The Ford Barn

VFRhugh · 12-09-2016, 05:12 PM

Anyone ever had a fuel tank leak under the cowl band? I thought it was coming from the cap but disproved that today. Only noticeable after filling up. Only leaks while driving. There is an annoying noise from the tank when less than half full at certain rpms. The next obvious step would be to look under the band but I thought I'd ask first. Not sure how to remove and not destroy something.
Hugh

Gary WA · 12-09-2016, 10:42 PM

could the neck where cap is screwed on be loose sloshing around? neck attached to tank area.

VFRhugh · 12-09-2016, 10:58 PM

The blue in my fist pic is a paper towel I taped to the tank to see if the filler neck or cap was leaking. It's dry around the filler area. I don't see how it doesn't leak unless I'm driving.
Still confused,
Hugh

H. L. Chauvin · 12-09-2016, 11:58 PM

Hi Hugh,

While driving, fuel may possibly slosh around and exit a small opening in the upper part of the fuel tank. So many Model A's were worked on by non-mechanics, absolutely nothing appears amazing anymore.

Maybe try:

1. Having someone place and holding down about (5) sheet layers of paper towels where you suspect fuel may be exiting.

2. Then back up very slowly & hit the brakes and check the towels for leaks.

3. Then, if no leaks, go forward very slowly and hit the brakes again to try to make the opening leak on the paper towels ... and again, check the towels for leaks.

4. Then is no leaks, shake car left to right and repeat test.

Please let us know.

DaWizard · 12-10-2016, 01:21 AM

Ya know, if this was me, I would be pulling off the cowl strip to see if the tank isn't cracked under it. Only has 2 nuts holding it down, but yea, it is behind interior kick panel.

Since you have already placed the towels down around the filler and that doesn't seem to be leaking.

Anyway you look at it, I foresee the tank coming off to repair it properly.

Just my 2¢ worth

Benson · 12-10-2016, 08:01 AM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Quote:

Originally Posted by VFRhugh

Anyone ever had a fuel tank leak under the cowl band? I thought it was coming from the cap but disproved that today. Only noticeable after filling up. Only leaks while driving. There is an annoying noise from the tank when less than half full at certain rpms. The next obvious step would be to look under the band but I thought I'd ask first. Not sure how to remove and not destroy something.
Hugh

Looks like the rear hood bracket is fastened down with a Phillips head screw. Ford never used them.

Maybe the screw is a self tapping screw and is too long and has penetrated the gas tank?

DaWizard · 12-10-2016, 08:34 AM

Hey, just had a brain fart and had to stink up the place with my escaping thoughts.

Do you own one of these http://modelafuelneck.com/, and if so, have you been using it and setting the filler nozzle to "auto" and taking your hands off it?

If you can answer Yes to both of these questions, then I am putting my money on a cracked filler neck where it meets the tank.

Now, you ask how I came up with this, well, I'll tell ya. The tank is not welded or affixed to the "cowl" where comes up through the cowl hole, and I can see the added weight of the "EPA certified filler hose handle/nozzle" adding a stress where the tank and the neck attach that Henry never even dreamed about, and unless you stand and support the added extra weight of the hose and nozzle, that weight is bending the tank at the joint where the two pieces come together. Do this a few times, and you have a flexed crack, just like breaking the pull tab off a can of your favorite liquid drink, or like removing the lid from a can of creamed corn once you have run the can opener around 98% of the way.

Just HAD to stink up the place with that brain fart.

Steve Plucker · 12-10-2016, 09:31 AM

Unless you are Superman and have x-ray vision, I would remove the hood and cowl band and more than likely that will show your problem.

The electronic weld, where you can see the little ripples, may have cracked thus your leak.

As it is now...you are fighting the situation.

Pluck

1931 flamingo · 12-10-2016, 10:25 AM

When you fill up, how full??
Is there not a gasket on the gas cap?? Rattle: look in the tank at the float mechanism, is it rubbing on a baffle?? What year/model is this??
Paul in CT

VFRhugh · 12-10-2016, 10:45 AM

Cowl band removal is next. I need to get over the fact that it's not leaking unless driving. Also inside the car is completely dry. Photo is what it looks like when gas is visible outside. The hood support bracket screws aren't hitting anything. Who knows why there are extra holes in each side of the bracket screws. Anyway thanks for the interest,
Hugh

C26Pinelake · 12-10-2016, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaWizard

Hey, just had a brain fart and had to stink up the place with my escaping thoughts.

Do you own one of these http://modelafuelneck.com/, and if so, have you been using it and setting the filler nozzle to "auto" and taking your hands off it?

If you can answer Yes to both of these questions, then I am putting my money on a cracked filler neck where it meets the tank.

Now, you ask how I came up with this, well, I'll tell ya. The tank is not welded or affixed to the "cowl" where comes up through the cowl hole, and I can see the added weight of the "EPA certified filler hose handle/nozzle" adding a stress where the tank and the neck attach that Henry never even dreamed about, and unless you stand and support the added extra weight of the hose and nozzle, that weight is bending the tank at the joint where the two pieces come together. Do this a few times, and you have a flexed crack, just like breaking the pull tab off a can of your favorite liquid drink, or like removing the lid from a can of creamed corn once you have run the can opener around 98% of the way.

Just HAD to stink up the place with that brain fart.

You sure like the crass words like fart.

Gary WA · 12-10-2016, 10:59 AM

under side seam may have come apart also?

Gary WA · 12-10-2016, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VFRhugh

Cowl band removal is next. I need to get over the fact that it's not leaking unless driving. Also inside the car is completely dry. Photo is what it looks like when gas is visible outside. The hood support bracket screws aren't hitting anything. Who knows why there are extra holes in each side of the bracket screws. Anyway thanks for the interest,
Hugh

Are those two holes your leak??

H. L. Chauvin · 12-10-2016, 11:27 AM

Hi Hugh,

You're doing great in investigating.

It is not much different from repairing a metal roof leak .... search & investigate for the "source" of the leak .... hole, seam, joint, whatever? ....... then look at options for repair.

Metal water bucket leak or metal gas can leak is not much different either ...... investigate "source"!

Best of luck.

VFRhugh · 12-10-2016, 11:34 AM

Gary,
At first I didn't think so but if driving creates a low pressure area at this spot that could explain being dry inside the car. There is a little shoulder that might prevent fuel running back in. Removing the cowl band next. If nothing obvious will try very low pressure and soapy water. Great pictures by the way.
Will post when leak is found,
Hugh

Big hammer · 12-10-2016, 11:38 AM

I sealed up my gas tank, double gasket under gas cap and adapted an air fitting to the outlet with an air gauge and shut off vavle. Then I pressurized the tank at a low pressure, it held pressure for several hours confirming no leaks around gas gauge,etc!
You could use a pressure regulator to keep a constant pressure, and then you could spray a soapy mixture to find your leak! I think I kept the pressure about 20 psi !
My brothers dropped an out board motor and put a big dent in the tank :-( I used shop air pressure with a rag in the fill hole and blew the tank until the dent popped out :-)

Y-Blockhead · 12-10-2016, 12:07 PM

Hugh, may I suggest you try some fluorescent dye? I have found numerous evasive leaks using this dye and a ultraviolet light.

https://www.amazon.com/Interdynamics...W6ARDZGN5WQQZH

Tom Wesenberg · 12-10-2016, 12:45 PM

20 pounds pressure on the tank would likely bulge the tank. I wouldn't dare use more than one or two pounds. Multiply that by the square inches of surface area of just the top of the tank, and you have a lot of pressure trying to deform the tank.

tbirdtbird · 12-10-2016, 12:52 PM

"Maybe the screw is a self tapping screw and is too long and has penetrated the gas tank?"

That screw is beyond the pinch weld

Mitch//pa · 12-10-2016, 12:54 PM

Since you already know u have a leak I think you can find it without pressurizing

VFRhugh · 12-10-2016, 01:08 PM

Thanks for all the interest and guidance. Will follow up when leak is found.
Hugh

H. L. Chauvin · 12-10-2016, 01:38 PM

Hi Hugh,

Just in case you get bored searching, might help to go to youtube to play the vintage song:

"My Bucket Got A Hole In It." LOL

bnchief · 12-11-2016, 07:10 AM

5 lbs would be plenty of pressure then soap and water will find the leak 20 psi is way too much

Frank Miller · 12-11-2016, 08:30 AM

I think you will ultimately be faced with removing the gas tank. Most likely there is a leak of sorts on the welded seam that you will not fix while it is in the car. The noise you hear when half full could be a loose baffle, which necessitates a full inspection of the tank. Some suggested pressurizing but if you know a mechanic with a smoke machine that might be better.

VFRhugh · 12-11-2016, 04:08 PM

Wow!! That the heck was someone thinking when this was done? Maybe it has something to do with the other two random holes. At least I found the leak. Now what to seal it with? How did I not notice for so long? It must have had some type of plug that failed.
Hugh

tbirdtbird · 12-11-2016, 04:18 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

if it were mine I'd drain the tank, clean the steel to shiny new, use acid flux, and a heavy duty soldering iron, 40-60 (tin-lead for low melting point) and be done in a minute.
You will not blow a tank with a soldering iron, only an open flame.
Have soldered many various tanks. First saw/learned of this method years ago from a tin-knocker who heated his irons in a good sized propane fired furnace

gotta have good soldering skills, tho, to get it to stick

Mitch//pa · 12-11-2016, 04:21 PM

Yoooo Dave;; The inductor would work good for this repair...

H. L. Chauvin · 12-11-2016, 04:59 PM

Hi Hugh,

In my opinion, 99% of the guys using & experiencing failure with epoxies, JB Weld, and/or POR 15, do so because they never understand the product manufacturer's true meaning of prepared, "clean metal".

If you do not feel comfortable using heat & solder, (where possibly your military veteran neighbors might possibly think you are trying out your 155 Howitzer that your wife bought you for Christmas), you may want to try this repair in a similar size hole in a similar thin piece of sheet metal ....... & then ..... test its reaction to "ethanol" gasoline.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From Amazon:

J-B Weld 8217 AutoWeld Gas Tank Repair - 1 oz.
by J-B Weld
Size Name: 1 Ounce Price:$6.99

katy · 12-11-2016, 05:05 PM

You could use a sheet metal screw w/a fibre washer under the head.

H. L. Chauvin · 12-11-2016, 05:26 PM

Hi Hugh,

Also if you Google:

"How to repair a hole in a steel gas tank?", just remember, successfully repairing holes in steel gas tanks is about as common as Dental, tooth cavity repair.

Phil Brown · 12-11-2016, 06:26 PM

Might try a pop-rivet to fill the hole then seal it with the J B weld or solder over the rivet

1931 flamingo · 12-11-2016, 06:47 PM

X2
Paul in CT

Tom Wesenberg · 12-11-2016, 06:51 PM

Solder it with a large soldering iron, and it will be easy to bridge the hole with no added patch. Clean it and solder it just as Tbird said, but I like electrical rosin core solder better than acid core solder.

Was that someone's idea of a tank vent?

Benson · 12-11-2016, 07:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom Wesenberg

Solder it with a large soldering iron, and it will be easy to bridge the hole with no added patch. Clean it and solder it just as Tbird said, but I like electrical rosin core solder better than acid core solder.

Was that someone's idea of a tank vent?

Right Tom I wonder if they made a hole in tank to vent like you said.

VFRHugh:

is there maybe a radiator cap installed in place of the gas cap on this gas tank ????

tbirdtbird · 12-11-2016, 08:15 PM

Tom, I could never get rosin flux to take on steel.......else it would have been my first choice, too.

Agree no patch needed with a hole that small, if you have done this type of thing before. Take a piece of sheet metal, drill a small hole, and practice.....you can bridge the hole once the surrounding area is all tinned

Tom Wesenberg · 12-12-2016, 01:51 AM

Here's a large soldering iron that will get the job done.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/VINTAGE-DRAK...3D152343994177

VFRhugh · 12-12-2016, 11:46 AM

Although the reason will probably remain a mystery, I believe I know what happened. A sheet metal screw was run into the tank in two places. My leak started when one of them rusted out. I found the other this morning under a blob of JB weld.
The adventure continues,
Hugh

Steve Plucker · 12-12-2016, 09:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VFRhugh

Although the reason will probably remain a mystery, I believe I know what happened. A sheet metal screw was run into the tank in two places. My leak started when one of them rusted out. I found the other this morning under a blob of JB weld.
The adventure continues,
Hugh

Why not contact the guy who had it before you...you might get some answers there.

Pluck

BILL WILLIAMSON · 12-12-2016, 10:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve Plucker

Why not contact the guy who had it before you...you might get some answers there.

Pluck

When I sell a car, I have them sign a paper: "THIS CAR HAS NO WARRANTY OF ANY KIND"---IF IT BREAKS, JUST FIX IT, DON'T CALL ME, I'VE ALREADY SPENT YOUR MONEY ON FOOLISHNESS
Bill Shyster

larrys40 · 12-13-2016, 02:26 AM

I have had this kind of leak before in a car I worked on that didnt have any gas in the tank for eons... When I went to fill the tank it started weeping gas from under the cowl band and running down the fender and apron . Yikes !! I use the quick gas tank 2 part need stuck as my temporary fix to stop the leak but pulled the tank later for a permanent fix.

There is probably a rust hole and so if you inspect the tank I'm sure you have rust in the upper part of the tank . I just did a 32 tank with the POR15 gas tank clean and seal kit and have had excellent results. Kept me from having to refinish the tank and it is very clean.
In your case I would NOT pressurize the tank as Mitch said you know you have a leak .
Don't do any damage you might regret .

I would remove the cowl band for inspection and when the time comes to remove for repair I would clean and get the tank clear if fumes and mig weld the affected spot lightly or you can use the tank quick fix if you prefer. I would then POR15 gas tank sealer the tank using their process .

Good luck and be prudent in the repair .
Larry Shepard

12-09-2016, 10:58 PM	#3
VFRhugh Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Texas Posts: 177	Re: Fuel tank mystery leak The blue in my fist pic is a paper towel I taped to the tank to see if the filler neck or cap was leaking. It's dry around the filler area. I don't see how it doesn't leak unless I'm driving. Still confused, Hugh

12-09-2016, 11:58 PM	#4
H. L. Chauvin Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 4,179	Re: Fuel tank mystery leak Hi Hugh, While driving, fuel may possibly slosh around and exit a small opening in the upper part of the fuel tank. So many Model A's were worked on by non-mechanics, absolutely nothing appears amazing anymore. Maybe try: 1. Having someone place and holding down about (5) sheet layers of paper towels where you suspect fuel may be exiting. 2. Then back up very slowly & hit the brakes and check the towels for leaks. 3. Then, if no leaks, go forward very slowly and hit the brakes again to try to make the opening leak on the paper towels ... and again, check the towels for leaks. 4. Then is no leaks, shake car left to right and repeat test. Please let us know.

12-10-2016, 01:21 AM	#5
DaWizard BANNED Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Dizzyland Ca Posts: 332	Re: Fuel tank mystery leak Ya know, if this was me, I would be pulling off the cowl strip to see if the tank isn't cracked under it. Only has 2 nuts holding it down, but yea, it is behind interior kick panel. Since you have already placed the towels down around the filler and that doesn't seem to be leaking. Anyway you look at it, I foresee the tank coming off to repair it properly. Just my 2¢ worth __________________ New owner of '28 Tudor Previously owned; '30 Sport Coupe '28 left brake ccPickup '31 SW Town Sedan '28 AA Stake Bed '30 Cabriolet '42 Super Deluxe 4door Sedan "If it don't fit, get a bigger hammer. If it breaks...... ya needed a new one anyway!!" Doing a good job here is like wetting your pants in a dark suit. It gives you a warm feeling, but nobody notices. Never pass up a bathroom Never neglect an erection Never trust a fart

12-10-2016, 08:34 AM	#7
DaWizard BANNED Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Dizzyland Ca Posts: 332	Re: Fuel tank mystery leak Hey, just had a brain fart and had to stink up the place with my escaping thoughts. Do you own one of these http://modelafuelneck.com/, and if so, have you been using it and setting the filler nozzle to "auto" and taking your hands off it? If you can answer Yes to both of these questions, then I am putting my money on a cracked filler neck where it meets the tank. Now, you ask how I came up with this, well, I'll tell ya. The tank is not welded or affixed to the "cowl" where comes up through the cowl hole, and I can see the added weight of the "EPA certified filler hose handle/nozzle" adding a stress where the tank and the neck attach that Henry never even dreamed about, and unless you stand and support the added extra weight of the hose and nozzle, that weight is bending the tank at the joint where the two pieces come together. Do this a few times, and you have a flexed crack, just like breaking the pull tab off a can of your favorite liquid drink, or like removing the lid from a can of creamed corn once you have run the can opener around 98% of the way. Just HAD to stink up the place with that brain fart. __________________ New owner of '28 Tudor Previously owned; '30 Sport Coupe '28 left brake ccPickup '31 SW Town Sedan '28 AA Stake Bed '30 Cabriolet '42 Super Deluxe 4door Sedan "If it don't fit, get a bigger hammer. If it breaks...... ya needed a new one anyway!!" Doing a good job here is like wetting your pants in a dark suit. It gives you a warm feeling, but nobody notices. Never pass up a bathroom Never neglect an erection Never trust a fart

12-10-2016, 09:31 AM	#8
Steve Plucker BANNED Join Date: May 2010 Location: Walla Walla, Washington USA Posts: 6,066	Re: Fuel tank mystery leak Unless you are Superman and have x-ray vision, I would remove the hood and cowl band and more than likely that will show your problem. The electronic weld, where you can see the little ripples, may have cracked thus your leak. As it is now...you are fighting the situation. Pluck

12-10-2016, 10:25 AM	#9
1931 flamingo Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: new britain,ct 06052 Posts: 9,390	Re: Fuel tank mystery leak When you fill up, how full?? Is there not a gasket on the gas cap?? Rattle: look in the tank at the float mechanism, is it rubbing on a baffle?? What year/model is this?? Paul in CT

12-10-2016, 11:27 AM	#14
H. L. Chauvin Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 4,179	Re: Fuel tank mystery leak Hi Hugh, You're doing great in investigating. It is not much different from repairing a metal roof leak .... search & investigate for the "source" of the leak .... hole, seam, joint, whatever? ....... then look at options for repair. Metal water bucket leak or metal gas can leak is not much different either ...... investigate "source"! Best of luck.

12-10-2016, 11:34 AM	#15
VFRhugh Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Texas Posts: 177	Re: Fuel tank mystery leak Gary, At first I didn't think so but if driving creates a low pressure area at this spot that could explain being dry inside the car. There is a little shoulder that might prevent fuel running back in. Removing the cowl band next. If nothing obvious will try very low pressure and soapy water. Great pictures by the way. Will post when leak is found, Hugh

12-10-2016, 11:38 AM	#16
Big hammer Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Land of Lincoln Posts: 3,131	Re: Fuel tank mystery leak I sealed up my gas tank, double gasket under gas cap and adapted an air fitting to the outlet with an air gauge and shut off vavle. Then I pressurized the tank at a low pressure, it held pressure for several hours confirming no leaks around gas gauge,etc! You could use a pressure regulator to keep a constant pressure, and then you could spray a soapy mixture to find your leak! I think I kept the pressure about 20 psi ! My brothers dropped an out board motor and put a big dent in the tank :-( I used shop air pressure with a rag in the fill hole and blew the tank until the dent popped out :-)

12-10-2016, 12:07 PM	#17
Y-Blockhead Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Redondo Beach, CA Posts: 5,849	Re: Fuel tank mystery leak Hugh, may I suggest you try some fluorescent dye? I have found numerous evasive leaks using this dye and a ultraviolet light. https://www.amazon.com/Interdynamics...W6ARDZGN5WQQZH

12-10-2016, 12:45 PM	#18
Tom Wesenberg Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Mpls, MN Posts: 27,582	Re: Fuel tank mystery leak 20 pounds pressure on the tank would likely bulge the tank. I wouldn't dare use more than one or two pounds. Multiply that by the square inches of surface area of just the top of the tank, and you have a lot of pressure trying to deform the tank.

12-10-2016, 12:52 PM	#19
tbirdtbird BANNED Join Date: May 2012 Location: inside your RAM Posts: 3,134	Re: Fuel tank mystery leak "Maybe the screw is a self tapping screw and is too long and has penetrated the gas tank?" That screw is beyond the pinch weld __________________ '31 180A

12-10-2016, 12:54 PM	#20
Mitch//pa BANNED Join Date: May 2010 Location: Bucks County, PA Posts: 11,454	Re: Fuel tank mystery leak Since you already know u have a leak I think you can find it without pressurizing

12-10-2016, 01:08 PM	#21
VFRhugh Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Texas Posts: 177	Re: Fuel tank mystery leak Thanks for all the interest and guidance. Will follow up when leak is found. Hugh

12-10-2016, 01:38 PM	#22
H. L. Chauvin Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 4,179	Re: Fuel tank mystery leak Hi Hugh, Just in case you get bored searching, might help to go to youtube to play the vintage song: "My Bucket Got A Hole In It." LOL

12-11-2016, 07:10 AM	#23
bnchief Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2016 Posts: 252	Re: Fuel tank mystery leak 5 lbs would be plenty of pressure then soap and water will find the leak 20 psi is way too much

12-11-2016, 08:30 AM	#24
Frank Miller Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Auburn, MA Posts: 2,106	Re: Fuel tank mystery leak I think you will ultimately be faced with removing the gas tank. Most likely there is a leak of sorts on the welded seam that you will not fix while it is in the car. The noise you hear when half full could be a loose baffle, which necessitates a full inspection of the tank. Some suggested pressurizing but if you know a mechanic with a smoke machine that might be better. __________________ “The technique of infamy is to start two lies at once and get people arguing heatedly over which is true.” ~ Ezra Pound

12-11-2016, 04:18 PM	#26
tbirdtbird BANNED Join Date: May 2012 Location: inside your RAM Posts: 3,134	Re: Fuel tank mystery leak Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) if it were mine I'd drain the tank, clean the steel to shiny new, use acid flux, and a heavy duty soldering iron, 40-60 (tin-lead for low melting point) and be done in a minute. You will not blow a tank with a soldering iron, only an open flame. Have soldered many various tanks. First saw/learned of this method years ago from a tin-knocker who heated his irons in a good sized propane fired furnace gotta have good soldering skills, tho, to get it to stick __________________ '31 180A

12-11-2016, 04:21 PM	#27
Mitch//pa BANNED Join Date: May 2010 Location: Bucks County, PA Posts: 11,454	Re: Fuel tank mystery leak Yoooo Dave;; The inductor would work good for this repair... Last edited by Mitch//pa; 12-11-2016 at 04:29 PM.

12-11-2016, 04:59 PM	#28
H. L. Chauvin Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 4,179	Re: Fuel tank mystery leak Hi Hugh, In my opinion, 99% of the guys using & experiencing failure with epoxies, JB Weld, and/or POR 15, do so because they never understand the product manufacturer's true meaning of prepared, "clean metal". If you do not feel comfortable using heat & solder, (where possibly your military veteran neighbors might possibly think you are trying out your 155 Howitzer that your wife bought you for Christmas), you may want to try this repair in a similar size hole in a similar thin piece of sheet metal ....... & then ..... test its reaction to "ethanol" gasoline. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ From Amazon: J-B Weld 8217 AutoWeld Gas Tank Repair - 1 oz. by J-B Weld Size Name: 1 Ounce Price:$6.99

12-11-2016, 05:05 PM	#29
katy Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Red Deer, Alberta Posts: 5,046	Re: Fuel tank mystery leak You could use a sheet metal screw w/a fibre washer under the head. __________________ If you don't hear a rumor by 10 AM, start one!. Got my education out behind the barn!

12-11-2016, 05:26 PM	#30
H. L. Chauvin Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 4,179	Re: Fuel tank mystery leak Hi Hugh, Also if you Google: "How to repair a hole in a steel gas tank?", just remember, successfully repairing holes in steel gas tanks is about as common as Dental, tooth cavity repair.

12-11-2016, 06:26 PM	#31
Phil Brown Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Santee Calif. Posts: 509	Re: Fuel tank mystery leak Might try a pop-rivet to fill the hole then seal it with the J B weld or solder over the rivet

12-11-2016, 06:47 PM	#32
1931 flamingo Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: new britain,ct 06052 Posts: 9,390	Re: Fuel tank mystery leak X2 Paul in CT

12-11-2016, 06:51 PM	#33
Tom Wesenberg Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Mpls, MN Posts: 27,582	Re: Fuel tank mystery leak Solder it with a large soldering iron, and it will be easy to bridge the hole with no added patch. Clean it and solder it just as Tbird said, but I like electrical rosin core solder better than acid core solder. Was that someone's idea of a tank vent?

12-11-2016, 08:15 PM	#35
tbirdtbird BANNED Join Date: May 2012 Location: inside your RAM Posts: 3,134	Re: Fuel tank mystery leak Tom, I could never get rosin flux to take on steel.......else it would have been my first choice, too. Agree no patch needed with a hole that small, if you have done this type of thing before. Take a piece of sheet metal, drill a small hole, and practice.....you can bridge the hole once the surrounding area is all tinned __________________ '31 180A

12-12-2016, 01:51 AM	#36
Tom Wesenberg Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Mpls, MN Posts: 27,582	Re: Fuel tank mystery leak Here's a large soldering iron that will get the job done. http://www.ebay.com/itm/VINTAGE-DRAK...3D152343994177

12-13-2016, 02:26 AM	#40
larrys40 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: St Charles , Missouri Posts: 1,998	Re: Fuel tank mystery leak I have had this kind of leak before in a car I worked on that didnt have any gas in the tank for eons... When I went to fill the tank it started weeping gas from under the cowl band and running down the fender and apron . Yikes !! I use the quick gas tank 2 part need stuck as my temporary fix to stop the leak but pulled the tank later for a permanent fix. There is probably a rust hole and so if you inspect the tank I'm sure you have rust in the upper part of the tank . I just did a 32 tank with the POR15 gas tank clean and seal kit and have had excellent results. Kept me from having to refinish the tank and it is very clean. In your case I would NOT pressurize the tank as Mitch said you know you have a leak . Don't do any damage you might regret . I would remove the cowl band for inspection and when the time comes to remove for repair I would clean and get the tank clear if fumes and mig weld the affected spot lightly or you can use the tank quick fix if you prefer. I would then POR15 gas tank sealer the tank using their process . Good luck and be prudent in the repair . Larry Shepard