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Old 06-18-2012, 09:09 PM   #1
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Fuel Tank Bolt failure

Changed Amsoil and filters at SouthBay Car Care and Had Hubert and Max perform recommended torque check . When getting ready to leave we heard a pop and thankfully another customer noticed that something was hanging down from the fuel tank area and upon closer examination found that a Tank Hanger Bracket Bolt failed . This bolt had been freshly torqued at the called for 35 foot pounds and sheared when the Van was was subjected to movement off the Rack . We discovered that someone had originally installed a 7/16" bolt and nut on what should have been a hardened 1/2" set up . you might want to inspect Sure Flow hangers and bolts . Hubert and I both agreed that there would be be a better margin of safety if at least one additional hanger was added to the support of these tanks , I was amazed at how little actual support this factory set up provided when only one bracket remained intact . Our SportsMobile was received in December of 2007 .
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Old 06-19-2012, 01:39 PM   #2
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Re: Fuel Tank Bolt failure

“Sure Flow” or “TransferFlow”? If it is TransferFlow, there was an old bulletin out on this topic. I’ll look for my copy. It involved the tank bracket bolt heads shearing off.
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2003 Ford E-350SD 4x4
V10 / 4R100 / NV271
Front Axle - 1 Ton Spec Dana 60/King Pin/Open Knuckle/High Steer
Rear Axle - 1 Ton Spec Dana 60/Full Floating
Eaton E-Lockers Front And Rear/4:10 Gears
ARB Differential Covers - Nodular Iron With Dipstick And Drain Plug
Leaf Spring Suspension Front And Rear
46 Gal Transfer-Flow Fuel Tank
ExtremeAire Magnum Air Compressor
Reunel Rear Bumper
On And On ...
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Old 06-19-2012, 01:57 PM   #3
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Re: Fuel Tank Bolt failure

TransferFlow I had Pumps on my mind , Thank you for bringing this to all of our attention .
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Old 06-19-2012, 04:42 PM   #4
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Re: Fuel Tank Bolt failure

There is a thread on this, with discussion around bolt diameters.
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Old 06-19-2012, 05:18 PM   #5
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Re: Fuel Tank Bolt failure

That is good news , sorry for the rehashing of a known problem . what is amazing to me is that my tank has been checked and Torqued at least 4 times prior to this failure and never a sign of any possible shortcoming I guess ignorance is bliss .
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Old 06-19-2012, 05:26 PM   #6
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Re: Fuel Tank Bolt failure

I can’t find the tread but as I remember the bulletin, SMB used the wrong bolts that join the two piece strap together. The strap would damage the bolt near the head and the head would eventually break off. You had to replace them with 7/16"-14 TPI bolts.

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2003 Ford E-350SD 4x4
V10 / 4R100 / NV271
Front Axle - 1 Ton Spec Dana 60/King Pin/Open Knuckle/High Steer
Rear Axle - 1 Ton Spec Dana 60/Full Floating
Eaton E-Lockers Front And Rear/4:10 Gears
ARB Differential Covers - Nodular Iron With Dipstick And Drain Plug
Leaf Spring Suspension Front And Rear
46 Gal Transfer-Flow Fuel Tank
ExtremeAire Magnum Air Compressor
Reunel Rear Bumper
On And On ...
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Old 06-19-2012, 05:41 PM   #7
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Re: Fuel Tank Bolt failure

viewtopic.php?f=39&t=7480
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Old 06-19-2012, 05:48 PM   #8
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Re: Fuel Tank Bolt failure

thank you Anzac
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