P1443 Code = Crack in Gas Tank?

I'd greatly appreciate your help ASAP as I need to tell the mechanic tomorrow whether to re-install my old tank or order the new one.

Overview:
1997 Mercury Tracer with 160k miles.

Codes:
P1443
EVAP System Vent Control Function Problem

P1744
TCC - Excessive Slip Detected During Full TCC Engagement"

Issue:
I took my car to an auto shop for the P1443 code. I've had a gas smell in the car and my tank keeps no pressure (I can remove the gas cap and never get a hiss). First thing I did was replace the gas cap, which did nothing.

At first they were charging me $300 to replace the filler hose that connects the filler pipe to the tank, which was cracked, and to replace something I can't remember on the top of the tank. Most of this cost is in the labor to drop the tank.

After they dropped the tank they informed me that my tank has a crack on the top of it and it needs replaced. He said he can order a used one for $180. Well the used one comes in and I'm informed it has a crack on the top of it at almost the exact same position! I asked if the crack is repairable by sealing it and was informed they cannot do that.


Questions:
1) Can I repair a crack on the top of my tank with a gas tank sealer?

2) The Mechanic told me a new tank would cost $422. I also have a bad TCC torque clutch converter that needs to be repaired, which I'm assuming is a little over $1000. Is all this work even worth it with a car at 160k miles? Should I throw in the towel at $300 and spend this $1400+ money on a down payment for a new car instead? Besides these two issues and paint fading on the hood, the car appears to be in good shape.

Thanks for your help!

I would be throwing in the towel right about now. There are cars othere there that you can get for $1000 or so that you can easily get a year or more out of, and for a bit more cash, you can get someing quite reliable. I'd quit now before it becomes a loosing battle.

Keeping high maintenance, older cars is really only feasable if you can do your own work on them. If you are paying a mechanic, it becomes rediculous really fast.

My escort is sort of in the same boat. If something on it breaks that costs me more than $200 or so, its done. I set that limit so I don't go throwing thousands into a lost cause.

My :2cents:

Rob D

THanks for the reply.

I've decided to have the mechanic reinstall the old tank. I'm then going to buy POR Patch (http://www.imperialrestoration.com/products.php?category=11) and repair the crack on the top of the tank myself. Since it's on the top and only leaks vapors and a tiny amount of fuel when the tank is full, I feel the POR Patch will work well for me. Buying a new tank is not an option.

I'll most definitely also ignore the TCC issue and let my transmission run itself to the ground, then get a new(er) car.