Is this a big problem?

[JChristine23]

So I just bought a 93 XLT. It has a few problems. Which, by the way I found a lot of answers here. Thank you for the help. But yesterday when I put gas in it for the first time I noticed a lot of rust on the area where you screw on the gas tank lid. Is this a big problem? Does it need to be fixed right away? I don't know a lot about fixing vehicles, and I have never seen lots of rust on this part of a vehicle. The rust is really bad. I'm surprised that you can even screw the cover back on. I am afraid that some of that rust might flake off and get into the gas tank. Which I am sure might cause a few problems.

 

[ld50]

If it is disintegrating, or not allowing a seal you should probably replace it. Too much rust or flakes of crap into your gas tank can plug off your fuel pump, which has a filter element attached to the bottom

 

[Four0Sport]

its actually pretty common for the area in and around the fuel door to rust. i dont know how many explorers ive seen with gaping rust holes and or gallons of putty around the filler door. My 93 is starting to get some bubbles under the paint above the gas door lid, it saddens me. the best way to fix this is to have a new section welded in. i dont think there are any other alternatives, i could be wrong. if your rust is only in the door around the cap and fill hose you may be able to go in behind and reinforce the area somehow. hope this helps some.

 

[Anime]

My X (which is from NY) has started to rust a bit around the gas cap, but not badly enough to replace the filler neck, since the rust is not below the cap, where the gas goes. If there are holes rusted though below the cap level, then it should be replaced, otherwise fuel fumes will escape..and your gas will evaporate faster, too.

It's not too difficult of a job if you bought the part and had someone do the work to replace it, since it's just a matter of removing three screws around the neck, yanking the neck out to where you can get to it behind the rear tire, then removing it from the rubber hose that goes to the gas tank, installing the new part on the hose, then screwing it back in.

 

[Joe Dirt]

Be glad you don't own a Taurus... It's like a mark of ownership...

Body work is all patience and preparation- take your time and you can make almost anything look good. This was with rattle cans and a lot of patience and prep/sanding in between coats.

 

[Jack Flash]

...it saddens an old ironhead like me to see rust free vehicles carried to the wrecking yard on a daily basis, but I can only rescue so many of them.....

idiots in central Mississippi won't sell me that vehicle that hasn't run in 5 years, yet they will knock out the windows and remove the gas tank, load it on a trailer and sell it for scrap. ($100 more or less)

nearly all of the gen 1 Ex's that I see go this way only need a tranny overhaul or possibly cylinder heads. they have rust free, almost dent free bodies and they are crushed/gone forever.

so much for my Sunday whine....lol.