On the Road -- Please Help!?

[gypsychris]

Hi everyone, well am up here in Alaska and getting some minor work done.

Turns out we discovered major cracks in the fuel tank and I need a replacement tank.

My moho is a 1989 P30 chassis airstream 345LE with an 80 gallon tank.
We can't seem to find the proper replacement part anywhere online or off.

Anyone know what the ref. number/part number it is? and where I can get it??

The only one we have found are 40 gallons.

Any help is appreciated -- because I have to hit the road back to the lower 48 SOON!!!

Thanks,

Chris

[Melody Ranch]

Come on California Groupe... Vinnie get your allies out and help.

[crazeevw]

Hi Chris,
Anyway possible to 'seal' the tank with a gas-tank sealer, or are the cracks much too large? Have you tried searching the forum? I'll see what I can find, and will post any links if I find anything.
Good Luck, Derek

[gypsychris]

No luck really so far I have searched the forums all day. The cracks are all along the brackets that hold the tank and are pretty sever. The rust is pretty darn deep (This was a North East moho -- which would explain all this.

HELP PS> I dont want to be stuck here!!! LOL Winter in Fairbanks is fast approaching and my home can't move!! LOL

[gypsychris]

Anyone?

[ROBERTSUNRUS]

Hi, radiator shops are well known for repairing fuel tanks. If nothing else, put a junk yard tank in it just to get you back home. They say Alaska has everything, but when I was there last year I found that to only be partially true. [we have motor oil, but not the brand a weight that you want] .....[we have tires that size, but not the same as you have on your vehicle] ... My Lincoln uses Premium fuel, but many gas stations only had two choices, Diesel and Regular 87] And I was yelled at because I asked if I could get my oil changed on Saturday. "WE DON"T WORK ON SATURDAY!"

We still had a wonderful trip to Alaska.

[gypsychris]

Update -- One of the mechanics here says he can weld it -- so that is what they are going to do, Yoohoo.

Would still like to know what that Tank part number is etc. so I can track one down...

[PeterH-350LE]

Send Brad aka bkahler a message, maybe he can get you the tank out of the 345 he is parting out.

[vswingfield]

Originally Posted by PeterH-87MH

Send Brad aka bkahler a message, maybe he can get you the tank out of the 345 he is parting out.

Excellent advice.

Remember when Alumatube (Susan) and I met you guys at the North Little Rock KOA a couple of years ago in their 310? We kept saying that it was too bad that Brad was out of town and couldn't come. Same Brad. One of the good guys.

On edit, OK it was four years ago, not just a couple. Geez.

[crazeevw]

Chris,
PM AirRowan, he had a good write-up on how to remove the fuel tank I believe. You'd think it was a simple drop.....at least I believe it was AirRowan. Try and call Airstream tomorrow, as well as Andy at Inland RV to see if either can get you a part number.
Good Luck, Derek

[bkahler]

Chris,

The fuel tank is still available from the 1986 345. I haven't removed it yet and hadn't planned on removing it for a month or so however, if push comes to shove I would certainly do what I could to get it removed sooner.

Something you should keep in the back of your mind, if your tank has cracks in it that to me indicates its been stressed pretty good. I'm guessing the roads in Alaska aren't quite up to the standards of the lower 48 (which really aren't that great either ). The metal is fatigued so bottom line is don't be surprised if more cracks show up on your trip south.

Anyway, I'll help in any way I can.

Good luck!

Brad

[Rockwell]

I have used MarineTex many times on fuel tank repairs for old cars that I rebuilt. You might look around at an auto parts store or a marine repair shop for that in Alaska or have it shipped to you from someone here in the lower 48. It's about the best I've ever found. Even repaired my son's electronic fuel pump on his Fiat with it...never leaked...hope this helps as an option..
Rockwell

[PeterH-350LE]

Originally Posted by gypsychris

Update -- One of the mechanics here says he can weld it -- so that is what they are going to do, Yoohoo.

Would still like to know what that Tank part number is etc. so I can track one down...

I pulled the 80 gal fuel tank before on an Airstream Moho and it is surprisingly easy, if the tank is completely empty. I just used a regular floorjack on wheels and a combo of the right size piece of plywood/2x4's after i figured the heights of the chassis to pull it out the back.
Great time to replace the rubber line!!