Seeking advice from Ranger vets

[97 EB Mike]

I've sold my Explorer
On the bright side, I now have the cash to fund a new to me Ranger.
I'm going to look at one tomorrow. 92 Regular cab two wheel drive 2.3 5 speed. The current owner says the gas tank is leaking with more than 2 or 3 gallons in it. From what I've gathered, its a plastic tank.

What are the odds that the tank itself is leaking? Or am I likely looking at a rotten/rusted pump hanger and gas sloshing up and out? Or....?

Can a plastic fuel tank be repaired with any long term success? If so, how?

I'm thinking that if I buy the truck and have to do the job, I'm looking at a tank (boneyard?), new straps, and while I'm there, I may as well put a new hanger and pump assembly in it. Anything else I need to be aware of? Thanks in advance!

 

[corkey]

probably has a hole in it,,

get a junkyeard tank,
the pump and pump hanger are probably okay,,

 

[97 EB Mike]

That was quick! Thanks!

Is there a cover or anything over that tank, or is it exposed? Am I going to be able to see much getting under it tomorrow?

 

[corkey]

there should be one under it

take the straps off slowly, support it with a jack, let it down slowly, disconnect the lines , than to the ground , than inspect all of it slowly too,

there is a thread on here somewhere about changing the pump, get it with a search,,

 

[97 EB Mike]

Oh, I'll likely pull the bed IF I end up buying the truck. I'm just going to look at it tomorrow. Was just wondering if it was worth crawling under it to look at the tank on the ground in January, or if all I was going to see was a cover plate or something. Thanks again.

 

[dorman68]

Fuel filler necks are notorious for rotting out.

 

[jd4242]

good luck with finding one in the junkyard.or at least around here the drill holes in the tanks as soon as they come in;(

 

[97 EB Mike]

Ended up passing on the 92. Did find a 95 2.3 5 speed short bed 2wd that I picked up. 207k on the clock, but I couldn't turn it down for the price. If it blows up tomorrow, I'll get 90% of my money back in scrap.

Let the fun begin!