Got new gas tank today, how far should the pickup AND float be from the bottom?

[Rusty Muffler]

How far should the fuel pickup AND float be from the tank floor? Right now it's at least 1.5 inches off the floor. Shouldn't the float probably be close to resting on the floor too?

 

[Just Carbs]

I think so.
I've been extending the float arm so the float will hit top and bottom.

 

[Rusty Muffler]

I talked to the seller of the tank Vansautollc and he rudely said it was fine. I played it safe and adjusted just the pickup so it's about 1/2" off the floor.

 

[Just Carbs]

I suppose knowing about empty is more important than knowing about full. Being as I generally know how much is in it when I just filled it up.
I also adjust the pickup to hit the bottom, so water doesn't collect there. Or as little water as possible. On the other hand, there shouldn't be any water with the alcohol gas I run, it's supposed to be absorbed by the alcohol and stay in suspension.
And I also remove the sock too, so trash can't stay in the tank indefinitely. My plan is to have it leave the tank and get trapped in the filter. Not a very popular plan. But it's been working so far, since 1980.

 

[Jakter]

I talked to the seller of the tank Vansautollc and he rudely said it was fine. I played it safe and adjusted just the pickup so it's about 1/2" off the floor.

If the pickup and float is 1/2" off the floor and you happen to run your fuel low as the fuel sloshes around it will suck air.

If there was water settling on the bottom of the tank it would be only after the car was sitting for a bit and I wouldn't want the pick up in the lowest setting.
If there is any water in the tank it will get stirred up when the car is moving and will not be settled on the bottom.

This is my opinion and off hand don't know how far they were installed off the bottom from the factory.

 

[413]

Water and real gas don't mix.
Water and ethanol gas mix together.
When ethanol gas gets old the water and won't mix anymore.

 

[70bigblockdodge]

Pretty damn close to bottom is my opinion. FWTW

 

[WikedPlymouth]

For the original post, how did you like the service from VansAuto? Is it a nice fuel tank? Did you need to buy anything else for the install or did it come with the pickup and gasket? I need to replace the fuel tanks in my 1958 Plymouth and 1959 Dodge Coronet. It looks like they use the same tank so was thinking of ordering 2 from this seller. Did the $300 price include shipping or was that extra?

Thanks,

 

[Rusty Muffler]

I think it was $350. shipped. The tank is fine but their service guy has become well known for being a loose cannon. I did have to buy longer special bolts to hook to the straps and tighten. I seems their tanks are a little more puffed up. It doesn't come with a pickup, just the tank and ring.

 

[WikedPlymouth]

Thanks!! So I will reuse my pick ups and just make some new gaskets. Was thinking I would need a new rubber donut gasket for where the filler tube goes into the tank.

 

[live4theking]

I talked to the seller of the tank Vansautollc and he rudely said it was fine. I played it safe and adjusted just the pickup so it's about 1/2" off the floor.

With my 68 I had to bend the float down a smidge, 1/16". The problem was it wouldn't read full. It now goes a touch above full. There are two guys at Van's one is really nice and helpful the other well not so much.