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Hole in gas tank?

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Old 01-21-2011, 11:20 PM
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Car: 89 Iroc z camaro
Engine: 350 TPI
Transmission: Auto
Axle/Gears: stock
Hole in gas tank?

How much will a hole in the top of your gas tank affect milage? I think theres one because when i open the tank after going through a whole tank it dosent suck any air in at all? and my milage isnt that great at all?
Old 01-22-2011, 09:45 AM
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Car: 1986 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am
Engine: 305 Tuned Port Injection
Transmission: The famous 700R4
Axle/Gears: No idea
Re: Hole in gas tank?

Hi,

I had 2 cars with holes in gas tank.

At first, you must confirmates your suposition with:

1.- A big gas odor.

2.- Seing gas in the floor when tank is full full full

3.- No vacuum @ gas cap (confirmate).


For affecting mileage you must have a big hole with vissible leak.



Denis V.
Old 01-23-2011, 08:18 PM
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Car: 91 Trans Am Convertible
Engine: LB9 5.0 TPI
Transmission: 5 SPD
Axle/Gears: Posi Rear
Re: Hole in gas tank?

There might be a hole, but more likely is that it is somewhere other than the tank top. Have you checked the lines to the return vapor cannister or the gas cap itself? Do you smell gas around the car? You might want to check some of these simpler places before yanking the tank out.
Old 01-27-2011, 05:38 PM
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Car: 91' Firebird SOLD
Engine: 350 TPI +bolt-ons
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: 3:42
Re: Hole in gas tank?

Mine pushes air/pressure out when i remove the cap. There is also a check valve around your gas tank. It is a small white cylinder looking thing. Make sure it is good. Do you smell gas? I would imagine you would if you had a hole.
Old 01-27-2011, 05:52 PM
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Car: 87 IROC Z28
Engine: 355 cid TPI
Transmission: Custom Built 700R4 w/3,500 stall
Axle/Gears: QP fab 9" 3.70 Truetrac
Re: Hole in gas tank?

Aside from the tank pressure control valve that ninetyone mentioned, there is a pressure relief valve in the cap itself. It's an emergency pressure release in case the tank pressure control valve fails. Check both for holding pressure. It's unlikely your car is actually leaking fuel. If it were you would know it. Gasoline has very low surface tension so even a tiny hole will gush fuel. It's far more likely that your engine is simply guzzling gas.

The 3rd gen V8s weren't terribly efficient to begin with. 16mpg average is doing fairly well on these cars. Since the tank is only 16 gallons, it will go through a tank of fuel pretty quick. With a thorough tune, including verification of engine health, and new O2 sensor, you may see 18mpg. Check brakes for dragging, verify that the TCC is locking up at 45 mph and that OD is holding in cruise mode. Driving style has a big effect as well.
Old 01-27-2011, 08:54 PM
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Car: 91' Firebird SOLD
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Re: Hole in gas tank?

Hell, try some fuel injector cleaner too. Couldn't hurt really. I use Lucas. Also, remember most of your fuel inj. sensors contribute to your air/fuel mixture. I just replaced my IAT sensor under my plenum and i am now getting better mileage. Timing will also greatly effect fuel mileage. Check your timing. When was the last time you did a full tune-up?
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