gas leak at filler tube

[DANVAN]

I just filled my tank to get ready for a trip to the van nationals and noticed a fuel leak where the filler tube enters the tank.

There seems to be a rubber seal there, once I touched it the leak was worse. I tightened up both clamps, but that did nothing.

Looks like I need to replace that seal at the tank, but I have a full 35 gallon tank now and no chance of using up even a 1/4 tank before next weeks trip.

Is there some sort of sealer or epoxy I can use as a temp repair until I return?

What holds this tube inside the tank? Can I try pushing the tube into the tank more or pulling it out? Not sure how it seals against the tank, there is no clamp right where the tube meets the tank.

Thanks

[alloro]

It's just a rubber grommet. Once you've lowered the fuel level and pulled out the filler tube, just yank the old grommet off and slip the new one in. It's real easy and there are no other sealers like RTV used, for example.

[B-300]

Is this a plastic tank, 35gal?
I'm confused as my 78 has this type of tank and has a steel tube inside were the fill hose clamps on.
My 71 has a 26 gal steel tank that has a grommet that holds a steel tube that the fill house clamps to. According to a post on the prior page this uses part # 4002010 for the steel tank.

[DANVAN]

I have a plastic tank.

So it sounds like an easy fix once I get the fuel level low, my only problem now is sealing it up for now until I can replace the seal for good. I dont feel safe towing a camper and camping for the weekend knowing its dripping gas.

I found something on the net called 'seal all', anybody ever use it. I think I will try to find it and try it out.

Thanks for the info guys.

[lilredex]

I found something on the net called 'seal all', anybody ever use it. I think I will try to find it and try it out.

Thanks for the info guys.


SEAL ALL has been around at least 50 years and does work, it is what I was going to suggest. If the tube can be slipped out of the tank a bit, apply some Seal All and push it back in.

[B-300]

Interesting. I haven't looked that closely at 35 gal latter model tanks. I did measure to find out they appear they will fit in an early van with the straps and filler tube.
My thought was to replace the 26 gal tank on my 71 with a larger tank that has a provision for in-tank fuel pump for fuel injection but the pick-n-pull junkyards love to put holes in them to drain them... as many a 11, average of 6, min 4.

[lilredex]

I went the other way on my 1987 B150 (carbureted). It had the large plastic one, that almost drags on the ground, and I put on the smaller steel tank, mainly so I could run uncomplicated duals (exh.) Mine is dual fuel (propane) so the gas tank size is irrelevant to me. Only diff is tank size, sender and straps. If you are close, you can have it all for a box of beer.

lil red

[DANVAN]

I bought some 'seal all' and some epoxy today, but the more I thought about it I was just uneasy trying that kind of repair.

So I stopped at a dealer, got the seal and will attempt to siphon the gas out into our 2 other vehicles, lawn mowers, quads ect. and some 5 gallon buckets and replace the seal.

I feel much better about it since making the decision, hopefully the fix goes fast and easy.

Having gas leak near my exhaust and onto the camper for 7 or 8 hours each way to Pa and back just didnt sound to comforting.

[DANVAN]

Couldnt siphon lower then the 1/2 tank mark, also tried thru the vent line, no luck. Final atempt was pulling the rubber hose off of the fill tube, no luck there either, just dripped out.

Finally started coating the seal with 'seal all' and its holding, will have to leave it that way until I return from the van nationals, then drive the tank low and replace the seal.