Question about Cat 22 fuel tank leak?

Does anybody know the original purpose of the pad under the fuel tank which seems to now play a part in rusting the tank bottom from the outside in?

Thanks

Pete

I always thought it was there to insulate the tank from vibration. Thinking there must be a modern non absorbent material that would work instead of the original..

I suspect the canvas layers provided a degree of vibration isolation and a reduction in pressure or wear points on the exterior of the tank. I have a twenty two that I am working on, as well. I plan to use Ospho, on the area where the canvas strips contacted the tank, the replace the canvas belts with used canvas fire hose (go ask your local fire station) soaked in melted beeswax. The wax will reduce moisture absorption by the canvas.

Hi Breadler, you could try lanolin as an option to beeswax because it's hygrophobic. Our Twenty Two main tank leaks as well so I might give that a try

Cheers, Neil

Hi, Folks.

Methinks that might be why Cat went from strap mounting to bolt mountings on their fuel tanks, 'cozzer just what you're discussing here.

Just my 0.02.

Hi all,

I thought that vibration was probably the reason for a pad but it was so deteriorated that it served no visible purpose. That’s why I asked the question. Another 22 of mine had no pad and the tank was supported with spacers on the bolts that secure it to the cradle. So thanks for the responses. They caused me to look at my third 22 that had been restored many years ago by a previous owner. It had a new pad supporting the tank. I never noticed that before.

Thanks

Pete

The pad caused issues for sure!

Hi, Deebo.

Now THERE izza 'restoration project'.

Just my 0.02.

Deas, not sure that one would qualify for for mail/post box out front either

Hi, Busso20.

Aw, C'mon, man. Where's that "Avago" atti-tood? Will you at least grant it yard art status?

Just my 0.02.

Hay thanks for the great idea of turning a rusted out tank into a mailbox. This day and age my wife shops from the computer, then hollers when the deliver driver but it on the ground in the rain. But I guess I would be better to start with something better than the pictured tank. But too good of a tank it could go boom when cutting a door. So maybe not so good of an idea ..................................................Oh well.