40 gas tank?

busmania

busmania

Well-known member
I have a drake (or carpenter, not sure but they are probably the same?) tank. It appears to be leaking pretty good where the neck attaches to the tank. This thing is basically new so I’m annoyed. Who makes a good tank? Anyone else have this leaking problem with their aftermarket tank?
 
Are you 100% certain the tank is leaking?
The design of these tanks made for common leaks at the filler tube rubber hose connection.
This is especially true if the tank was filled up all the way.

Before you remove the tank, do yourself a favor and track that leak down with certainty.

When I install a tank, I coat the rubber hose with Indian Head Shellac as directed on the bottle. Then I use modern clamps for a few days only replacing them with authentic clamps once the shellac has cured.
 
With a repro tank you may not be concerned about using the original clamps. If the the leak is from the hose, most likely, then use two quality modern clamps spaced about 1/2" or so apart.

Glenn
 
I figured it was the rubber hose from the filler tube to the tank as it was rubbing the inner fender metal so I also cut that back. So I replaced the rubber. It still leaked. So then I figured I screwed up the clamps. Nope, still leaks and here I am. I have already pulled the tank. It was easy because my trunk floor has been cut out. I plan to pressurize the tank and then spray the area I think it is with soapy water. Much like finding a hole in a tire. We will see. It almost looks like the neck wasn’t welded where it meets the tank behind a small strengthening piece of metal.

Oh, and after all this, the entire area around the filler neck rubber is dry so I do not think it’s coming from the hose part of it.
 
Welp, I pressurized the tank and as suspected it seems to be coming from behind this support piece and under the filler neck. Not sure how I’d fix this….

Hard to see but you can see a couple giant bubbles forming in these photos. Next I’ll fill it with water and see if I can see for sure where it is leaking.

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That a 'Tanks' product? Drake mentions that area about his tanks, but 'tanks' have larger capacity. Newc
 
Appears to be a Drake tank.Here is a pic of one currently listed on Ebay
 

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It is either Drake or Dennis Carpenter. I do not remember and will have to go back and look at the receipts. Does anyone know if they are the same Tank? Pictures on the websites sure make them look the same.
 
Man, oh man, this sucks.
I believe I would strongly consider cleaning this tank out thoroughly and applying a very good grade of sealer.

I always thought Drake's advertising was amusing. On one line it states they are "exactly as original" but then goes on to state they have a larger capacity than original and don't accept the authentic sending unit.
You know, exact only different.
I have had to use his tanks a few times and have been overall pleased. They are wider than the original as well. Oh yeah, "exact as original" only wider.
I have heard from numerous folks that they are nearly impossible to install w/o lifting the rear body or cutting the tank (flanges) shorter.
 
Just looked. It was Dennis carpenter. I wonder if the drake tank is the same manufacture? I do t want to buy and have the same issues!
 
In 2007 I replaced a rotten fuel tank in a 35 slantback tudor.I had no issues whatsoever with installing it.No lifting the body and it slipped in the chassis easily. I did this again in 2011 in a 36 5W and again no issues.Both were Drake tanks.I didn't care for the battleship gray color and paint them both black .
 
I prefer SS for a fuel tank, and had Rock Valley custom build the tanks in my '32 and '40. Not cheap, but NO issues.
 
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