Disco 1 Fuel Tank Strap - Is it structural??

After several months of trouble free motoring I was on the way home yesterday and heard a clanging from under the Disco.

After getting under I could see that one side of the fuel tank strap had rusted through and was hanging loose.

I have removed the old strap and will order a new one but my question is....

Is this flimsy piece of metal structural as in does it hold the tank in place or will I be able to drive until the replacement arrives?

Thanks in advance guys!

It's only important if you don't want the fuel tank to fall out on the road, remember a tank full of fuel (89 litres) weighs in at around 70 Kg plus the weight of the tank and fittings so you may have equivalent of a healthy mid 20's young man hanging in there by the one strap, could you feed a rachet tie down strap about the tank and chassis as a temporary repair, it will be a bit hard to explain to the "Rozzers" if there is an accident because you KNOWINGLY drove the vehicle with the tank insecure, not to mention your insurer, no sir I would not.............

I take it by strap you mean the one over the top? I took mine off as the bracket on the chassis one side came adrift. I meant to repair it but never did. The boot floor (discovery optional extra) and the weight of the fuel stops it moving Upwards.

Discokids said:

I take it by strap you mean the one over the top? I took mine off as the bracket on the chassis one side came adrift. I meant to repair it but never did. The boot floor (discovery optional extra) and the weight of the fuel stops it moving Upwards.

Click to expand...

No its the one underneath and looks like the picture.

I wasn't sure whether it held the tank up or gave it protection.

Trouble is can't find a new one!

It's essential to the structure of the fuel tank as it supports the tank, which as u know is plastic, so in a way... yes.

its the only thing holding the tank up

Ah, so not a strap but a cradle. Where are you based? As I have one sitting on my drive.

Discokids said:

Ah, so not a strap but a cradle. Where are you based? As I have one sitting on my drive.

Click to expand...

Based in Oldham near Manchester whereabouts are you?

Near Derby unfortunately.

Shame, Derby a bit too far!

s0ftmick said:

Shame, Derby a bit too far!

Click to expand...

Get it shipped.

So the saga continues......

Found a replacement cradle which is brilliant but, went to take the remaining bolts off and although I had soaked in penetrating fluid when I came to turn the boltI have sheared the bracket off.

After some thought the best option I can think of it to make a revised cradle that bolts in the original place at the back near the tow bar with a cross section that bolts where the anti roll bar bolt on.

My question is this, would this be sufficient for MOT's etc as it will definitely be strong enough to hold the tank in place?

Thanks in advance

The question is, is it... the fuel tank... security retained in the option of the examiner. Sound as it will be.

When i tried to buy the nuts with backing playes they told me they were 35 pound for 2. And to just tape a nut over a washer and hold it in place with open end spanner and bit of patience

haigy said:

hold it in place with open end spanner and bit of patience

Click to expand...

And don't forget the double jointed universal joint elbows and wrists...........

Gazbo said:

And don't forget the double jointed universal joint elbows and wrists...........

Click to expand...

I just used jack to hold tank and cradle up then left hand for nut and washer and right hand to start the bolt in the then swap for spanners when tight no other fancy tools needed. Easy peasy

haigy said:

Easy peasy

Click to expand...

Job well done then, and with no bark removed from the limbs sounds like.

Good stuff mate