Leaking Fuel Tank

[Tobias13]

Hey all

So petrol tank is leaking, pretty sure its on the seams where they two halves meet.

Been looking at different sealer products and was wondering if anyone could recommend one they may have used.

Thanks

[ghost123uk]

For the cost of a new one (= less than £100) I personally would go that route. You’re going to have to take it out to examine / seal it anyway, so the actual job is the same. A tank repaired with sealer is always going to be a ticking bomb (imho)

[Tobias13]

Thought that was gonna be said and I know it's the right thing to do but was hoping to get away with it as I'm having my LPG reconnected next week and wont really use it!!

Need to replace the fuel sender also so may aswell renew the lot save messing with sealer etc!!

Thanks for the comment, I think...

[CovKid]

Was going to post same as Ghost earlier today as tank patching never lasts long but didn't want to come across as negative in trying to be realistic. Often the tank can be weak on top by the time you get seam leaks. Not a fun job but nice when its done - as well as minimising risk of fire.

[Tobias13]

Thanks covkid,

Assume I will need to replace breather hose also??

[Tobias13]

Read on an archive post I can use regular 5mm hose to replace breather hose!!

JK have a moulded section that's 38 quid???

Any advice please

[CovKid]

Agree. I sourced good quality fuel hose from local supplier. Always good to keep local businesses going by using them. These are tough times. You can also save a lot of money.

[Tobias13]

Sweet!!

Tank, sender and hose on order tomorrow!!

Thanks for all the advice!!!

[New Kentish Campers]

Not a bad idea to fit new hose clamps too, using the correct petrol pipe clips and not jubilee clamps, assuming of course you didn't know that

[Tobias13]

Ok, took the tank off this eve and its in pretty good nick, rubbers and seals good so it's not actually the tank that leaks, and then I had a thought and remembered it only leaked when I filled it right up, that along with the petrol smell quite often lead me to think I had a leak!!

Only damage I have found is the rubber coupler from filler cap to filler pipe, it is split and jubilee clip was proper foofed!!

My thoughts: this is where the smell is coming from and leaked when fuel filled right up to the cap!!

My questions: does this sound feasible?

The hoses are in excellent condition, but are the connected correctly into the braided type couplers in the pic!!

Thanks guys

[CovKid]

Yep feasible since fuel tends to trickle and spread. That hose is exceedingly old. Don't replace with same - buy a modern fuel hose that can handle additives. Probably wise to fit new tank grommets while you're at it and even give tank a coat of paint.

[Tobias13]

thanks mate, all bits ordered, so should be done and dusted by the weekend.

Black hammerite going on tonight!!

[smurfbus]

Sorry to hijack this thread but recently changed tank, hoses etc. Really pleased I did it as can now get plenty more in the tank without the smell of fuel. However filled up tonight in preparation for a trip at the weekend, and just when the nozzle clicked a little dribble of fuel came out. Checking underneath the brand new filler neck elbow has a huge split up it, meaning a tiny hole into the pipe. Have I been really stupid and table tied this one the outside of the filler pipe in error, is it supposed to go inside? If not, I guess a duff part and £15 down the loo.

[Tobias13]

In my second photo it shows old braided fuel pipe with a smaller insert that rubs to the expansion tanks ans steps up to another piece of old braided fuel pipe before it connects!! I am replacing this whole setup with 5mm pipe!!

However this the same from tank to engine!! 5mm braided then down to the more rigid pipe then back up to braided just before the fuel pump!

Is this correct or should I replace with 5mm all the way?