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Topic: 79 Gas Tank

in Forum: C3 Fuel, Emission Control, and Exhaust Systems

79 Gas Tank

Posted: 10/13/11 6:14pm Message 1 of 13
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Dutchess County, NY - USA
Joined: 8/27/2007
Posts: 2484
Vette(s): White '79 Corvette. It's a driver.

Does a '79 gas tank have a bladder?

If so, do I have to worry about condensation and rust in the tank?
 
Thanks in advance for any input.
 
Kevin



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Re: 79 Gas Tank

Posted: 10/13/11 6:20pm Message 2 of 13
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Sykesville, MD - USA
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Vette(s): 1979 Corvette Coupe Corvette Light Blue Midnight Blue interior Mirrored Glass T-tops
Yes, it does have a bladder. But I would think that unless the badder deforms, condensation shouldn't be a problem.
 
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Re: 79 Gas Tank

Posted: 10/13/11 6:20pm Message 3 of 13
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Kevin, unfortunately from 78-82 the tanks did use a bladder. If you are interested, you can buy a new tank that doesn't have the bladder. They're 18 ga. rust resistant steel.


corvette440hp

Re: 79 Gas Tank

Posted: 10/13/11 6:31pm Message 4 of 13
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Dutchess County, NY - USA
Joined: 8/27/2007
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Vette(s): White '79 Corvette. It's a driver.
Thanks guys.
With winter storage just around the corner I'm debating how important it is to completely fill the gas tank.
I always have in the past but my concern is with this newer gasoline going bad in shorter time periods.
(In the past I start the winter with a completely full gas tank. I start the engine about every ten days or so and run it for 20 minutes all winter long.)



Re: 79 Gas Tank

Posted: 10/13/11 6:43pm Message 5 of 13
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Kevin, if you put StaBil into the tank and keep starting the engine it will be fine. There are differing theories on whether to fill or leave partially filled, so in the spring you can add some of  the new season's fresh gas. In your case, you'll need some fresh fuel to replace what you used during the winter. Fuel is blended differently for the different seasons.


corvette440hp

Re: 79 Gas Tank

Posted: 10/13/11 6:45pm Message 6 of 13
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HOWELL, NJ - USA
Joined: 5/18/2004
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Vette(s): 1979, Targa Blue (72 Color), Pace Car rear spoiler, L88 hood, Dark blue factory interior, 525HP 406, HD 700R4, 370 gears,Steeroids, composite rear spring, TT IIs wrapped in T/A Radials.
The bladder isn't a bad thing. It's like having a fuel cell inside a steel liner. Mine was in great shape!!Thumbs Up


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Re: 79 Gas Tank

Posted: 10/13/11 7:25pm Message 7 of 13
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Duncanville, TX - USA
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I think the higher levels of ethanol in the fuels today, and the increased amounts that are coming, are gonna play havoc on the bladders in the Shark fuel tanks. They already have issues with them deforming....I believe the ethanol is gonna make that even worse.
Adding some sort of fuel stabilizer is a good idea, but I would add it at the fuel station, and then drive the car a few miles to really mix it in the tank, as well as all thru the fuel system.  At this point, I don't think it will matter if the tank is full or half full....between the water in the fuel to start with, and normal condensation, the tank is gonna have water in it anyway. The fuel stabilizer is the best insurance for that. Thumbs Up


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Re: 79 Gas Tank

Posted: 10/14/11 7:53am Message 8 of 13
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Dutchess County, NY - USA
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Posts: 2484
Vette(s): White '79 Corvette. It's a driver.
Sounds like some water in the tank can't be avoided. I'll go ahead and use the Sta-Bil fuel stabilizer and hope the bladder holds up.
Thanks for the help.
Kevin



Re: 79 Gas Tank

Posted: 10/14/11 8:51am Message 9 of 13
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Flanders, NJ - USA
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Vette(s): 1982 Black, ZZ4, Hooker Side Pipes, 3.55 Rear, Rebuilt & upgraded 700R4, All new suspension, brakes, & new Charcoal interior.
If the tank is full, then there is less air in the tank and it's the moisture in the air that condenses into water. You should also put in the additive.
Dave



 

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Re: 79 Gas Tank

Posted: 10/14/11 9:26am Message 10 of 13
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Holland Patent, NY - USA
Joined: 6/3/2008
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Vette(s): #1 *1980 White, Red interior 14,000 mile #2 *1980 Red, Oyster interior 93,000 miles Resto project car, rebuilt to 383 stroker
I always top mine off and add stabil at the pump, about 5 mile drive home.
Interesting that my purist vete mechanic always told me to shut it off and not to start it till spring. As all that cold then heat then cold creates moisture thru out engine, drive train, and exhaust. I disconnect battery, cover it and thats it. doing it the same way for over 30 years.
This year I did invest in a car bag.
Evil Smileebo




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in Forum: C3 Fuel, Emission Control, and Exhaust Systems


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