Titan Fuel Tanks, a manufacturer of high-performance, engineered, polymer aftermarket fuel tanks, released details on its 8020199, cross-linked polyethylene, replacement fuel tank at the 2013 NTEA Work Truck Show in Indianapolis, Ind. The new tank is designed to fit 1999-2010 Econoline diesel cut-away cab and chassis vehicles and eliminates the widespread issue of diesel fuel line contamination resulting from lining delamination in original equipment and aftermarket fuel tanks made of steel, according to the company.

Titan’s solid polymer tank bodies are immune to the effects of the diesel, bio-diesel, and fuel additives that are routinely blamed for causing the degradation of the protective linings of steel fuel tanks, according to Titan. Constructed of th military-grade, cross-linked polyethylene (XLHDPE), Titan’s replacement tank is compatible with most blends of bio-diesel fuel. Polyethylene is much lighter than steel and 200 times less thermal conductive. The polymer’s insulating properties eliminate condensation.
The interiors of original equipment and aftermarket steel tanks are generally lined with a coating that is known to deteriorate in the presence of agents and additives within many diesel and bio-diesel fuels. Once the steel tank linings begin to decompose, they can cast particulate matter into the fuel source, which can ultimately cause pumps, filters, and injectors to fail.

Ford has ruled tank delamination to be fuel-related and as such, does not cover it under the company’s warranty policy, according to Titan. If diesel fuel contamination is detected during the process of servicing the vehicle, warranty compliance can only be regained by replacing all affected components. Repair costs can be daunting, and if a steel replacement tank is used, the problem and additional repair costs might be destined to reoccur.

The new 55-gallon tank is designed to replace the Econoline’s OEM tank. Like Titan’s entire line of polymer replacement fuel tanks, the new tank weighs much less, won’t corrode, and features a rollover vent valve with a vent hose, as well as a convenient drain plug.

The tank comes in the form of a comprehensive replacement kit and will start shipping to customers on or about May 1, 2013. Installers can reuse most of the vehicle’s stock components, including the original tanks’ sending unit. Replacement skid plates, straps and ancillary components can be obtained from any Ford dealership, according to Titan. Like all Titan replacement fuel tanks, the new cut-away tank is backed by Titan’s exclusive limited five-year warranty.

Titan’s cross-linked polyethylene tank is designed to replace the following original Ford Econoline cut-away equipment part numbers:
Years 1999-2001: 2C2Z9002A
Years 2002-2003: 2C2Z9002EB
Years 2004-2008: 7C2Z9002F
Years 2009-2010: 9C2Z9002F

Titan Fuel Tanks are sold in the United States, Canada, and Australia.