Tank Finally Finished (almost…)

August 15 2010 by Darrin.

The tank fabrication is finally complete.  This has to be one of the longest small projects I’ve ever done, as I managed only a couple days a month for about three months!  Here are a few photos of the tank in place in the old spare tire location.  (This was more recently filled by hi-rail gear for use on the railroad.)

 This tank adds about 30 gallons of fuel capacity, and will function as the main tank.  The original 18.5 gallon tank will effectively become the auxiliary tank, and it will pump its fuel into the new main tank when the main tank is depleted.  This was done because the original tank does not incorporate a fuel return port for fuel coming from the engine.  The original 2H diesel did not bypass any fuel, but the newer 12H-T does.  The simplest solution was to build the new tank for the newer engine, and transfer fuel from the original tank into it when needed.  The combined fuel capacity should easily provide a 1000-mile range

All that remains to totally complete the tank is an interior POR-15 fuel tank coating and some external paint.  I’ll hold off on that until the body is back on the frame.  I was careful to consider any potential interference, but there’s no test like actually putting it all together!  If I need to modify something, it’ll be much easier BEFORE paint.

What’s next?  Paint the chassis, rebuild the axles, and install the new suspension.  At the rate I’m going, look for that in, say, 2013.

Posted in HJ-75 Restoration | No Comments »