Fuel tank external rust
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Driver School Candidate
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Fuel tank external rust
During an underside inspection, I noticed a significant amount of corrosion on the base of the fuel tank. The vertical side part has been factory undersealed and is in perfect condition, whereas the base is untreated and is a mass of loose rust and paint flakes - thanks to a previous owner's DIY. There is a sharp dividing line where the factory coating terminates. What were Lexus thinking? It's unforgiveable to leave such a safety-critical component like this open to the elements, since we don't all live in CA!
Although removal would be the preferred option, I'm not keen on the idea of manoeuvring a heavy tank around without any assistance and with limited resources, so that's way down the priority list. It's temptingly accessible in situ and ideally, I'd like to grind the exterior down to bare metal, but I dare not do so due to the risk of pinholing and spark generation, which would be a complete PITA, if not catastrophic. I have no desire to leave this world prematurely under those conditions! Even if the tank was drained down, there would probably be a residual amount remaining which could take weeks to fully evaporate and reach a safe condition to work on. I plan to clean up the surface using some 'wet and dry' paper (which should avoid any spark issues) and a couple of thick coats of underseal, or perhaps a layer of fiberglass. It's a 2nd rate solution to the problem, but I can't really see any alternatives.
Incidentally, there are no straps holding the tank in place (as shown on the parts list), and no evidence of any previously fitted. There is also a wide horizontal seam on the tank which extends back into the rear bumper cavity but no sign of attachment points, so maybe the bumper has to come off too. Any suggestions regarding removal at a later date would be appreciated.
Acquiring a used replacement looks like a non-starter as RX300 Mk1s have always been a rare sight here in the UK, with the market dominated by various Range Rover types. There were about 3000 at their peak, and only 6-700 now; I doubt if I've seen more than a dozen of them in 20 years.
Although removal would be the preferred option, I'm not keen on the idea of manoeuvring a heavy tank around without any assistance and with limited resources, so that's way down the priority list. It's temptingly accessible in situ and ideally, I'd like to grind the exterior down to bare metal, but I dare not do so due to the risk of pinholing and spark generation, which would be a complete PITA, if not catastrophic. I have no desire to leave this world prematurely under those conditions! Even if the tank was drained down, there would probably be a residual amount remaining which could take weeks to fully evaporate and reach a safe condition to work on. I plan to clean up the surface using some 'wet and dry' paper (which should avoid any spark issues) and a couple of thick coats of underseal, or perhaps a layer of fiberglass. It's a 2nd rate solution to the problem, but I can't really see any alternatives.
Incidentally, there are no straps holding the tank in place (as shown on the parts list), and no evidence of any previously fitted. There is also a wide horizontal seam on the tank which extends back into the rear bumper cavity but no sign of attachment points, so maybe the bumper has to come off too. Any suggestions regarding removal at a later date would be appreciated.
Acquiring a used replacement looks like a non-starter as RX300 Mk1s have always been a rare sight here in the UK, with the market dominated by various Range Rover types. There were about 3000 at their peak, and only 6-700 now; I doubt if I've seen more than a dozen of them in 20 years.
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