I think the worst part of of this hobby is discovering a fuel leak and I just did.
The filler pipe on top of my gas tank is very short but I managed to get 3 plumbers clamps around the base of it to hold the rubber sleeve on up to my filler cap. But it isn't enough. It leaks if I fill the tube. I can try not to fill that much but it is hard to tell with a black rubber tube so I just listen intently and hope there is no ambient noise like lawn mowers, chainsaws or boats.
I figure I can't weld an extension on becuase of the fumes and gas but would J. B. Weld allow me to extend the filler pipe a few inches so that I could add more clamps or would gas eat through it ?
Or is there a better way ? I have seen clear plastic filler tubes in videos but maybe that is only allowed in the states ? And that still wouldn't solve my leak problem.
-- Edited by Cuddles on Sunday 23rd of July 2023 05:11:55 AM
-- Edited by Cuddles on Sunday 23rd of July 2023 05:12:30 AM
Remove the rubber tube and clean the metal part thoroughly. The rubber may have gone hard and won't seat properly with the clamps. Get a new piece of hose and a tube of gas resistant thread sealant. Coat the inside of the hose where the clamps are going to go, install and let it set up. Get the clamps on before the sealant sets up. If you can get three clamps on, you have enough tube in the hose.
Warren
I will buy the tube of gas resistant thread sealant and hose in town tomorrow when they open. The only pics would be of the puddle under the car. No gas is visible at the hose but I am positive that is the source of the leak since it only leaks if I fill the tube. Thank you both. Tomorrow's job.
Take your old hose with you. Sometimes they have a bit of a shape, so you wan to get one that matches. Also, get good clamps that will tighten down hard and not slip. If the hose and clamp are good, one clamp should work.
Wow, one clamp ? I am impressed. Do it once and do it right. If I'd known before, I would have done it right.
I wrote everything down. Now to get the parts. Thank you.
Speaking of the rubber hose, I have a question. Is it affected by ethanol since ethanol is so destructive in older cars with rubber seals in the fuel system? I never looked, do new cars still have the rubber hose?
I did as instructed except I used the old hose because NAPA didn't have any. If it doesn't work, I'll search around some more and repeat. The gas resistant glue dries superfast so it was a challenge. I'll know if it worked next fill up. I cleaned the hose and metal thoroughly. Thank you again. Time to do my thermostat again (for about the 6th time).
I think the worst part of of this hobby is discovering a fuel leak and I just did.
The filler pipe on top of my gas tank is very short but I managed to get 3 plumbers clamps around the base of it to hold the rubber sleeve on up to my filler cap. But it isn't enough. It leaks if I fill the tube. I can try not to fill that much but it is hard to tell with a black rubber tube so I just listen intently and hope there is no ambient noise like lawn mowers, chainsaws or boats.
I figure I can't weld an extension on becuase of the fumes and gas but would J. B. Weld allow me to extend the filler pipe a few inches so that I could add more clamps or would gas eat through it ?
Or is there a better way ? I have seen clear plastic filler tubes in videos but maybe that is only allowed in the states ? And that still wouldn't solve my leak problem.
-- Edited by Cuddles on Sunday 23rd of July 2023 05:11:55 AM
-- Edited by Cuddles on Sunday 23rd of July 2023 05:12:30 AM
cuddles, i have been filling my little truck now for years listening to the flow ratio going into the tank. the old filler pipe is short into the tank and i have had kick back splash when it shuts off on auto so i listen and stop when it starts up the pipe. part of the fun bud. lol
With my 42, I learned to listen to the filler pipe early on after the first big splash. I find that holding the nozzle upward and tight to the truck allows the pump to stop pumping like it does for newer vehicles. Plus holding the nozzle tight to the truck ensures the splash is contained if it does happen. Seems to work pretty well.
As for why I change my thermostat housing gasket so often, I had an overheating issue a couple of times and had a little trouble sorting out the cause so a couple changes there. Then a friend helped change the gasket once and insisted it didn't need any of the liquid gasket in a tube. He was wrong. So I opened it up again and replaced the gasket only to discover I only had a tiny bit of gasket glue left so I covered the gasket the best I could with what little I had but with a paper thin coating, it wasn't enough. So yesterday I replaced the gasket again and I bought a new tube and put on what I think is the right amount of gasket glue. I'll put the coolant in today and see if it leaks.
I think if I leave the cap off, I can run the car for a minute to get any air out of the system and then top it up if I need to. Fingers crossed I don't still have a leak. Thank you for helping guys.
I had read that the chrome housings can be a problem so I never bought one.
No I didn't do the emery cloth procedure but that sounds really good. I didn't know a fix required such a fine focus. Good to know for next time. Thank you Pugsy. I filled it yesterday and no leaks. I let it sit dry overnight before filling in case that helps. I'll try running it today.
