188fan 5 #1 Posted August 10, 2014 Is this what the bottom of an 854 gas tank is suppose to look like? The bottom is screwed on. Looks like a crappy design if that's a factory job. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AMC RULES 36,945 #2 Posted August 10, 2014 Yep, that's a factory two piece tank. Looks like that one may be leaking? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
188fan 5 #3 Posted August 11, 2014 Yeah the guy before me tried to JB Weld it. Made a friggin mess of it. I guess if I can't find one I will have to redo this one. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AMC RULES 36,945 #4 Posted August 11, 2014 IIRC...the earlier ones('61-2) were a one piece tank design. Showing the pict here of the bottom of one of my '62 702's for reference. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
188fan 5 #5 Posted August 11, 2014 Seems backwards to me. You would think the screw on bottom would be the older of the 2. Not that I doubt what you're saying. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CasualObserver 3,406 #6 Posted August 11, 2014 Craig is correct. Don't have any idea why the switch (sometime during the 1962 model year), but the newer style was prone to leaking. There was a service bulletin fix, which involved cutting part of the original tank and installing a smaller insert tank inside. See the drawings in this bulletin. Sent from my GT-P7510 using Tapatalk Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AMC RULES 36,945 #7 Posted August 11, 2014 I would think that a quality tank sealer would suffice to seal it from within... without the need to butcher the tank, and insert a liner. http://www.dimecitycycles.com/red-kote-fuel-tank-sealer-liner.html Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
188fan 5 #8 Posted August 11, 2014 Thanks man, that definitely looks like the way to go. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AMC RULES 36,945 #9 Posted August 11, 2014 Red Kote is but one of many sealers out there. http://search.eastwood.com/search?w=gas%20tank%20sealer%20kit Maybe search the web to find the one that works for you. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
188fan 5 #10 Posted August 11, 2014 I don't have any experience with any of them. If you suggest red KOTE I'm good with that one. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WheelHorse79 271 #11 Posted August 11, 2014 I just used a 2-part epoxy to seal the tank on my 854. The 2-part epoxy is supposed to last longer and hold up to ethanol blended fuels. Here is a link to the product: http://www.caswellplating.com/restoration-aids/epoxy-gas-tank-sealer.html Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
slammer302 2,154 #12 Posted August 11, 2014 Red kote worked for me Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
188fan 5 #13 Posted August 11, 2014 Thanks for the info guys! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MalMac 1,328 #14 Posted August 11, 2014 I had heard that they went from one solid piece tank to the two piece is because the one piece was way more to produce. If that is fact or not I do not know. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
slammer302 2,154 #15 Posted August 11, 2014 I had trouble with mine sense ive owned it i thought it was leaking around the gasket and it ended up having a crack in it so i cleaned it and used the red kote and i have not had any problems sense i didn't even put the gasket back in it 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CasualObserver 3,406 #16 Posted August 11, 2014 I've used red kote too... But don't order it online, they stock it at O'Reilly Auto part stores for cheaper, you generally have to ask for it, they don't keep it on the shelf, it's in the back. Sent from my GT-P7510 using Tapatalk Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Racinbob 10,276 #17 Posted August 11, 2014 (edited) if I'm seeing that right you have more than just a leak. It looks like a chunk of the bottom plate is missing. It's possible that it isn't in the actual tank area but outside of it. I can't tell for sure. I fixed an 854 tank with a new gasket, Permetex and several coats of tank sealer inside. I don't really like it but I'm thinking that the service bulletin thing might be your best bet but I would try to find a new bottom if that missing chunk is in the tank area. Edited August 11, 2014 by Racinbob Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
buckrancher 2,675 #18 Posted August 11, 2014 see half way down thread brian Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
specialwheelhorse 174 #19 Posted August 11, 2014 If you have a problem finding RC or whatever try a motorcycle shop They say they always have good stuff and I'm told a kit will do a couple tanks Jim Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hodge71 663 #20 Posted August 11, 2014 You cant go wrong with Por 15 either. I used it on my 1973 18 Auto gas tank which was more like a sieve than a fuel holding vessel. All it did was flter the rust chunks out of the fuel as it leaked from everywhere Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Racinbob 10,276 #21 Posted August 11, 2014 Nice job on that tank Brian. From looking at that, now I'm thinking that the tank in question here isn't missing a chunk and can be saved. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
188fan 5 #22 Posted August 21, 2014 All welded up and no leaks............ Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SousaKerry 500 #23 Posted August 21, 2014 More then likely the switch from a single piece tank to two was a manufacturing problem. Basically it is darn hard and expensive to get the sand mold out of the inside of the aluminum casting. And once you do are you truly getting all of it? Hence why engine blocks have huge freeze pugs to get the sand out. With a two piece casting it would be much cheaper to get the sand out and the casting cleaned up. Plus with a two piece you could die cast it as well. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites