Technical 2011 Doblo MPV, NOT a wheelchair conversion, 1.4 petrol tank leaking (Metal) . Is it possible to adapt a diesel tank to fit?

[rio530]

Hello

I have a leak from the seam of the metal petrol tank and sourcing a replacement is not going well. My question is can I replace it with a plastic diesel tank?
Having not seen the top of the tank, or even a photograph of a petrol tank, only parts diagrams my thoughts/questions are these
1 - will the pump fit ?
2 - there are 2 additional pipes/valves on the petrol not on the diesel but I see what looks like the circular moulding impressions where they might be able to be cut out and fitted on the diesel tank ?
3 - Is the filler neck different?

I understand this is one of those questions that is fairly specific to someone who has attempted this themselves but any info is most welcome.

 

[bugsymike]

Hello

I have a leak from the seam of the metal petrol tank and sourcing a replacement is not going well. My question is can I replace it with a plastic diesel tank?
Having not seen the top of the tank, or even a photograph of a petrol tank, only parts diagrams my thoughts/questions are these
1 - will the pump fit ?
2 - there are 2 additional pipes/valves on the petrol not on the diesel but I see what looks like the circular moulding impressions where they might be able to be cut out and fitted on the diesel tank ?
3 - Is the filler neck different?

I understand this is one of those questions that is fairly specific to someone who has attempted this themselves but any info is most welcome.

Few points.
There are people who specialise in repairing metal fuel tanks, they usual steam clean them first though.
I even had a BLMC van 30 years ago that when inspecting to purchase I found the tank had been fibre glassed, so I negotiated a price reduction for another fuel tank, however the guy was a professional boat builder and had used Epoxy Resin (not the cheap polyester resin) which he assured me was fine. Give him his due I never needed to replace it.
The four Doblos I have/had plus one Vauxhall Combo are all diesel.
Have you checked for a Vauxhall Combo petrol in your search as basically the same vehicle?
In the past I have fitted petrol engines in diesels and vice a versa, but modern stuff has extra pipes and filter arrangements which add to the problems.
From your point all you could do is place the two side by side to compare.
Sorry I can't be of any more accurate help.

 

[rio530]

Thanks for the reply.

As you say there are a few options,
I have never used Epoxy resin but it has crossed my mind and is currently top of the list to at least prolong my search for a petrol tank.
I live in the farthest in Orkney which has an atmosphere where watching metal rust happens at roughly 10 times the speed of lowland Scotland.
It would be good to actually compare a petrol and a diesel tank side by side but the cost of used parts is mind blowing and add delivery to the "edge of the known universe" makes it probably more than the vehicle is worth.
I have not had a chance to inspect the whole tank to get an idea how much rust is hidden and then if I can repair it or not.
I posted my questions in the hope somebody has adapted a diesel tank and could give me a few pointers.
I have tried looking for Combo tanks as well, again no joy but I will keep looking.

Again thanks for taking the time to give me the benefit of your advice I appreciate it.

 

[bugsymike]

Thanks for the reply.

As you say there are a few options,
I have never used Epoxy resin but it has crossed my mind and is currently top of the list to at least prolong my search for a petrol tank.
I live in the farthest in Orkney which has an atmosphere where watching metal rust happens at roughly 10 times the speed of lowland Scotland.
It would be good to actually compare a petrol and a diesel tank side by side but the cost of used parts is mind blowing and add delivery to the "edge of the known universe" makes it probably more than the vehicle is worth.
I have not had a chance to inspect the whole tank to get an idea how much rust is hidden and then if I can repair it or not.
I posted my questions in the hope somebody has adapted a diesel tank and could give me a few pointers.
I have tried looking for Combo tanks as well, again no joy but I will keep looking.

Again thanks for taking the time to give me the benefit of your advice I appreciate it.

I have used epoxy resin in marine applications and is a far superior product than normal car polyester resin., but much more expensive.
The other problem with the old tank is rust in the tank getting into the fuel system.
Good luck with the search and sorry to bring you in from your sun bathing.

 

[the green vanper]

Strange, I could not find the part numbers in ePER for both fuel pumps

That could help finding their dimensions.