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

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

 

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.

 

I've changed the fitting. HRP

 

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.

 

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.

 

are you using the correct fittings? maybe something is mismatched

 

bet line is cracked

 

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!

 

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.

 

Is it pipe thread or a flare fitting?

 

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?

 

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.

 

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

 

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.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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?

 

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.

 

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

 

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.

 

i have used the same and it does work.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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)

 

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.