Advice requested

R

Ron the Coilman

Junior Member
I recently purchased a Model A (not my first) and am seeking advice on how to permanently repair a very slow gasoline leak where the steering column support is mounted to the bottom gasoline tank on the drivers side.
Any opinions are welcome. I have been around old cars all my life and suspect there is someone who has expertise or specializes in correcting this problem for others?
Ron
 
If the was mine, I would remove the tank and take t to a radiator reair shop and have the steering column support soldered. I would also discontinue using the steering support on the gas tank. Instead, move the support as shown in the attached slide.
 

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  • Gas Tank – Steering Column Support Off Tank akb.jpg
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  • Gas Tank – What’s Inside 1930-’31.jpg
    Gas Tank – What’s Inside 1930-’31.jpg
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Bob is correct- the right way to do it.


there are epoxies for temporary fix's, but the problem will eventually reoccur.
As Bob says, dont use that support any longer.
 
If/when you get the leak fixed be sure to re-locate the steering column bracket as Bob B suggested in post #2.
 
I have the same problem on mine. It doesn't leak enough to smell much or drip, but will get kind of greasy over time. At this point I just wrap a rag around it and change it out once a year. I have been told that proper cleaning and gas tank epoxy from Napa will seal it, I'm going to try it some time. I also have the other style steering bracket I need to get on there, once again, haven't got to it yet. Need more round tuits.
 
I had a leak similar to eagle's when I got my cabriolet nineteen years ago. No smell or drip, just an oily discoloration at the column mount. I repaired it with silicone and haven't had any problem since, after over 25,000 miles.
 
Bob Bidonde
Thank you for the complete answer. I am going to do exactly as you suggested.
That will be a excellent permanent fix for the problem.
Ron Patterson
 
Hey Ron,
You rebuilt my Model T coils 16 years ago. Still going strong!
Hope you're still doing those great rebuilds on coils and generators.
Good luck with your latest toy.
Tom L.
 
28 - 29 gas tan is really not that hard to remove. I still have a 29 that we removed the tank on and sloshed it over 40 years ago.

No leak, no smells. If done correctly, sloshing the tank will fix your problem.

Also, don’t pull on the steering wheel when getting in or out. Makes things worse.

Enjoy.
 
Bob Bidonde
Can you tell me if the solution you proposed above (I.E. discontinue using the steering support on the gas tank. Instead, move the support as shown in the attached slide) will work on a ("open" car) 1929 Phaeton?
Thanks
Ron Patterson
 
These old tanks aren't getting any newer for sure. Until some company decides to make the investment in tooling and start reproducing them, we are stuck with either doing the hard work or replacing it with another usable part.

The only way to do a very long term repair is to cut the tank open and remove the related steering column support piece or pieces and reinforce the whole area inside as well as weld up any crack that might be there. Chances are, a person would find other ills that need repair inside there before reinstallation of the column support & welding the tank back together.

Any other way is just not quite a restoration but more of a stop gap measure that may or may not last or look original to the design.
 
Dirtrack49 said:
Hey Ron,
You rebuilt my Model T coils 16 years ago. Still going strong!
Hope you're still doing those great rebuilds on coils and generators.
Good luck with your latest toy.
Tom L.
Click to expand...

Mine as well on the 1913 Still going strong -Karl
 
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