79 Carbureted Fuel Tank vs. 80 FI Fuel Tank

Maintenance advice to keep your Spider in shape.
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srwilson
Posts: 267
Joined: Mon Nov 19, 2012 6:21 pm
Your car is a: 1979 124 Fiat Spider 2000
Location: Lexington, KY

79 Carbureted Fuel Tank vs. 80 FI Fuel Tank

Post by srwilson »

What are the differences between these two tanks?
What exactly do I need to change on my Carb'd tank to use it with a FI system?

If someone has pictures of the difference or what I need to modify That would be awesome! :D

Thanks !
-Steve
1979 Black Fiat Spider
2006 Black Chevy Silverado Crew Cab
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bradartigue
Posts: 2183
Joined: Thu Sep 20, 2007 2:35 pm
Your car is a: 1970 Sport Spider
Location: Atlanta, GA

Re: 79 Carbureted Fuel Tank vs. 80 FI Fuel Tank

Post by bradartigue »

srwilson wrote:What are the differences between these two tanks?
What exactly do I need to change on my Carb'd tank to use it with a FI system?

If someone has pictures of the difference or what I need to modify That would be awesome! :D

Thanks !
The FI tank has the fuel outputs integrated into the tank. The carb tank has the fuel outputs on the (removable) sending unit. I've used both types with FI without a problem though the pump has to work a little harder because the carb output is smaller.
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srwilson
Posts: 267
Joined: Mon Nov 19, 2012 6:21 pm
Your car is a: 1979 124 Fiat Spider 2000
Location: Lexington, KY

Re: 79 Carbureted Fuel Tank vs. 80 FI Fuel Tank

Post by srwilson »

Thanks, Brad! But I've found a new problem.

I just crawled under the back of the car and I noticed this.
Image

After a bit of scraping the undercoating off I see I'm developing a bit of a leak.
Image

So next question.

I do plan on switching my car over from Carb to FI at some point. I'm just not sure when I'll get around to it, but if I were to replace the tank could I use a FI tank with the Carb until I get time to switch it over?

If not, I guess i'll try and patch this small hole until I get the change over done. Will JB Weld fix the spot?

Thanks!
-Steve
1979 Black Fiat Spider
2006 Black Chevy Silverado Crew Cab
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124JOE
Posts: 3141
Joined: Fri Jun 24, 2011 7:11 pm
Your car is a: 1978 124 fiat spider sport 1800
Location: SO. WI

Re: 79 Carbureted Fuel Tank vs. 80 FI Fuel Tank

Post by 124JOE »

yes jb weld it

be sure to clean it well first
when you do everything correct people arent sure youve done anything at all (futurama)
ul1joe@yahoo.com 124joe@gmail.com
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bradartigue
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Your car is a: 1970 Sport Spider
Location: Atlanta, GA

Re: 79 Carbureted Fuel Tank vs. 80 FI Fuel Tank

Post by bradartigue »

I personally do not mess with fuel leaks, I'd stop the leak for now with something - JB Weld as noted will work for a little while - but find an FI tank if you plan to switch. FI tanks work fine - you can even plug the fuel ports and install a carbureted Spider's fuel level sender, which has the correct size outputs for low pressure line.
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srwilson
Posts: 267
Joined: Mon Nov 19, 2012 6:21 pm
Your car is a: 1979 124 Fiat Spider 2000
Location: Lexington, KY

Re: 79 Carbureted Fuel Tank vs. 80 FI Fuel Tank

Post by srwilson »

Thanks Brad, for the confirmation.

I'll go ahead and grab a new FI tank then.
-Steve
1979 Black Fiat Spider
2006 Black Chevy Silverado Crew Cab
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aevansgatech
Posts: 346
Joined: Mon Jul 27, 2015 2:51 pm
Your car is a: 1982 Spider 2000

Re: 79 Carbureted Fuel Tank vs. 80 FI Fuel Tank

Post by aevansgatech »

I developed a small tank leak as well last night :cry: I didn't notice any leak when the tank was 1/4 full, but now that it's topped off at 4/4 full I'm getting a slow drip. Either I've got a crack up high in the tank or the added fluid pressure is seeping out a small crack in the bottom.

Can JB Weld be applied to a semi full tank?
1979 Spider 2000 (gone)
1984 Pininfarina Azzurra (for sale)
1982 Spider 2000 (here to stay)
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bradartigue
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Joined: Thu Sep 20, 2007 2:35 pm
Your car is a: 1970 Sport Spider
Location: Atlanta, GA

Re: 79 Carbureted Fuel Tank vs. 80 FI Fuel Tank

Post by bradartigue »

So long as the area is bone dry then yes. But it won't be a long term fix. I don't care what the epoxy vendors say they ALL deteriorate when exposed to fuel. Drain it, take it to a shop, have it welded.
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aevansgatech
Posts: 346
Joined: Mon Jul 27, 2015 2:51 pm
Your car is a: 1982 Spider 2000

Re: 79 Carbureted Fuel Tank vs. 80 FI Fuel Tank

Post by aevansgatech »

Yeah I agree a replacement tank or weld would be the best. I located the leak at the top of the underside part of the tank. It's at roughly ½ tank.

It wasn't in the budget but it looks like I'll have to spring for a replacement tank
1979 Spider 2000 (gone)
1984 Pininfarina Azzurra (for sale)
1982 Spider 2000 (here to stay)
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