Fiat Petra - Fuel Tank Cover

Rai · 11th September 2009, 22:28

Hello All,
On my recent travel from Bangalore to Mangalore to Bangalore, I found that my average (Mileage) reduced drastically. I took the vehicle to Dealer and it was found that, the fuel Tank was Damaged (Thanks to Bangalore -Mangalore Road) and fuel was dripping slowly.
Dealer told me that, it will take time to order new Tank and hence only option is to 'Weld' the damages, for which I agreed.
I asked if there is any Under-Cover for Fuel Tank in Fiat Petra and he said NO.
Is this True? Fiat Petra doesn't have Fuel Tank Under-Cover? Is this true is other cars too?

planet_rocker · 12th September 2009, 11:37

You mean a fuel tank guard? like a sump guard? i guess you can get it custom made at any mechanic who prepares rally cars.

DRC · 12th September 2009, 17:34

hmmm.... same road, same car, same problem!! Sorry to hear that.

I drove for 2 years with the leaking tank with m-seal stuck underneath. Finally got the tank changed for 5.5K.
Yes, the tank is very vulnerable. no gaurd nothing (i have not heard any car having it Gurus please confirm). The sheet metal is too thin and can not take welding either. May be we can fabricate a gaurd and fit.

Also, I heard some cars have PVC tank and are very difficult to fix.

B.R.S.Rao · 12th September 2009, 21:21

Mr. Rai, you are really fortunate to have only damaged fuel tank. Only tanks will survive on this Mangalore-Bangalore road.
What I suggest is that, remove the fuel tank carefully, weld it, apply anti-rust base paint, finally cover it with good enamel paint. You'll not have any problems for years. Ready made fuel tank guards are not available for petra. If you know any one who fabricates tin or aluminum sheets,(or vehicle body tinkers) ask them to fabricate guard for the fuel tank.( you can see fuel tank guards in Mahindra Bolero pick-ups)
Take care.

vigsom · 12th September 2009, 21:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rai

Dealer told me that, it will take time to order new Tank and hence only option is to 'Weld' the damages, for which I agreed.

Please ENSURE you remove all petrol, purge the Tank with nitrogen or air before welding.

I'd have suggested steam/water wash but that will result in other issues post welding.

Again Please ensure an air/nitrogen purge before welding

Rai · 13th September 2009, 20:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by vigsom

Please ENSURE you remove all petrol, purge the Tank with nitrogen or air before welding.

I'd have suggested steam/water wash but that will result in other issues post welding.

Again Please ensure an air/nitrogen purge before welding

YES, when Dealer suggested me Welding, the first question I asked is regarding this only. Then they assured me that, they know the procedure and they are very well aware of the problems if they don't keep strict adherence to this procedure. In-fact, they are saying, now a days, atleast one or Two Vehicle per week they are getting with same Problem.
Customer will normally come with Mileage Problem itseems. and these folks check for Fuel Tank Damage or Fuel Pipe Damage as a first check itseems.

Last friday I got my problem fixed and now city average/Mileage is back to Normal. 9.5 KM to 10 KMS with 100% AC. I didn't do long drive after the fix. But I expect it to be normal, around 14.5 KMs with 100% AC. (Infact I didn't notice any mileage difference with AC ON or Off)

11th September 2009, 22:28	#1
Rai BANNED Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Bangalore Posts: 83 Thanked: 8 Times View My Garage	Fiat Petra - Fuel Tank Cover Hello All, On my recent travel from Bangalore to Mangalore to Bangalore, I found that my average (Mileage) reduced drastically. I took the vehicle to Dealer and it was found that, the fuel Tank was Damaged (Thanks to Bangalore -Mangalore Road) and fuel was dripping slowly. Dealer told me that, it will take time to order new Tank and hence only option is to 'Weld' the damages, for which I agreed. I asked if there is any Under-Cover for Fuel Tank in Fiat Petra and he said NO. Is this True? Fiat Petra doesn't have Fuel Tank Under-Cover? Is this true is other cars too?
	() Thanks

12th September 2009, 11:37	#2
planet_rocker Senior - BHPian Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Bong-land Posts: 2,323 Thanked: 426 Times	You mean a fuel tank guard? like a sump guard? i guess you can get it custom made at any mechanic who prepares rally cars.
	() Thanks

12th September 2009, 17:34	#3
DRC BHPian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Cockpit Posts: 911 Thanked: 64 Times View My Garage	hmmm.... same road, same car, same problem!! Sorry to hear that. I drove for 2 years with the leaking tank with m-seal stuck underneath. Finally got the tank changed for 5.5K. Yes, the tank is very vulnerable. no gaurd nothing (i have not heard any car having it Gurus please confirm). The sheet metal is too thin and can not take welding either. May be we can fabricate a gaurd and fit. Also, I heard some cars have PVC tank and are very difficult to fix.
	() Thanks

12th September 2009, 21:21	#4
B.R.S.Rao BHPian Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Mangalore Posts: 121 Thanked: 60 Times	Mr. Rai, you are really fortunate to have only damaged fuel tank. Only tanks will survive on this Mangalore-Bangalore road. What I suggest is that, remove the fuel tank carefully, weld it, apply anti-rust base paint, finally cover it with good enamel paint. You'll not have any problems for years. Ready made fuel tank guards are not available for petra. If you know any one who fabricates tin or aluminum sheets,(or vehicle body tinkers) ask them to fabricate guard for the fuel tank.( you can see fuel tank guards in Mahindra Bolero pick-ups) Take care.
	() Thanks