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Discussion Topic:
51 Ford Custom Gas Tank Leak
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DJ |
03-04-2018 @ 4:10 AM
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Member
Posts: 50
Joined: Mar 2017
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If I fill my 51 up, I get between a half a gallon and a gallon of gas on the ground. Obviously, not filling up anymore. I’m thinking the leak is where the filler neck attaches to the tank. Is there an easier fix or am I ready for a tank replacement? Thanks!
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BUCKAWHO |
03-04-2018 @ 5:37 AM
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Posts: 96
Joined: Feb 2016
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Hi....I'd say, if it has to do with leaking gasoline, get a new tank. My '51 had a new tank in it when I bought it two years ago. Gas leaks need more than a "quick 'n easy" fix IMHO. A fire could easily be the end of your '51 ! BT
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flathead4rd |
03-04-2018 @ 8:19 AM
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New Member
Posts: 169
Joined: Oct 2009
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Isn't there a connection between the filler tube and tank similar to a radiator hose? Might just be leaking there.
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TomO |
03-04-2018 @ 8:24 AM
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Senior
Posts: 7264
Joined: Oct 2009
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A radiator shop can clean the tank and solder the leak, if it is repairable. You won't be able to tell until the tank is cleaned as the cleaning process can open up leaks in areas that were ready to go. Most of the reproduction tanks do not accept the original Ford King-Seeley sending unit and most of the reproduction sending units are not reliable. IMHO it is better to repair your tank than replace it.
Tom
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trjford8 |
03-04-2018 @ 8:52 AM
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Senior
Posts: 4232
Joined: Oct 2009
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Yes it could be the rubber sleeve that is leaking, but you should see dampness around the sleeve. I recently replaced a leaking tank in a 54 Mercury and it was leaking at the top of the tank. There are pads between the top of the tank and the body that are made from a jute type material and they absorb water. Over time the tank will rust through and that's where the leak happens. It shows up especially when you fill the tank. This same thing happened to my old neighbor when he was restoring his 53 Victoria. Some of the new tanks come with a dual set of holes to use either the original sender or a modern sender. If you need a new tank ask the seller if it will use the original sender.
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DJ |
03-06-2018 @ 5:59 PM
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Member
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Thanks guys, all good advice. I think I’ll tackle this one in the fall. Sounds like I’ll be looking at either a tank repair or replacement. I’ll update you later. Thx again!
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TomO |
03-07-2018 @ 7:09 AM
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Senior
Posts: 7264
Joined: Oct 2009
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There is a severe fire hazard driving around with a leaking tank. It only takes an hour or so to remove the tank and if it is repairable, it can be done in a couple of days. Are you willing to take the chance that you could burn up your car and maybe even lose a life, just so you can have a few extra days of springtime driving? I would inspect the rubber hose that connects the fillerp pipe to the tank, to see if that is the source of the leak. These hoses can be replaced in a short time. If it is not the hose, remove the tank from the car and determine where the leak is.
Tom
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trjford8 |
03-07-2018 @ 10:06 AM
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Senior
Posts: 4232
Joined: Oct 2009
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Excellent advice by TomO about a leaking tank. As soon as I discovered the leaking tank in the Mercury I parked the car and removed the tank. All it takes is one spark in those fumes and "poof" the car goes up in smoke.
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DJ |
03-10-2018 @ 4:31 AM
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Member
Posts: 50
Joined: Mar 2017
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Thanks Tom/everyone, moving this to next on the repair list.
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DJ |
03-17-2018 @ 4:45 PM
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Member
Posts: 50
Joined: Mar 2017
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Update, dropped tank and sure enough, the filler neck hose was rotten. Have the hose and sending unit gasket on order. Tank seems to be in ok shape. Did not see any heavy rust inside. There is some surface rust on outside. I’ll wire brush outside. Any other recommendations? Should I still take it to radiator shop? Or should I use a tank sealer? Also, there were no pads on top of the tank; were pads on bottom. Suggestions of a substitute pad to use versus ordering those too?
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