trap door or drop the fuel tank
To do it right you should drop the tank. With out a lift that is not the easiest think to do, that is why many people do the trap door.
The biggest problems with doing a trap door are,
1. not cutting to deep and damaging the tank, lines or wires
2. getting dirt and debris into the tank or seal area
3. coming up with a way of closing the hatch so it seals
If you can manage all these then you are in good shape.
One of the advantages of dropping the tank is being able to clean it out. It's amazing how much crap gets into the tank!
Good luck
Craig
The biggest problems with doing a trap door are,
1. not cutting to deep and damaging the tank, lines or wires
2. getting dirt and debris into the tank or seal area
3. coming up with a way of closing the hatch so it seals
If you can manage all these then you are in good shape.
One of the advantages of dropping the tank is being able to clean it out. It's amazing how much crap gets into the tank!
Good luck
Craig
Launching!
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 222
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From: Memphis
I did the trap door also. You must be very careful you don't cut any wires. I was careful and still cut one. But nothing a little solder won't take care of. To cover it back up i used some sheet metal and screws to hold it and then used foil tape to seal the edges. I have a mig welder but Something told me i better not weld right on top of the gas tank.
I'm glad i did the trap door method b/c if i ever need to get back in there it's only a few screws away.
I'm glad i did the trap door method b/c if i ever need to get back in there it's only a few screws away.
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From: Schiller Park, ILL Member: #317
Definitely the trap door IMO, especially if you have the '98 and older metal tank (which seems to be harder to wiggle out than the plastic one - I've never tried to remove the plastic tank but I've heard it's easier).
The only way you would ever smell gas fumes from this is if you didn't get the pump sealed to the tank properly, in which case you'd also be getting an EVAP code. These cars have a fully sealed and highly monitored fuel vapor system, so if there is a leak anywhere (even pin hole) you'd get a code. If everything is installed and working correctly, there are no fumes outside the tank in the first place, and thus nothing to leak into the interior - trap door or not.
Having said that, I would still install a trap door simply to prevent dust/dirt, etc., from working it's way up with air movement, or to prevent any possible exhaust fumes from working their way up - especially if you have dumps under the axle. The foil/insulated repair tape is one nice way to seal the door, another would be rope caulk (more easily applied/removed than silicone). Of course, silicone/gasket sealant would work too.
Having said that, I would still install a trap door simply to prevent dust/dirt, etc., from working it's way up with air movement, or to prevent any possible exhaust fumes from working their way up - especially if you have dumps under the axle. The foil/insulated repair tape is one nice way to seal the door, another would be rope caulk (more easily applied/removed than silicone). Of course, silicone/gasket sealant would work too.
12 Second Club
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Bucks County, Pa.
