Ideas on stopping a gas leak,,I've run out

[HOTRODPRIMER]

I developed a gas leak in the original gas tank in the 1954 Ranch Wagon so a few months ago I did the logical think and ordered up a new replacement tank.

Over the last few weeks I noticed a smell in the shop and sure enough the new tank was leaking at the fitting,coincidentally is the same place the old tank was leaking.

I replaced the fitting with a new one,,even used thread tape but the DAMN thing is still leaking,,today I tried to give it a little snug thinking maybe I didn't have it tight enough,,now it's leaking even more.

I'm outta ideas,,HRP

[brad chevy]

Sure you don't have a cracked line at fitting and the tighter it gets the bigger the crack. Had that on a 53 Chevy.

[HOTRODPRIMER]

I've changed the fitting. HRP

[Bart78]

You can use a product called true blue. It's a pipe dope and safe to use with gas. I have used it with many pieces of equipment. It's pretty messy but works.

[Ebbsspeed]

brad chevy has a point, sometimes a flared fitting can have a crack that will leak. If it's a compression or pipe thread fitting, not quite so likely.

[36-3window]

are you using the correct fittings? maybe something is mismatched

[surfcaliforniasurf]

bet line is cracked

[choprods]

Get it stopped/dry[drain in last resort]....stir up up a small amount of [old] formula JB weld... wipe around the exposed threads on the outside only,do not put on threads and re install.
after overnite dry-
It will not leak then,but if it was on threads and reinstalled it would not be able to be removed any longer!

[RagtopBuick66]

Believe it or not, out Walgreen's they have a "As Seen On TV" aisle. I had a tank leak on my old '53 tank, and I picked up something called "Amazing Putty", or "Wonder Putty", or whatever the hell it was called. I actually caught it on a late-nite informercial, and they showed it sealing cracks and holes underwater, so I was intrigued due to the wet surface at the gas leak. Worked perfectly. No idea how or even IF it differs from regular epoxy putty, but it worked great.

[KJSR]

Is it pipe thread or a flare fitting?

[n847]

I would think the fuel line its self is cracked, or it isn't the exact correct fitting. My Plymouth doesn't have the exact correct fitting there's supposed to be a specail ferrul fitting that I don't have but I did manage to find a brass adapter that is close enough to not leak. I'm not really sure why it wasn't really leaking before I took it down to get it cleaned and sealed, maybe I lost the ferrul or it fell out while getting the tank done.

Could you post a picture of the fitting going into the tank?

[Felix 40]

I'm not sure what ford used for fittings in 54 ,but I would double check that you are using the correct fitting. I've used pipe dope on my pipe fittings on my multiple carb set ups.I wouldnt recommend using it on a fuel tank fitting. Older Fords use a compression style fitting with ferrell (available thru Mac's and such) wish I could be more help.
Dont take chances, fix it right.

[redhumphries]

this may sound stupid but we had my business partners 56 chevy in the shop for a leaking sending unit four or five times and thought it was fixed each time. Then it started leaking again and it would miss real bad everynow and then if you got into it real hard. I changed about everything on the car, fuel pump, carb all the filters, even all the electrical stuff. After I couldnt find the problem we decided to just fix the sending unit again and let it go. I fixed the unit with a new gasket and a reinforcement plate and put air in the tank with gas in it. Yep still leaked so this time I stayed under the car while they put air in the tank and it wasnt the unit after all it was the fuel line just about an inch above the fitting. I removed the line and it had cracked and finally split open therefore it would starve the motor for fuel and also leak down on the sending unit. This was new line and about an inch from any bend. just saying you may want to check all the lines and make sure it isnt cracked . Hope this helps RED

[drag racing johnny]

You might try a product called seals all, works on gas and diesel, clean the area, not need to drain the tank, stuff works great!!! Good Luck Johnny

[Gigantor]

Originally Posted by drag racing johnny

You might try a product called seals all, works on gas and diesel, clean the area, not need to drain the tank, stuff works great!!! Good Luck Johnny

I am a firm believer in this stuff - fixed a leak with gas weeping constantly all over it while making the emergency repair. An old timer recommended it and now I know why - doesn't look like the formula or the label has changed since the late 40's. Comes in a tube, goes on like rubber cement, stays pliable like rubber cement too. Stops leaks like no other.

However, just going by your description I'm guessing its the line too.

[Merlin]

I'm with the rest I'll bet it's the line.

[paperdog]

your own facts lead to the line failure


gravity and how the line is routed may be a clue
try a temporary hose/ line bypassing this unit..
review all fittings under magnification

have a freind close by and proper extingquisher
drain and remove tank and ?? fittings and lines


make a pressure fit plug on end of line going to tank add air pressure soak down with soap soloution look for leaks submerge in a water tank if needed

have new tank pressure tested if needed install all new line out bung or fitting

your close go go go

[HOTRODPRIMER]

Long day,,drained gas tank,bought a new fitting and gas line,,DAMMIT,still got a small leak!

I've had enough for one day,,I'm gonna get some seals all tomorrow and give it a shot. HRP

[B Blue]

Sounds like the threads in the tank are buggered. I have had great luck using LockTite as pipe dope. Just let it set up a little before exposing it to gas.

Bill

[alchemy]

A couple month old tank has a leak? How about sending it back?

[F&J]

Originally Posted by HOTRODPRIMER

Long day,,drained gas tank,bought a new fitting and gas line,,DAMMIT,still got a small leak!

I've had enough for one day,,I'm gonna get some seals all tomorrow and give it a shot. HRP

Use a strong narrow beam mini light and a big magnifier to look at the tapered seat in the tank inlet fitting. Something should show?

[Beau]

No matter what anyone tells you, JB quik or JB weld will not seal up a gas leak.

It worked back in the day, but not anymore.

[lippy]

Don't half ass it with seal all crap, find the problem and fix it, the factory didn't use sealer. Is the flare cracked? Lippy

[kscarguy]

The two piece clear liquid epoxy that comes in a tube, is definitely gasoline resistant. I've used it myself several times. Just make sure everything is clean.

[squigy]

i have used the same and it does work.

Originally Posted by kscarguy

The two piece clear liquid epoxy that comes in a tube, is definitely gasoline resistant. I've used it myself several times. Just make sure everything is clean.

[Stevie G]

What part of the joint is leaking Danny?
What kind of joint is it?

[JeffB2]

Originally Posted by HOTRODPRIMER

Long day,,drained gas tank,bought a new fitting and gas line,,DAMMIT,still got a small leak!

I've had enough for one day,,I'm gonna get some seals all tomorrow and give it a shot. HRP

This is what the guys are talking about: http://www.eclecticproducts.com/sealall.htm Good stuff that's been around for eons.

[choprods]

You must have not waited till it dried, it works every time I ever used it for that reason.....

Originally Posted by Beau

No matter what anyone tells you, JB quik or JB weld will not seal up a gas leak.

It worked back in the day, but not anymore.

[odins701]

take a pic of the joint. if its a flare fitting, is it a double flare? The more you tighten a flare the bigger the leak and crack on the flare. if the threads are leaking on both tanks then i'd suspect the fitting. correct threads? should be NPT (tapered) is the fitting brass going into steel threads of the tank? brass thread need a little extra teflon tape and they are soft, so a burgered outlet will trash brass threads over and over. may need to get a NPT tap and chase the threads. easy to overtighten when loaded with teflon and brass threads. (if your running a brass fitting)

[NAT WILLIAMS]

Use the old permatex goo. It will seal it and it does not harden. It is safe for gas. Also I worked on a carb that would not stop leaking. I used red locktite at the sealing surface. Just a drop or 2 and don't get it in the threads. Gas will not break it down either.

[Deuce Roadster]

I suggest installing a pipe plug and plugging up the hole.

IF then you still have a leak ... it is the line.
I am going to Daves today ... call me and we will bend a new line

[tommyd]

Everyone is saying cracked LINE at the flair. You keep jacking around with the FITTING. Get a magnifying glass and look at it.

[V4F]

i would do it the correct way , even if you have to do it ten times , or it will bite you in the ass .

[Ebbsspeed]

So you drained the tank, and put on a new fitting and line, and it still leaks? The common denominator is now the tank, right? Did you re-use any other hardware? A close up picture of the offending area would really help.

[n847]

Originally Posted by Deuce Roadster

I suggest installing a pipe plug and plugging up the hole.

IF then you still have a leak ... it is the line.
I am going to Daves today ... call me and we will bend a new line

Thats a good idea!

[Merlin]

Originally Posted by lippy

don't half ass it with seal all crap, find the problem and fix it, the factory didn't use sealer. Is the flare cracked? Lippy

+1!

[gas pumper]

Originally Posted by B Blue

Sounds like the threads in the tank are buggered. I have had great luck using LockTite as pipe dope. Just let it set up a little before exposing it to gas.

Bill

This is what I'm thinking, too. Or the fitting in the tank has split or cracked the solder.

[unkledaddy]

The new leak may be coming from between the poly and the brass fitting, or you might consider mis-matched fittings as the culprit.

If it were me I'd be looking for a steel tank for that nice wagon.

You might try Jeff Curry at 860-643-0026, or John at Big M auto parts 530-473-2225.
If one of them has a good used tank then get it, and clean and slosh it like the pros do.

I'll be off-line for a week or so, but good luck with it.

[fleetside66]

Since you're obviously at the point of exasperation (I'm sure you know we've all been there...I'm going through it right now trying to get an old gauge to work right), you might try eliminating the hard line coming out of the tank, at least for a bit. That will eliminate the "cracked line" possibility. You could get one of those plumbing pieces that screws into the tank, but accepts the hose on the other end (I'm sure this is obvious to you). You could possibly even incorporate a shut off valve there, while you're at it. I'd suggest using the Gate Barricade hose, which will stand up to the ethanol. In my eyes, that would be the easiest way for you to find out what is leaking. I have this set up coming out of my 85 year old gas tank & have never had any leaks.

[HOTRODPRIMER]

Day two,round two and the leak is still winning the fight and I still have a minor leak but I have now determined it is not any of my fittings nor the hard lines even though they have all been replaced.

I am sure that the problem is the bung in the tank,there is still a minor leak between the bung and the tank.

Before I drain the damn tank again I am going to get in touch with the people I bought it from and get their recommendation.

Thanks for all the help. HRP

[hotrod1940]

Another vote for Seals All.

[vettes2]

I like the Gates barricade hose route idea.

Loctite makes the stuff for keeping fittings from leaking. It also prevents galling and prevents vibration loosening.


LOCTITE® 580TM is designed for the locking and sealing of metal pipes and fittings. This product has been formulated to impart lubricity, provide immediate low pressure sealing, and to cure to a solid for sealing and securing threaded pipe connections. The product cures when confined in the absence of air between close fitting metal surfaces and prevents loosening and leakage from shock and vibration. This product has been formulated to cure without the use of heat or activators on stainless steel or other inactive surfaces. LOCTITE® 580TM is recommended for sealing thread fittings in fossil fuel, solar and hydro power plant piping systems. Application areas include instrumentation, water/coolant systems, fuel oil piping, low pressure steam lines, pumps and valves, hydraulics, compressors, condensors, gas lines, controls, electrical conduit & rad-waste systems.

[carcrazyjohn]

Im with the jb weld stuff.I love that stuff

[paperdog]

ru to the point of running an outboard motors gas tank in the passenger seat /// ahem do not

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?...3&l=f24a900b58

[unkledaddy]

The JB Weld, Loctite and others won't bond poly to brass.............or bond to poly, period.

[Beau]

Originally Posted by choprods

You must have not waited till it dried, it works every time I ever used it for that reason.....

No. You are wrong. When is the last time you tried it?

We used it on bare metal, brand new! Ethanol will eat it away quickly.

IT DOES NOT WORK.

[choprods]

Let's not hijack this guy's post......
I know when gas leaks out of a tank I repaired.......It worked for my projects.

Here is an equiptment related tank I cut the entire top off of it /welded it with Mig and JB'd the seams where pinholes were most surely located.....
taken today in 106 degree heat with full tank of gas in it...
lets keep it to ourselves OK?

Originally Posted by Beau

No. You are wrong. When is the last time you tried it?

We used it on bare metal, brand new! Ethanol will eat it away quickly.

IT DOES NOT WORK.

[40FordGuy]

Ford used their own style fittings in the 40's,....Not sure if they continued those into the 50's or beyond.....

4TTRUK

[Stevie G]

Danny, what materials are involved here?
When you said replacement tank, I figured Steel, but now we have folks talking about Poly. Wish I could just walk over and take a peek.
How are you making out with the vendor?
Oh, and since I am unfamiliar with old fords, from your post, I assume the fitting is on the tank and not the sending unit...right?

[Oldsmell]

3M wind shield adhesive will stop gas leaks. It one of the only things that really seals good. Used it on some dirtbike tanks and works great. Dries hard like a skateboard wheel

[HOTRODPRIMER]

Originally Posted by Stevie G

Danny, what materials are involved here?
When you said replacement tank, I figured Steel, but now we have folks talking about Poly. Wish I could just walk over and take a peek.
How are you making out with the vendor?
Oh, and since I am unfamiliar with old fords, from your post, I assume the fitting is on the tank and not the sending unit...right?

Stevie,The tank is a steel replacement,,I still haven't heard anything from the vendor but I'm not jumping to conclusions,,he might be on vacation or something.

The tank has a bung with a female fitting. HRP

[unkledaddy]

Sorry...........I didn't realize there was a steel replacement tank available for the Ranch Wagon, so I assumed it was a Tanks poly tank.