Tanques de combustible para automóviles y camiones para GMC

Choosing a Fuel Tank

A fuel tank is the storage unit for gasoline or diesel in fuel-driven vehicles. Through a fuel pump, the main tank supplies the fluids to the engine for combustion and this enables your car or truck to run. You can know the capacity of your diesel or gas tank from the gauge on the dashboard. When the fuel light turns red, its an indication that you need to refuel. There are a wide variety of fuel tank options to choose from for your GMC pickup truck. They come in different designs and gallon capacities.

What are the types of fuel tanks?

There are different types of fuel tanks which include the main or primary fuel tank, the auxiliary fuel tank, and the transfer tank.

  • Primary fuel tanks - This is the main tank that is standard on all vehicles with combustion engines. They are of two types, that is, the diesel fuel tanks and the gasoline fuel tanks. The amount of fuel used depends on the fuel efficiency of your GMC and the distance covered.
  • Auxiliary fuel tanks - When going for long distances, you may need to carry extra fuel in case you will not find any filling stations on the road. Secondary tanks such as these come in very handy. DOT certified auxiliary tank pumps can be legally plumbed into your vehicles fuel system. They operate through an electric pump or gravity filling system to supply fuel. For the electric system, the tank is filled by simply switching on the pump whereas gravity-fed tanks, gravity replaces fuel into the gallon tank as the engine consumes it.
  • Transfer fuel tanks - These are in-bed tanks that also supply the main tank when theres a deficit. They differ from auxiliary tanks in that for these, you require an external pump to supply the gas or diesel. The hose is used to fill the primary tank through the nozzle. The fuel transfer tank comes in different designs including rectangular, square, wedge, and L-shapes. L-shaped transfer tanks are quite common as they do not take up much space leaving you with extra bed space for your cargo.

What are the different materials used to construct the fuel tanks?

Fuel tanks are commonly made of three material which are plastic, aluminum, and steel. They all have their advantages as follows:

  • Plastic - Plastic (high-density polyethylene) tanks are manufactured through a process known as blow-molding. The manufacturing process allows the tank to be molded in various shapes that allow for it to be mounted on top of the rear axle. This saves a lot of space and also protects it from crashing. Plastic tanks are also lightweight, flexible, quiet, and do not corrode.
  • Steel - When the steel constructed tanks are finished with good painting, the result is a material that is resistant to all forms of abrasion including rust, corrosion, and damage from UV radiation. It is also quite flexible and is a safe material to use.
  • Aluminum - Aluminum fuel tanks are an alternative to plastic and steel fuel tanks. They are light in weight compared to their steel counterparts and are less susceptible to rust and corrosion. Aluminum is also a highly durable material that will withstand extreme conditions. Some tanks feature diamond plate aluminum construction.

How do I replace the fuel tank on my GMC?

Replacement of the gallon tank requires great caution as a mixture of the fuel with a spark or any flames could result in a blaze. You will need to drain the old tank prior to replacing. From there you can remove the rear wheel liner and then disconnect the exhaust system from the mufflers, the fuel pump hoses, the electrical connectors, and the fillers before beginning the following process:

  • Place a jack beneath the center of the fuel tank and apply some upward pressure to remove the strap retaining nuts.
  • Lower the tank slightly then detach any remaining hose or electrical containers. You can then safely remove the tank.
  • Transfer any necessary accessories to the replacement fuel tank. These include the hoses, valves, fuel pump and the heat shield.
  • Install new gallon tank onto jack and raise to a position under the vehicle. Leave space for attachment of the connectors.
  • Attach the connections and the retainer straps then secure with the new self-locking nuts.
  • Install the fuel hose pumps and other parts that were detached then ensure there are no drips or leaks.

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