One of the major issues land rover drivers experience is fuel tank shield corrosion and rust. Fuel tanks in Land Rovers and other vehicles are shielded and designed to house and protect the fuel tank. Fuel tank shields prevent overheating and evaporation of the fuel.
If the heat shield becomes loose or broken, it might produce a rattling sound and also begin to vibrate. Your engine is in danger of overheating if the damage on the heat shield is causing it to deteriorate. Let’s take a closer look at rust damage of your fuel tank and signs to look for when you suspect this is a problem.
The Most Common Reasons For Fuel Tank Shield Rust
Modern vehicles are complex in nature, designed to be operated with ease, and only require minimal maintenance. However, if you suspect there’s a problem, seek professional mechanics who know the Land Rover brand.
- Condensation: There can be condensation inside the fuel tank, and this moisture can either cause rust spots at a point or cause rust spots in the bottom of the tank.
- Clogs: If your fuel injector becomes dirty, clogged, or begins to leak, you may experience a wide array of problems, which would lead to a lack of performance.
- Wrong Fuel: Using the wrong fuel could also lead to fuel tank shield rusting in your Land Rover. It is important to use the fuel recommended for your vehicle according to the owner’s guide.
- Moisture: A little amount of water in the fuel tank increases the chance of your fuel tank falling victim to microbial growth. Microbial growth gives way to fuel tank shield rusting or corrosion.
- Poor drainage: If water expands rapidly in the injector tip, it can easily damage injectors due to the constant heat of the injector. It can lead to rust in your fuel system if it stays in your fuel system for a long period of time. It’s advisable to have your Land Rover cleaned properly at the radiator shop. Installing a new filter can be of great help. Lack of proper drainage can lead to rust in your fuel system.
- Salt: Salt can penetrate and scratch cylinders through the fuel filter, due to lack of gases to dissolve in salt. More dissolved ions can be found in saltwater than freshwater. Iron rusts more quickly in saltwater than freshwater, since rusting is all about the movement of electrons.
How to Fix a Fuel Tank Shield
Your Land Rover was built to take on any type of terrain, and it was also built to offer you the best ride through the city and countryside. It is ultimately built for adventure. The fuel tank shield helps prevent road debris from hitting the fuel tank no matter where you drive. The fuel tank is very important, and even though the shield is a piece of metal, it plays an important role to keep your Land Rover in a good working condition. It also keeps you safe as well.
Here are a few suggestions on what you can do to ensure that the fuel tank shield does not rust or go beyond repair:
- Hire an expert or professional who specialises in Land Rovers.
- Perform frequent inspections of your vehicle, most importantly, the fuel tank shield.
- Keep your car parked in a covered area and prevent exposure to water or humidity.
- If you won’t be using your Land Rover for a while, it is advisable to keep the fuel tank full. It helps keep the tank clean and keep away humid air.
- Regular use is healthy for your car, as fuel fumes do not allow humidity to set in.
Let Master Mechanics Auto Repair Help You
At Master Mechanics, we offer quality services and repairs. Accurate service and repair work is critical for the lifespan and performance of your vehicle. Our expert and certified technicians at Master Mechanics in Kalamazoo serve our neighbors in Battle Creek, and Portage, MI. We will provide the services your Land Rover needs.
We use high-quality materials, the latest factory-grade tools, and equipment and also offer the same quality maintenance work for your Asian imports and domestic vehicles. Visit our shop or call us on 269-373-9000 to schedule an appointment with us today!
* Land Rover Car image credit goes to: YuriyVlasenko.