Series Land Rover (Australia & NZ)
Serving the Series 1, Series 2, Series 3 and other Land Rover communities worldwide.

A long wheelbase Series Land Rover has a 14 gallon (63 litre) fuel tank under the rear load bed. By contrast a short wheelbase Series Land Rover has a 10 gallon (45 litre) fuel tank under the driver's seat. Both types of tank are steel and the tank seals are subject to corrosion. The lWB tank is much wider than the SWB equivalent and it spans the full width of the chassis. This means that the LWB tank is potentially more subject to stress on the seams when the Land Rover is on extremely rugged terrain. It's therefore a good idea to check the condition of the rubber mounting washers which help secure the tanks in place n a Series Land Rover, especially for the LWB tank. When re-fitting a fuel tank it is important not to overtighten the mounting bolts thereby compressing the rubber and reducing their effectiveness.

The LWB fuel tank has a rubber tube fitted across the top of the tank to equalise pressures inside what is essentially a U-shaped fuel tank. This tube is not often inspected due to its location but it is subject to perishing dependant upon climate. Should this occur then fuel vapour can escape (potential fire hazard).

The fuel sender unit does not normally give problems but the rubber seal can perish in time and if it is removed then care should be taken to re-fit it correctly so that a fuel/vapour tight seal is obtained.

The official method for removal of the LWB tank is to use a trolley jack to support the weight. However, not having the luxury of one I have, on several occasions, removed the tank with the vehicle raised at the rear a little on axle stands. With practise I no longer crack my head on the axle casing and knees really were meant to lower a fuel tank from position anyway weren't they?