Long Range Fuel Tanks

[Tubby]

I've just done the Canning Stock Route and at well 14 my Long Range Fuel Tank, fitted in May, failed!
Only two vehicles had issues with fuel tank failure on the trip and they were both after market. I am now limping my way home and have a couple of days to consider my options:
A - Remove the long range tank and go back to the factory.
B - Get a replacement tank.
C - Look at other brands.

So has anyone else had issies with aftermaket long range tanks?

Just for interest, 2 vehicles had issues with shocks, aftermaket!
A six month old Triton with brand new aftermaket suspension had a leaf spring fail, fitted a week before the trip!

Sounds bad for aftermarket gear!

[coxy321]

Your tank should be under warranty - provided it wasn't a failure due to abuse. Sounds like a mixture of bad luck and possibly some incorrect setup/configurations for that many failures to happen.

Got pics of the trip/damage??

[bogged]

A - Remove the long range tank and go back to the factory.

stuff removing it - let them do that.. but you paid $1,0000,00000,000000 for your LRT (they are all massively overpriced), so yes, take it back.

[Chucky]

How did it fail?

Leaked, lost suction?

Just interest in the details. I have had a few LRT's in my cars and never once had a problem that was due to the tank or the fitting.

In fact the only problem I had was when a shock blew out and took out the transfer solenoid, so all I did was connect the hose directly to the LRT and just used it until I could get a new one fitted.

[nastytroll]

How did it fail?

Leaked, lost suction?

Just interest in the details. I have had a few LRT's in my cars and never once had a problem that was due to the tank or the fitting.

In fact the only problem I had was when a shock blew out and took out the transfer solenoid, so all I did was connect the hose directly to the LRT and just used it until I could get a new one fitted.

X2, I have a few and fitted heaps, only had 2 problems. A transfer solinoid full of rust flakes and a faulty transfer pump.

[AZZA'S HJ47]

when we were on our way to alice springs my mate had a lra tank fail in his gu patrol. same deal first time it hade been on a long trip we spoke to the man in alice about this issue and quote said that if he had a good week heed only do about 4. he beleves that the proble was with the lack of spot welds being used in the baffel systems.

[bogged]

Did happen to 2 people in my old club on 1 trip.. but that was a long time ago... similar issue as you said.

[pongo]

what brands are we talking about here. have heard a few failing from not using a strap around the tank mounting setup similiar to trucks. the mounting angle iron cracks at the weld

[Slunnie]

when we were on our way to alice springs my mate had a lra tank fail in his gu patrol. same deal first time it hade been on a long trip we spoke to the man in alice about this issue and quote said that if he had a good week heed only do about 4. he beleves that the proble was with the lack of spot welds being used in the baffel systems.

Same, on a Desert trip one of the cars, a Disco2 has the companion section of his LRA lomg range tank fall out. I run the same tank a had to do a heap of welding in the chassis to reinforce where his fell out.

Strange though, as the only other tanks that I've heard of giving probs are the Brown Davis ones. The ARB/OOT tanks seem to cop a hiding and live.

[ferrit]

ive got an out of town under my lux, and its the whole bottom is caved in from a previous owner (bought it 2nd hand) and its not leaking or showing any damage at all.

ive dropped the truck onto it once by accident and it just made a really weird "BOOONG" noise and didnt flinch!

[GUtripper]

80 L LRA sub tank on the GU, which failed last September on the section between Finke and Alice (ie following the Finke race track). the tank was about 9 months old at the time.

It appears it pulled an internal baffle spot weld out of the bottom of the tank. The tank was full at the time, and it was a seriously corrugated track. wasnt pouring out, but losing maybe 5 litres over 12 hours with constant dripping.

Pissed off at the time, tried the soap, chemiweld etc all no good, so did the remainder of the trip on that 145l main. Got us through ok, but defeats the purpose of having LR tanks.

Took it back to LRA in Lilydale (after calling them about it on return from trip), they removed it on the spot and fixed within about 2 hours.

Stood by their product and fixed for free. Yeah it shouldnt have happened in the first place, but shit does happen i guess. I did quiz them on why/how often does this happen type of thing. They blamed the corrugations, and said no, hardly ever. Which you'd expect......

[GQTrav]

I also had problems with both my LRA tanks in my GQ. The aux tank snapped a rear mount clean off, which i didn't realize untill the other rear mount started to crack around the weld and leak fuel. And a couple of months later (same trip, was on the road for 9 months) the swell pot (approx 30cm high, wide and deep) broke free in my main LRA tank, which therefore destroyed the pickup and return lines in the tank.

[fatso]

i would most definately take it back for warrenty or ring them from where you are.this is where warranty is worth considering in your original purchase.like others have said i have had longrangers by oot in all of my vehicles and never had a problem even with a smashed in bottom.thats not to say that they dont have issues but i believe they are excellent to deal with if a problem arises .my 100series fuel/water combo is worth its weight in gold.its worth doing ya homework.

[Tubby]

How did it fail?

Leaked, lost suction?

Just interest in the details. I have had a few LRT's in my cars and never once had a problem that was due to the tank or the fitting.

In fact the only problem I had was when a shock blew out and took out the transfer solenoid, so all I did was connect the hose directly to the LRT and just used it until I could get a new one fitted.

X2, I have a few and fitted heaps, only had 2 problems. A transfer solinoid full of rust flakes and a faulty transfer pump.

It looks like 2 of the baffle welds have pulled and the weld cracked on the seam (on a bend) Will post pics when I download them over the weekend.

[Tubby]

Pissed off at the time, tried the soap, chemiweld etc all no good, so did the remainder of the trip on that 145l main. Got us through ok, but defeats the purpose of having LR tanks.......

Lol.. Soap, chewing gum etc... all highly recommended!

Anyway, we were about 11/2 days from a stop over so I persisted with the soap and we removed the fuel and used a Selly's metal putty! then strapped it up and it lasted for 37 more wells, probably 2/3 of the canning. Had to do a minor repair in Halls Creek but that got me home to good old sunny Vic.

Bit miffed as I cut my trip short, was going to go back to the Bungles and the bottom of the Gibb and shoot home via the Lake Eyre, but these things happen!

[Guy]

My brother had a 4wd systems one fail on him after a particularly rough trip across the tanimi ( a few trucks had issues with brake lines fracturing, roof racks cracking supports etc) One of the angle iron brackets cracked the tank.
They wanted it returned to adelaide for repair ... he had to get it fixed in broome as petrol was leaking from it at a reasonable rate and wanted to get to the bungle bungle etc.

[Sammyboy]

Hi all, I asked a question on this forum in relation to Long Range Tanks about a month ago ('Long Range Tank for NG Pajero' I think it was called) and got some good feedback. After reading these previous entries, I can relate them to my personal/mechanical problems on some of my trips. I once spend about $1900 in upgrading and preparing my vehicle for a trip. $700 for new injectors and dyno-tune, $750 for service + ignition problems and air-con fix, $450 for a better rear diff... The problems were on day 2 when my new fuel injectors appeared to be leaking and my SWB 2.5L TD Pajero was consuming fuel like a 7.3L Ford F250 and on day 4 when my fuses started popping of left, right and centre. On day 6, my whole gearbox packed it in in Cocklebiddy WA (which is something that definitely wasn't expected, but unfortunately it's something that early Pajero owners know very well)...

I guess my lesson learnt was don't fit any new parts/accessories less than about a month before going away on a trip! These parts were fitted about a week before I left (big no no for me now).

I know some of you guys had fuel tanks and other accessories that were around 9 to 12+ months old (so it's not like you've fitted the accessories the day before you left) so how can you ever be 100% certain that your new/newish parts are going to stand up to the test? I guess you cant.

I too had a problem with my NG Pajero factory fuel tank in Birdsville last year (lost probably less than 3 litres) but got it fixed so it didn't worsen- it was a crack in the top of the tank that would've worsened over corrugations if it wasn't repaired then and there. That's why I want to fit a long range tank= more capacity, stronger and better built than the factory tanks I reckon.

[pongo]

I guess my lesson learnt was don't fit any new parts/accessories less than about a month before going away on a trip! These parts were fitted about a week before I left (big no no for me now).

cant believe how many people rely on a mechanics ability on a fri arvo and put faith in little chinamen putting together parts in a nazi camp for $2 a month.

pre trip inspection a big huge YES but week prior pretrip servicing a huge NO. all it takes is a 1st yr apprentice to not do up a diff plug properly and your up the creek

[Sammyboy]

cant believe how many people rely on a mechanics ability on a fri arvo and put faith in little chinamen putting together parts in a nazi camp for $2 a month.

pre trip inspection a big huge YES but week prior pretrip servicing a huge NO. all it takes is a 1st yr apprentice to not do up a diff plug properly and your up the creek

Yes, I have definitely learnt my lesson with that (eg my trip to Esperance WA in 2007 which didn't really happen). Having said that other people have been saying that their new accessories have been fitted for 6 to 12 months and still failing on the first trip...

After my disaster in 2007, I got a Pre-trip inspection several months before I was due to leave for Birdsville/Corner Country 2008 and got the list of required work for my upcoming trip. I took my 4WD, did the required work myself (with the help of a mechanic friend of mine), then I just got a regular service a week or two before I left, then I took my car back for a 2nd Pre-trip inspection just days before I left, explaining to the guy "yes i've done this , this and this according to the list you gave me" and I also have the added benefit of the 4WD specilist re-checking my car and saying "hey, the mechanic didn't tighten this properly, so I have sorted it out for you!"

Well and truly safe? Yes! Well and truly expensive? Definitely!

[Tubby]

Totally agree with pre-trip preparation.
Due to circumstances I only got the suspension and tank fitted about a month before the trip (I got stuffed around). Anyway I had my pre-trip service done 1 month prior to the trip, had the suspension and tank fitted. Then took it to a 4WD specialist for a pre-trip inspection and the week before I left my mechanic put it on the hoist and checked it for good luck. ( I have the best mechanic!)

As for my trusty Tubby, she had no issues, had to tighten the battery mount, light covers and number plates a few times but that was it. As the fuel tank cracked along the weld and pulled at the baffles, no pre-inspection would pick that up. I had nightmares of tire’s blowing and my suspension collapsing, but a brand new fuel tank splitting! Bummer ha!

Hell! I made it through, with some help from my mate’s and a little bit of putty and still had the best trip of my life time and on the bright side, I now know how to repair a leaking fuel tank!
(It's all part of the trip)

[chunks]

cant believe how many people rely on a mechanics ability on a fri arvo and put faith in little chinamen putting together parts in a nazi camp for $2 a month.

pre trip inspection a big huge YES but week prior pretrip servicing a huge NO. all it takes is a 1st yr apprentice to not do up a diff plug properly and your up the creek

Yeh I can't believe it either. I get customers come in with their cars they haven't serviced for 2 years, the friday before they go on a big road trip, and then blow up when we tell them car needs lots of work...then they put the guilt trip on us that they will have to cut their holiday short because they had to spend a heap of money on their car!

[v8zuki]

cant believe how many people rely on a mechanics ability on a fri arvo and put faith in little chinamen putting together parts in a nazi camp for $2 a month.

pre trip inspection a big huge YES but week prior pretrip servicing a huge NO. all it takes is a 1st yr apprentice to not do up a diff plug properly and your up the creek

Yeh I can't believe it either. I get customers come in with their cars they haven't serviced for 2 years, the friday before they go on a big road trip, and then blow up when we tell them car needs lots of work...then they put the guilt trip on us that they will have to cut their holiday short because they had to spend a heap of money on their car!

had this happen to me as well got to the point if they started the carry on just took the car out side and handed them the keys and sais there is another mech up the road who doesnt care about your car either and walked inside ,10 mins later got the appoligies and and other cr-p, job got done they are happy and had a good holiday anyway
some people

[Tubby]

cant believe how many people rely on a mechanics ability on a fri arvo and put faith in little chinamen putting together parts in a nazi camp for $2 a month.

pre trip inspection a big huge YES but week prior pretrip servicing a huge NO. all it takes is a 1st yr apprentice to not do up a diff plug properly and your up the creek

Yeh I can't believe it either. I get customers come in with their cars they haven't serviced for 2 years, the friday before they go on a big road trip, and then blow up when we tell them car needs lots of work...then they put the guilt trip on us that they will have to cut their holiday short because they had to spend a heap of money on their car!

had this happen to me as well got to the point if they started the carry on just took the car out side and handed them the keys and sais there is another mech up the road who doesnt care about your car either and walked inside ,10 mins later got the appoligies and and other cr-p, job got done they are happy and had a good holiday anyway
some people

TO THE MECHANIC.

I am sorry that you guy's hate your customers but this thread is not the place to vent your frustrations. The point of the thread was to see if people have had issues with aftermarket tanks.

As for customers rolling up the day before a trip to get work done, all this proves is that your probably have no clue how to manage a buisness or your not a good mechanic! As you have little work on and people know that in a scape you will do it. I have a minimum 2-3 week wait to get into my mechanic and he is a long time family friend. However his door is always open if I have a problem, he wont fix it but will tell me that it is OK to drive or not.

I believe that the issue I had with the tank was due to manufacturing but that is needed to beconfirmed. Anyway I recomend you guys start up a winging mechanic thread and have a lovely day.

PS. Smile at your costemers, start slowly you will find it comes naturally after a while

[pongo]

lmfao, Im not a mechanic, im not a customer of mechanics. So why did i comment?

Cause im sick of helping people when im out camping,etc when a simple thing like a drain plug has fallen out, or a radiator cap has been seated properly , hose clamp done up tight enough,wheel come off, etc ,etc. Most say they just had the car in for a service or work the week prior.

Now , im a bushy, i do most of my work myself. The weekend before i go away i usually put a spanner on most bolts, filters,wheel nuts, Drain plugs, u-bolts, inspect split pins, oil, water( double check the rad cap is on properly) . this usually leads to a trouble free weekend. and spending an good couple hours under it lets me notice if something is clean( come undone,rubbing) bent, broken,etc. If i cant fix it, at least i can adjust my trip planning to suit.

on a different note, every time i take the work truck into a mechanic( any of the 3 we use) i constantly have to supervise or double check they did it properly. 9 times out of 10 they done something wrong like swapping air supply and brake supply hoses around on the trailer, loose filters, bad clutch adjustment, etc, etc.

Its possibly not their fault. they are doing a million jobs at once, answering phones, stopping for lunch in the middle of a job etc. IF its a simple fix usually the apprentice does it and it often goes undouble checked.

[Tubby]

lmfao, Im not a mechanic, im not a customer of mechanics. So why did i comment?

Cause im sick of helping people when im out camping,etc when a simple thing like a drain plug has fallen out, or a radiator cap has been seated properly , hose clamp done up tight enough,wheel come off, etc ,etc. Most say they just had the car in for a service or work the week prior.

Now , im a bushy, i do most of my work myself. The weekend before i go away i usually put a spanner on most bolts, filters,wheel nuts, Drain plugs, u-bolts, inspect split pins, oil, water( double check the rad cap is on properly) . this usually leads to a trouble free weekend. and spending an good couple hours under it lets me notice if something is clean( come undone,rubbing) bent, broken,etc. If i cant fix it, at least i can adjust my trip planning to suit.

on a different note, every time i take the work truck into a mechanic( any of the 3 we use) i constantly have to supervise or double check they did it properly. 9 times out of 10 they done something wrong like swapping air supply and brake supply hoses around on the trailer, loose filters, bad clutch adjustment, etc, etc.

Its possibly not their fault. they are doing a million jobs at once, answering phones, stopping for lunch in the middle of a job etc. IF its a simple fix usually the apprentice does it and it often goes undouble checked.

lol..... My heart goes out to you mate! but none of this really has anything to do with this thread! Vamoose

[Tubby]

My brother had a 4wd systems one fail on him after a particularly rough trip across the tanimi ( a few trucks had issues with brake lines fracturing, roof racks cracking supports etc) One of the angle iron brackets cracked the tank.
They wanted it returned to adelaide for repair ... he had to get it fixed in broome as petrol was leaking from it at a reasonable rate and wanted to get to the bungle bungle etc.

Just as a foot note, the Tanamii is now a 4 lane gravel highway, black top to Timouth and they are extending it to the mine apparently. It had just been graded, both ends..... smooth as! 80 -100km all the way.

[Dirty Patrol]

I did have a lrt from BD it was a crap tank 120lt and I could only ever get 90lt out, yes I did try and fix it after BD said the bafel for pick up,had let go and ?????? they fix it NOT!, as for Tubby to say the mechanic's who bitched a bit, was a crap one how rude do you know the guy? do you know when the car was booked? I could generalize and say your a %^$# or something, but i know what they are saying,and a lot of people don't plan well, they just think I will get the rig seviced and it will be sweet!
Cheers
Big Ears

[macca81]

I did have a lrt from BD it was a crap tank 120lt and I could only ever get 90lt out, yes I did try and fix it after BD said the bafel for pick up,had let go and ?????? they fix it NOT!, as for Tubby to say the mechanic's who bitched a bit, was a crap one how rude do you know the guy? do you know when the car was booked? I could generalize and say your a %^$# or something, but i know what they are saying,and a lot of people don't plan well, they just think I will get the rig seviced and it will be sweet!
Cheers
Big Ears

bad day at work?

[Dirty Patrol]

no just don't like opinionated people bagging some one for no just reason, it's not like he knows them!

[Sammyboy]

I also had a Brown Davis 85L replacement tank in my 1983 NA Pajero shorty. Having read all the negative BD feedback and hearing from one of the 4WD stores I go to that they have stuff all customer service, I'm suprised to say that my tank didn't have any major problems with it. As mentioned, it was 85 litres, but the most I ever put in it was 72 litres- that was after I intentionally ran it out of fuel to see how far it would get. The only problem I did have was that I believed that I could get more useable capacity from the tank so I took it back to Brown Davis who looked at it and changed the breather pipe (Is that what it's called? I don't know!) so the tank would get more oxygen in it... didn't make too much difference at all!

This thread has been a bit of an eye opener for me too, so thanks for all this info guys (I'm fitting a long range tank into my 1990 NG Paj in a month or two). I reckon that I have narrowed it down to Long Range Automotive (145ish give or take) or ARB Long Ranger (146L). One of the guys on this forum told us about a problem that he had with his 4WD Systems tank stuffing up in Broome WA, and how the manufacturer wanted the tank send back to Adelaide for assessment and repair (easier said than done ). The tank was repaired in Broome and consequently voided the warranty. The hypothetical question that I need to find out is what happens if my ARB or LRA tank fails when i'm at Uluru? Would it be ok to tow my car to Alice Springs where I can get it repaired (or even better, get it repaired then and there)? If I cant (due to terms of warranty), do I a} send it back to the manufacturer for repair or b} send it back to the store that I got it from? If I have to send it anywhere for repairs, then I aint fitting their tank! I need customer service and support Australia Wide! What are your thoughts on the customer support aspect of fitting a long range tank?