Rivnuts

[[memphis]]

I got lost in a rabbit hole thread about fuel cells and using OEM pumps instead of externals. I think it was linked here to the old site. This got me thinking about how to retain say a Chevy fuel pump module for my LS swap? I wouldn’t be using the OE locking ring.

Instead of tapping the top of an aluminum fuel cell, which will have minimal thread engagement. Could I use rivnuts and bolt a retaining ring down? Will the clamping force of a rivnut be enough to stop fuel from seeping out?

This seems like the best solution on paper but I can’t seem to find anyone who has done it?

 

[gt1guy]

Depends on how many rivnets you use. More = better clamping. Going to need a thickish gasket due to the top of the rivnuts sitting above the surface they're attached to.

 

[Lil'John]

You mean something like this:

Stock camaro sending/fuel assembly. Use stock rubber gasket under lip just like stock. Four bolts. No leaking out threads or under canister. All aluminum as shown ;)

*edit* that was my solution from 9 years ago.

 

[[memphis]]

You mean something like this:

Stock camaro sending/fuel assembly. Use stock rubber gasket under lip just like stock. Four bolts. No leaking out threads or under canister. All aluminum as shown ;)

*edit* that was my solution from 9 years ago.

Kick ass! I found a bunch of airplane talk about rivets leaking on their fuel tanks but no mention of rivnuts. That looks stupid easy and reliable as I suspected! Can’t believe it was almost impossible to find a pic of it.

 

[CarterKraft]

Maybe some anerboic fuel safe sealant on the rivnut OD for safety sake, some thread sealant onn the bolts for the same reason.

 

[Lil'John]

;n108633]Kick ass! I found a bunch of airplane talk about rivets leaking on their fuel tanks but no mention of rivnuts. That looks stupid easy and reliable as I suspected! Can’t believe it was almost impossible to find a pic of it.

I could see where planes would have problems due to super high elevation changes and resulting pressure differences as well as the higher g-force slosh.

The only thing I would consider doing different is getting a thicker retaining ring. If I recall right, the tank and retaining ring are 14 gauge.

Maybe some anerboic fuel safe sealant on the rivnut OD for safety sake, some thread sealant onn the bolts for the same reason.

To be extra safe, this is a good idea. The guy who did the welding/rivnut stuff ensured the rivnut hole was proper size. Nothing special was done on mine ;)

 

[92 Green YJ]

I used aluminum nutserts on my Motobilt YJ fuel cell to mount my pump assembly. The pre drilled holes in it were the perfect size for 10-24 nutserts so that was what I used. Seems to be working great so far.

 

[AK_F250]

RIVNUT[SUP]®[/SUP] Sealcote


Our blind rivet nuts with low-head seal feature reliable fluid-tightness (seawater proof) and gas-tightness.
RIVNUT[SUP]®[/SUP] Sealcote is available in all RIVNUT[SUP]®[/SUP] models.


Advantages

• One-piece fastener
• Anti-loss seal without additional assembly and logistics costs
• Pressure resistance (seal to standard IPX4, specification EN 60529)
• Thermal stability up to 150°C (even up to 190°C in short term)
• Salt-water resistance

 

[Twankie]

Those sealcote nutserts are pretty cool.

i have used aluminum nutserts in an aluminum fuel cell with decent results. A big issue will be the thickness of the fuel sending unit. If the flange is thin it will bend/warp with only a few screws holding it down and it has a better chance of leaking.

the way I do it now is machine an aluminum ring that looks just like the top of a gm gas tank. Has a groove for the o ring, drill/tap 5 or 6 holes and use a large steel “washer” to hold it all down

 

[CarterKraft]

RIVNUT[SUP]®[/SUP] Sealcote


Our blind rivet nuts with low-head seal feature reliable fluid-tightness (seawater proof) and gas-tightness.
RIVNUT[SUP]®[/SUP] Sealcote is available in all RIVNUT[SUP]®[/SUP] models.


Advantages

• One-piece fastener
• Anti-loss seal without additional assembly and logistics costs
• Pressure resistance (seal to standard IPX4, specification EN 60529)
• Thermal stability up to 150°C (even up to 190°C in short term)
• Salt-water resistance

Those are awesome, good on you for sharing those.

 

[PAE]

Could have also used a nutplate, a bolt circle size with threaded holes that sits inside the tank and provides a purchase for the sender to bolt to without putting anything permanent onto the tank.


These things come in many different sizes and can be made in custom sizes.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/...MIl4Tt-pq56wIVGR6tBh3-gAGdEAQYASABEgKsSvD_BwE