AMC Eagle Den Forum

The Mighty 258 => Fuel Systems. => Topic started by: priya on November 28, 2015, 07:40:00 PM

Title: Will this new gas tank fit my SX/4?
Post by: priya on November 28, 2015, 07:40:00 PM
Its been my understanding for several years that new gas tanks aren't available for the SX/4 so I did a search on the Eagles den for conversions from other vehicles knowing that's been done.  In my search I came across an old link that is still active that lists a new tank by Spectra it says fits the SX/4:

http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/sku/American_Motors/Eagle/Spectra/Fuel_Tank/1983/DL_SX4/4_Cyl_2-dot-5L/SPIAMC1.html?intcmpid=Product+Listings+Best+Seller

I don't want to order a tank that's really only for the wagon and am skeptical because I see this AMAZON tank by Spectra that a reviewer said he was told would fit the SX/4 but didn't:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000C7RZ2C/ref=asc_df_B000C7RZ2C2089955?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&tag=pg-93-95-20&linkCode=asn&creative=395097&creativeASIN=B000C7RZ2C

Both links show a tank with the same "AMC1" part number although the first link says the tank is 32 &1/2  X  25 &1/4  X  9&5/8 whereas the Amazon link lists 34 X 26 X 11

Trying to clear this up I went to the Spectra web site and they apparently only sell one tank for the Eagle which they say is 32&1/2 X 25&1/4 X 9&5/8 which they oddly enough list only for the SX/4 and Kammback.  I find it hard to imagine that they only sell the SX/4 and Kammback tank and not the tank for the 10 times as many wagons on the road so I'm pretty hesitant to believe what's listed on the Spectra web site:

http://ecat.spectrapremium.com/v/1981/american%20motors/eagle

If someone has the size of an actual SX/4 tank that would help too.

Title: Re: Will this new gas tank fit my SX/4?
Post by: Budwisr on November 28, 2015, 08:05:52 PM
The Spectra "AMC1" is for the wagon and sedan models. They're confused.
 :no:
I've heard that a Jeep XJ tank can be modified to fit the Spirit-SX/4-Kammback body
Title: Re: Will this new gas tank fit my SX/4?
Post by: priya on November 28, 2015, 08:22:14 PM
Thanks Budwisr.  I had saved this page a few years ago where the guy says you can adapt a 96 and earlier Cherokee tank:
http://wiki.amcevolution.com/index.php/Cherokee_gas_tank_retrofit

I had my hopes up that I could get a new one.  I looked some more and saw several people selling this Spectra AMC1 tank that they claim fits wagons and SX/4.

Why won't the wagon tank fit the SX/4?  Could the wagon tank be modified to fit the SX/4?
Title: Re: Will this new gas tank fit my SX/4?
Post by: Budwisr on November 28, 2015, 09:12:39 PM


Why won't the wagon tank fit the SX/4?  Could the wagon tank be modified to fit the SX/4?

 They are quite different. The wagon tank is larger.
 The Cherokee (XJ) tanks look similar to the SX/4 tanks. Not sure what modifications need to be done but I'm thinking it's probably the mounting straps and filler tube.
Title: Re: Will this new gas tank fit my SX/4?
Post by: priya on November 28, 2015, 09:16:21 PM
They are quite different. The wagon tank is larger.
 The Cherokee (XJ) tanks look similar to the SX/4 tanks. Not sure what modifications need to be done but I'm thinking it's probably the mounting straps and filler tube.

According to the link I posted the difference in the Cherokee tank is that the filler neck is on the side of the Cherokee tank and has to be moved to the back.  We can do that assuming I can get a 96 or earlier Cherokee tank new still.
Title: Re: Will this new gas tank fit my SX/4?
Post by: carnuck on November 28, 2015, 11:09:05 PM
Beware that around '96 the tank changed to Poly. I was going to put a '91 XJ tank in my Spirit converted into an SX4. I saved the front fill piece from a rusty wagon I scrapped to put on the front of the XJ tank and cap off the side filler.
Title: Re: Will this new gas tank fit my SX/4?
Post by: amcfool1 on November 29, 2015, 02:02:34 PM
just bought that AMC1 fuel tank from Spectra a few months ago. It fits my 84 Sedan, gz
Title: Re: Will this new gas tank fit my SX/4?
Post by: carnuck on November 29, 2015, 02:39:36 PM
Sedan and Wagon is a different length behind the rear wheels than hatchback, SX4 and Gremlin because of the trunk vs hatch floor.
Title: Re: Will this new gas tank fit my SX/4?
Post by: Budwisr on November 29, 2015, 06:25:55 PM
I was at my storage garage today so I took some pics of a SX/4- Kammback tank. See attached
Title: Re: Will this new gas tank fit my SX/4?
Post by: priya on November 29, 2015, 07:40:34 PM
Beware that around '96 the tank changed to Poly. I was going to put a '91 XJ tank in my Spirit converted into an SX4. I saved the front fill piece from a rusty wagon I scrapped to put on the front of the XJ tank and cap off the side filler.

Cool!  So, both the XJ tank and th Cherokee tank will work with modifications.  Thanks for your input.
Title: Re: Will this new gas tank fit my SX/4?
Post by: priya on November 29, 2015, 07:42:06 PM
I was at my storage garage today so I took some pics of a SX/4- Kammback tank. See attached

Thanks for the pictures Budwisr.   Could I trouble you to measure the tank when you get a chance?
Title: Re: Will this new gas tank fit my SX/4?
Post by: rollguy on November 30, 2015, 12:59:16 PM
I have a good SX4 tank, but I am in CA.  I am sure it can't be shipped if it had/has gasoline in it.  An empty tank is more dangerous that a full one. However, I could take it to a radiator shop and have it boiled out and leak tested, then maybe it could be shipped.
Title: Re: Will this new gas tank fit my SX/4?
Post by: priya on November 30, 2015, 05:15:34 PM
I have a good SX4 tank, but I am in CA.  I am sure it can't be shipped if it had/has gasoline in it.  An empty tank is more dangerous that a full one. However, I could take it to a radiator shop and have it boiled out and leak tested, then maybe it could be shipped.

How much rust is in it?  My present tank doesn't leak but has a lot of rust buildup inside.  I can't get a fuel filter that filters out the fine rust sediment and it keeps settling in my carb and results in a bit of a rough idle I just hate.   I can rebuild the carb and its good for a couple of weeks or a month and then its back to the occaisional rough idle.  This is after about 500km of city driving:

(http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk14/priyalynn/DSCF1915.jpg) (http://s276.photobucket.com/user/priyalynn/media/DSCF1915.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Will this new gas tank fit my SX/4?
Post by: rollguy on November 30, 2015, 05:26:17 PM
I have a good SX4 tank, but I am in CA.  I am sure it can't be shipped if it had/has gasoline in it.  An empty tank is more dangerous that a full one. However, I could take it to a radiator shop and have it boiled out and leak tested, then maybe it could be shipped.

How much rust is in it?  My present tank doesn't leak but has a lot of rust buildup inside.  I can't get a fuel filter that filters out the fine rust sediment and it keeps settling in my carb and results in a bit of a rough idle I just hate.   I can rebuild the carb and its good for a couple of weeks or a month and then its back to the occaisional rough idle.  This is after about 500km of city driving:

(http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk14/priyalynn/DSCF1915.jpg) (http://s276.photobucket.com/user/priyalynn/media/DSCF1915.jpg.html)
As far as I know, there is no rust, but I will have a look. I never had any fuel filter problems as long as I had the car.
Title: Re: Will this new gas tank fit my SX/4?
Post by: Budwisr on November 30, 2015, 06:15:42 PM
 I'll try to get measurements this weekend. Have you looked into getting your existing tank sealed? It's pricey, but you shouldn't have to worry about any problems later.
Title: Re: Will this new gas tank fit my SX/4?
Post by: vangremlin on November 30, 2015, 08:22:04 PM
I'll try to get measurements this weekend. Have you looked into getting your existing tank sealed? It's pricey, but you shouldn't have to worry about any problems later.

That's what I did with the gas tank on my Kammback, took it to a radiator shop and had it cleaned and sealed.  It cost less than what is being charged for new wagon gas tanks, so I thought it was reasonable. 
Title: Re: Will this new gas tank fit my SX/4?
Post by: carnuck on December 01, 2015, 12:30:55 AM
Beware that around '96 the tank changed to Poly. I was going to put a '91 XJ tank in my Spirit converted into an SX4. I saved the front fill piece from a rusty wagon I scrapped to put on the front of the XJ tank and cap off the side filler.

Cool!  So, both the XJ tank and th Cherokee tank will work with modifications.  Thanks for your input.

XJ = 1984+ Cherokee

I didn't test the XJ tank in SOTE. Just in my wagon. '84-86 XJ was carbureted so no in tank pump.
Title: Re: Will this new gas tank fit my SX/4?
Post by: priya on December 01, 2015, 11:13:36 AM
I'll try to get measurements this weekend. Have you looked into getting your existing tank sealed? It's pricey, but you shouldn't have to worry about any problems later.

I discussed it with my husband and he said with the 10% ethanol in gas any coating won't last.
Title: Re: Will this new gas tank fit my SX/4?
Post by: Budwisr on December 01, 2015, 05:57:08 PM
I'll try to get measurements this weekend. Have you looked into getting your existing tank sealed? It's pricey, but you shouldn't have to worry about any problems later.

I discussed it with my husband and he said with the 10% ethanol in gas any coating won't last.
The company I used has a lifetime guarantee even with 100% ethanol. I had my AMX tank done over 15 years ago and is still rust free.
Title: Re: Will this new gas tank fit my SX/4?
Post by: priya on December 01, 2015, 11:21:11 PM
I'll try to get measurements this weekend. Have you looked into getting your existing tank sealed? It's pricey, but you shouldn't have to worry about any problems later.

I discussed it with my husband and he said with the 10% ethanol in gas any coating won't last.
The company I used has a lifetime guarantee even with 100% ethanol. I had my AMX tank done over 15 years ago and is still rust free.

Do you recall what product they used to seal the tank?
Title: Re: Will this new gas tank fit my SX/4?
Post by: rollguy on December 02, 2015, 05:24:59 PM
I got a look at the inside of the tank.  There is a little rust, but nothing real bad.  I can have it cleaned out and checked for leaks.....Rich
Title: Re: Will this new gas tank fit my SX/4?
Post by: Budwisr on December 02, 2015, 06:31:29 PM
I'll try to get measurements this weekend. Have you looked into getting your existing tank sealed? It's pricey, but you shouldn't have to worry about any problems later.

I discussed it with my husband and he said with the 10% ethanol in gas any coating won't last.
The company I used has a lifetime guarantee even with 100% ethanol. I had my AMX tank done over 15 years ago and is still rust free.

Do you recall what product they used to seal the tank?
The brand name is Gas Tank Renu. Not sure what the coating is but it's baked on. Both the inside and outside are coated.
Title: Re: Will this new gas tank fit my SX/4?
Post by: priya on December 04, 2015, 02:07:44 PM
I got a look at the inside of the tank.  There is a little rust, but nothing real bad.  I can have it cleaned out and checked for leaks.....Rich

Thanks Rollguy.  We don't have the money for it right now, but I'll discuss with my husband.
Title: Re: Will this new gas tank fit my SX/4?
Post by: priya on December 04, 2015, 02:09:21 PM

 The brand name is Gas Tank Renu. Not sure what the coating is but it's baked on. Both the inside and outside are coated.

Thanks Budwisr, I'm going to check into it.  Although it was a long time ago, do you recall how much it cost?
Title: Re: Will this new gas tank fit my SX/4?
Post by: Budwisr on December 04, 2015, 04:54:21 PM

 The brand name is Gas Tank Renu. Not sure what the coating is but it's baked on. Both the inside and outside are coated.

Thanks Budwisr, I'm going to check into it.  Although it was a long time ago, do you recall how much it cost?
As I said it was pricey. I believe it was $300-$400. It did have a hole ripped in the bottom that may have part of the expense.
Title: Re: Will this new gas tank fit my SX/4?
Post by: carnuck on December 06, 2015, 01:52:19 PM
I don't know if they would allow a fuel cell in Eastern Canada, but they are legal here. If I had been able to get the title back for SOTE, I was going to convert to LPG and take the tank out anyways. I fluked out when I got the one that is in it.
Title: Re: Will this new gas tank fit my SX/4?
Post by: Budwisr on December 06, 2015, 05:45:25 PM
I was at my storage garage today so I took some pics of a SX/4- Kammback tank. See attached

Thanks for the pictures Budwisr.   Could I trouble you to measure the tank when you get a chance?
OK took some measurements today. Looks like 33"W x 19" D x 11" H (at front) 8" H (a rear)
Title: Re: Will this new gas tank fit my SX/4?
Post by: priya on December 06, 2015, 07:34:43 PM
Thanks Budwisr
Title: Re: Will this new gas tank fit my SX/4?
Post by: masternull on March 11, 2017, 10:38:16 PM
did you end up buying this tank and did it fit the sx/4 ?