1972 911T Oil Tank Protection

[ctv283k]

I've just replaced the leaking oil tank on my 911T - the tank had suffered surface corrosion from the continual muck thrown at it from the rear wheel and eventually the corrosion penetrated the tank skin.

After the expense of buying a new tank, I would like to carry out a modification on it to provide greater protection to the most vulnerable area. I should mention that I have added another coat of paint in smooth Hammerite and added copious amounts of Waxoyl.

I'm sure I'm not alone with this concern, so is any member aware of such a modification, and if so, what did it consist of?

Hope someone is able to assist.

Cliff Doe

 

[Robin]

One thing you must be aware of is that the early tanks were in steel and did corrode from the inside as well as the outside. This could allow rusty metal to be passed down the oil pipe directly into the oil pump and then into the engine working parts like the main bearings. There is no filter on the oil supply side of the oil pump, the oil is filtered from the scavenge side of the oil pump as it is pumped back into the oil tank.
I would earnestly suggest that you replace the oil tank with a new one to avoid any further problems with your engine. I believe the newer tanks are made from stainless steel and will probably last the life of the car.

 

[bernard tester]

I think if you just keep the new tank free of muck, just hose it down with a jet wash it should be fine it's when they get cover'd in damp muck they corrode some of the early ones had a wire mesh grill it, stop'ed the stone damage but did collect the muck between it and the tank and cause more problems

 

[wendysloper]

Message deleted - posted in error!

 

[ctv283k]

Thanks Robin and Bernard,

I have indeed fitted a new one. However, Bernard's suggestion of a regular jet wash is probably the best course of action; if a trouble-free solution was available, it would have been posted years ago!

The news that the tank may now be constructed in SS would be a blessing if true. The one I fitted was sourced from Porsche UK (££ouch!) and was made in Denmark, but as it was finished in black paint it was impossible to determine the material.

Thanks for your time,

Cliff

 

[Nick Moss]

It's easy to tell stainless from mild steel, stainless is not magnetic.

 

[ctv283k]

Dammit, of course! Well this one is made of mild steel probably, so I've got the cheaper version - if that's possible. At least the jet wash is to hand.

Cliff

 

[vitesse]

Not all stainless steel is non-magnetic-it depends on the grade-grade 316 is--304 or 314 isn't & given the large price difference,many items use 304/314 particularly painted items.