Fuel tank drain

[mazlot]

I suspect that my fuel tank is not original, as it has two fuel pipes emitting from it.

One seems to be a drain back, the other obviously the feed to the carbs.

Also has three internal baffles, and a drain plug in the bottom.

As part of the previous bodgery performed in the rebuild of my Elan body there is no drain plug hole in the body, and the tank sits on the drain plug, will not bolt up cleanly to the body.

Should there be a hole in the body to allow the drain plug to sit into, for exterior access under the car ?

Thanks in advance for alleviating my misery (to this point at least)

[gjz30075]

Yes, there should be a hole in the body for the drain plug.

[Ray419G]

I have attached a photo showing the tank drain relative to the tank fixing stud on my S4, the tank and hole in the body are the original. I am not sure if the drain position and associated hole were in the same locations on all Elan series but hopefully it gives an idea of how it should be.

Ray.

[mazlot]

Thanks, appreciate the responses.

Now to drill the hole in the correct spot.............

[RichardHawkins]

Maziot,

If the tank sits on the drain plug it should have left a mark where the hole needs to be. I have found that a good way of making a hole in old fibre glass is with a hole saw, but not using a power tool. Drill the pilot hole with a power tool and the carefully cut the large diameter by turning the hole saw by hand. Cut the large hole from the side you want the neatest result.

Hope this helps,

Richard Hawkins

[Quart Meg Miles]

Mazlot,

I don't think the S4 has much in common with the Type 26, the tank capacity is different for a start. Also the picture shown has no scale or reference point visible.

Measure the distance from each of the three studs of the tank to the drain plug centre and mark them out on the bodywork. It is very close to the nearest stud so it should be easy to position the hole accurately.