Muffler vs. Gas Tank- How close is too close?

[MercuryMarc]

I removed my 13 gallon 43 year old gas tank and am installing a brand new 16 gallon tank (from North Coast Mustangs). It is a bit deeper and the tank side walls are more vertical (the original has tapered walls). This puts the muffler almost touching the tank side wall. I can adjust the hangers and move the muffler away from the gas tank but I have very little clearance- less than 1/8 inch.

Of course, I did not notice how close the muffler was to the tank before I removed it.......

Is this too close? I am hoping not to set my car on fire or blow myself up.

I can get pics later.....

Thanks!

 

[addo]

It may be considered risky, but you could make up an insulator from asbestos tile. Pop rivet it onto a thin sheet of alloy, then to some angle section. Fix the angle section through your fuel tank bolt holes down that side.

Normally, heat wouldn't be a big issue unless the tank was near empty, and you were idling in traffic a lot, on a hot day.

Regards, Adam.

 

[Anonymous]

or you could buy 15 ft of exhaust wrap from summit http://store.summitracing.com/

 

[rbohm]

8) the heat wrap idea is the better one in this situation. best to move the pipe to a minimum clearance of 1" though.

 

[kukm66]

You can also go with some Hushpower II mufflers which are specifically designed for tight applications. They are only 4" wide when turned on end and have a special shell for heat transfer. I am considering two of these when I finish my project. I also have a 16 gallon aftermarket tank.

http://www.flowmastermufflers.com/hp2.html

 

[LEROY POLL]

HEY MARC


.....I HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. I MOVE THE MUFFLER FORWARD BEFORE THE REAR AXLE. WHEN YOU PUT IT THERE YOU CAN PUT A BETTER MUFFLER IN.

.....THE ONLY THING WAS THE MUFFLER CAN BE HEARD WHEN IT IS MOVED THERE. I THEN WENT TO LARGER QUEIT MUFFLER WHICH MADE IT BETTER.

.....THEIR ARE NO MUFFLER HANGERS IN THE AREA SO THE GUY WELDED THE HANGER TO MY SEATBELT BOLT. WATCH OUT FOR THAT.

LIVE IN GRACE

LEROY POLL (IN SAN JOSE)

 

[simon]

It may be considered risky, but you could make up an insulator from asbestos tile.

Are those still available in Oz?

I´m keeping mine like a treasure, as this material has been demonized in public mind and is hardly available anywhere.

Never know what its good for... might come in handy one day...

 

[addo]

You just wait for demolition time, and there's plenty...



House roofs like that were used for about 15 years in Sydney and Melbourne. The terracotta colour is really rare - I've seen three.

But, returning to topic - a great insulator!