, NAPA, O'Reilly, and other auto parts stores. The repair resin hardens within 8 to 10 minutes and cures in 30 minutes at ideal temperatures of 50°F to 75°F (10°C to 25°C).

AbsorbentsOnline Gas Tank Repair Kit:

This comprehensive kit is designed for emergency response personnel and professionals dealing with large vehicles and tanks. It includes over 43 items such as wedges, plugs, patches, tapes, and repair putties to fix small to large holes, punctures, and gashes in plastic or metal drums, diesel fuel tanks, and more. The kit also comes with standard steel or non-sparking hand tools for installation. It is available for purchase directly from AbsorbentsOnline.com and costs $740 for the regular tools version and $1,027.14 for the non-sparking tools version.

When deciding on a repair kit, it's important to carefully read the instructions and ensure that the kit is suitable for your specific type of plastic fuel tank. Additionally, always prioritize your safety by wearing proper protective gear during the repair process.

Frequently asked questions