Was replacing the fuel filter on my 2000 minicab and when tightening the nuts back on and a bolt sheared, I tried to make sure every other one was snug so I could maybe just leave it short a bolt and a second bolt sheared right next to the other one... have tested it and it definitely leaks so trying to figure out my next steps. The bolts don't seem to go through the inner lining of the tank so I'm hesitant to drill and tap them and break the inner seal. My next thought was maybe get a welder to remove and attach two new ones? Would love thoughts from anyone on this as it's a bit out of my wheel house and local automotive shops won't work on imports like it. Thank you!
Your fuel filter is inside the gas tank? ** edited after reading your post a bit closer.. So the photo you posted is where your fuel pump drops into the tank right? Is there also a rubber seal or something that sits between there? I think it depends on how good of a fix you are trying to achieve .... You might be able to apply some kind of fuel resistant sealant around and hope that + the other 4/6 bolts are good enough to keep it all in place You know how to weld? I have zero experience there but maybe you could do like you said and cut the old ones down flat and weld on two new studs....Isn't welding around a fuel tank risky?
Hey MikeD, Yes there is a seal as well, still getting a big leak with it tightened on that, I'm also nervous to snap anymore trying to get it on there tighter than what I already had. As for welding I imagine it is risky, but I would be hiring a welder to do it not myself and would hope they know the precautions to take. I've drained the tank and have it venting currently trying to figure out the next step. The other option of drilling and tapping I'm open to, I'm just nervous it might not seal properly since none of the other bolts pierce that inner fuel tank cell and I would have to go through that to put a new one in. I'm thinking with the tank removed and it not being a part issue I may bug the local auto shops again and see if they'll help me out with this step even though it's an import...
