Colt long range tank heating problem

[brave heart]

I am again looking for wise council regarding 2004 colt 3.0 d/cab 4x4 long range fuel tank heating problem

I have had a mild steel 80l long range fitted to the vehicle consisting of a 28 and 52 litre tank. The 52l tank sits above the diff and the other right at the back under the spare wheel. I had a free flow exhaust fitted as well which passes over high over the diff to allow for axel articulation. At the point where the pipe peaks and then turn downward (just offcentre of the diff approx 300mm) it comes to within 30mm of the long range tank. This results in the tank being heated and whether there is fuel or just fumes in the tank (gravity flow tank), the fumes build up pressure and numerous times per day i have to open the fuel cap to release the pressure. We have wrapped the pipe near the tank with 2 layers of asbestos heat containing tape which made no difference whatsoever. We have then
on top of the asbestos on the 2nd half of the tape placed a layer of think pink roof lining and contained it with duct tape which has definately made a difference.

Re-routing the pipe is not really an option because there is not really any other routes to go. The route of the evil appears to be the free flow exhaust which runs much hotter than conventional exhausts.

any council most welcome

[David Maritz]

Add a heat deflector plate you will have to design one yourself that will assist in displacing the heat to the correct places and will not affect the tank.

Otherwise have the tank modified it will not loose that much on litres but the heating issue will be solved instantly, and you keep the free flow system as well.

[Jannie Kubu4x4]

Brave Heart, I have a similar setup LR tank from frontrunner and I have a freeflow but have never checked to see if the freeflow heats up the tank so will have a look.

From my own experience I can tell you that I also had a problem with pressure building up in my tanks after the original installation so much so that at one stage the pressure caused my inlet pipe to come loose and boy did I swear as I watched almost a full tank of petrol being lost. The cause was that the breather pipe was not installed correctly. It should run as high as possible so that fumes can escape. If it sits low or forms a loop next to the tank, petrol can enter and cause a block so that fumes can not escape resulting in huge pressure build up. To me it sounds as if this might be part of your problem because although the exhaust can heat the tank fumes should be able to escape without having to release the petrolcap.Just my 2c.

[RedLineR]

A steel plate with 15-20mm air gape between the exhaust and tank should work wonders. Especially if you can force some air up there.
Additionally a breather on the tank.
And if you really want to, some ceramic wool, thin, 5mm, around the exhaust at that point.