Gas Tank Leak

B

Bill O'Brien

Senior Member
I have a leak in my gas tank above the threads for the petcock. I am 99% certain that it is not the threads that are leaking as the area above the threads is wet with gas. Fortunately it is a slow leak...

What are my options? I know the best way to go is to pull the tank and either replacet he tank or do a repair.

I am assuming the area above the petcock has rusted and when I installed the new petcock I weakened the metal. Can this be cut out and repaired with the tank in the car?

Thanks!
 
Since you'd be working upside down, it would be a tough repair. Maybe JB Weld or something similar would work until you are ready to pull the tank.
 
Napa has a gas tank repair kit PN/765-1546 have used it many times on bike and lawn mower tanks both plastic and metal, might work a little better than J-B as it is made for gas tanks. Best of luck, Clyde
 
Remember that capillary action can cause the leaking gas to migrate upwards a little, and MAYBE it is just the threads leaking. I would first drain the tank and remove the shutoff and reinstall with some good thread sealer. It would only take a while and might save a bigger job.
 
I've used the same stuff as Clyde and it works well. Just take the paint off the area and rough it up a little. I would drain the tank so it's dry to give it a chance to set up.
I bought mine at Car-Quest and it's a Permatex product.
 
maybe im just overly cautious, but where gas is involved i dont take chances with temporary fixes, mainly because you are going to have to fix it some time sooner or later, so why take a chance of a major diaster happening, fix it right now and be safe, thats my statement and im sticking to it
 
I have small leak at the steering column bracket on my 29. I found some J-B Weld called Water Weld. It says it will work even under water & wet conditions. It doesn't say anything about being fuel resistant but lists fuel tanks as one of it's uses. Think I'm going to give it a try unless someone here tells me it won't work.

Leadpot,
 
Bill,
I say FIX THAT GAS TANK! Those gas fumes are just not safe to fool around with! When I wrote on this forum about the leak in my gas tank from the steering column support bracket and rust through, fordbarners enthusiastically suggested I fix the tank IMEDIATELY!
I ended up replacing my gas tank which was a bear of a job to do, but now I don't have to worry about taking a chance with a gas bomb in my lap.
regards,
Evan Lewis
 
Yes unlike my tractor when your tank leaks you are the first to know. Very dangerous inside the car.I have a early 30 AA that has no cab now due to a gas tank fire in it`s past........Before Me..
 
Never,Never,Never ever micky mouse a fuel tank leak on a Model A unless its necessary to get it home. Think about this, you have 10 gallons of gas in the cab with you and right above your legs and feet, even a small amout leaking in there with i you is an invitation to disaster, take a week end and fix it right, this is from one one of the best mickey mouse artist on this board, but some things(gas tanks have no safe temporary or fast fixes) i never take chances with
 
I am considering removing the tank to do a proper repair. Should I try to seal the tank to see if that will cure the issue?

I guess the first step would be removal and visual inspection to find out what the issue is.....
 
Does anyone make a replacement fuel tank yet? My best source is from street rodders. I save all old bad tank tops and swap with them.......Dave
 
Well it seems tank removal is not that hard... in my car the tank is the sheetmetal.

If anyone has experience with a tank with a leak tell me what I am looking for. I should drain & remove the tank and then visually inspect the inside.

If it does not look too bad should the inside just be sealed? Who can explain that process??? If there is corrosion around the outlet then it should probably be cut and welded..... right ?

Thanks!!!
 
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If you know someone with an inspection camera you could drain the tank and stick the camera in there and take a look. I have seen those cameras at Harbor Freight too if you want to buy one. Just my $.02.

Red
 
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