Gas tank sucked in

[HALBUDD]

I was changing my oil and plugs on my 96 aspy 1500,figured I would go ahead and change cruse filter and check on why my fuel Gage was not working right. Found that the left side of my gas tank has been sucked in,and the small rubber boot that should be inside the piece on the tank to hold it in place is now about 2inches away. I had a problem with the gas cap not venting I guess that the vacuum from the pump has sucked the tank in.My question is can I pressurize the tank and see if it will pop back out? Thanks Hal

[WingAdmin]

That's exactly what happened.

I'd be a bit worried about pressurizing the tank - I don't know if the automatic petcock valve would handle the amount of pressure required without failing (or any other component attached to the tank).

I'd be more inclined to epoxy/bond something to the side and use it to try to physically pull the side of the tank back out. Or use a dent puller, similar to what is used for pulling dents out of cars.

[wayne ian]

If you go to NAPA they have what you need to pull the tank out with out causing more damage, as some epoxies will melt the tank. I have had this type of problem before and used the wrong epoxy. It can get real expensive real fast.

[WingAdmin]

If you go to NAPA they have what you need to pull the tank out with out causing more damage, as some epoxies will melt the tank. I have had this type of problem before and used the wrong epoxy. It can get real expensive real fast.

The tank is made of steel, I'm pretty sure no epoxy is going to melt it.

[HALBUDD]

Thanks guys I been trying to think of ways to pop it out,your ideas are good I may try a turn buckle and drill two small holes in the collar on the side of the tank. Then put a pin thru them and use the turn buckle to pull it out. If I did try the air pressure I would have to block of all the hoses but Id still be afraid that the pressure could damage the fuel pump. Thanks again guys Hal

[HALBUDD]

Just a follow up to my gas tank being sucked in here is my fix,see the photos.I started put the air to it slow and she pinged right back out and so far no leaks. Hal

[WingAdmin]

Great! No damage to the fuel pump, I assume?

[HALBUDD]

No damage at all I took the fuel pump out and made the plate that you see bolted to the top where the fuel pump would be. I used the old stopped up gas cap to keep the air from getting out thru the gas cap. It worked better then I thought it would. Hal