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02-10-2021, 11:51 AM | #1 |
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Gas seepage at steering column
Anyone have any suggestions for a quick fix for some slight seepage of gas where the steering column fastens to the gas tank? I know, I shouldn't mess with a gas leak, and I should pull the tank and have it braised. But I don't want to
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02-10-2021, 12:05 PM | #2 |
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Re: Gas seepage at steering column
I don't really have any suggestion other than removing the tank and have it repaired or replaced. I'm very scary when it comes to gasoline leaks. Too much could go wrong. Maybe someone on here with a little more knowledge than me could give you better advice. I'm just really careful with gasoline, too much could go bad quickly
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02-10-2021, 12:13 PM | #3 | |
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Re: Gas seepage at steering column
Quote:
I would assume the car is a 28 or 29. Gas tank is not hard to remove. It can than be sloshed with a quality sealer. Problem solved. We have a 29 that was done this way over 30 years ago. Still no issues. This is one area that should be done right. Good luck. |
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02-10-2021, 12:25 PM | #4 |
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Re: Gas seepage at steering column
I understand why you feel the way you do. It's a real hassle and can be a serious problem. And then maybe not. Extremely minor seepage is not a mandate to start tearing things apart. Or for that matter, living in fear.
Just how much leakage do you have. Is it dripping, or running visibly down the tank? If not don't panic, you can deal with it. If it's running or dripping, you must remove the tank. If not, add the later column support that mounts to the upper rail, and disconnect the tank mount bracket. Drain the tank, let it dry out, and make an epoxy repair. It can be a long term solution if done correctly. So how bad is it? I had the exact same problem. Mine only had a slight weep that just barely kept the area damp. It evaporated before it could run or drip. |
02-10-2021, 12:27 PM | #5 |
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Re: Gas seepage at steering column
Repairing a gas tank should be done by someone that knows what they are doing or the person doing it should do some research first. Even gas tanks that have not had gas in them for many years can blow up, ESP if open flame or welding is involved. There are ways to do it if those are your choices. Other way would be a really big soldering iron and clean surface. Mounting the brace on the tank was not one of the better ideas. The later cars had the brace mounted behind the trim panel. Every time someone gets in the car, they pull on the steering wheel and flexes that gas tank bracket and tank.
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02-10-2021, 01:43 PM | #6 |
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Re: Gas seepage at steering column
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02-10-2021, 01:57 PM | #7 |
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Re: Gas seepage at steering column
Will, this doesn't sound something to ignore or a place to take shortcuts. Remember you're dealing with a 90-year old car, the solution may just have to be complicated.
I disagree that sealing the tank from the interior or epoxy at the exterior is the way to go. That's putting a bandaid that can fail at any time. Leakage at the steering column bracket indicates that something structural has failed. It won't get better, only worse. Really, the only solution, painful as it might be, is to pull the tank, have it carefully rebrazed by someone who knows what they're doing (it's possible and feasible with proper inerting of the tank), and then consider sealing the interior to add assurance. My $0.02, and likely worth at least half of that. JayJay
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02-10-2021, 02:01 PM | #8 |
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Re: Gas seepage at steering column
I agree it should be repaired correctly. But in the mean time I would suggest installing a late model steering support that mounts behind the dash rail and eliminate the original support that mounts to the tank to prevent it from getting worse.
Last edited by Y-Blockhead; 02-10-2021 at 03:06 PM. |
02-10-2021, 02:09 PM | #9 |
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Re: Gas seepage at steering column
Here's Tom Endy's article on adapting the '30-'31 support to the '28-'29 dash rail.
http://www.santaanitaas.org/wp-conte...lumn-Mount.pdf |
02-10-2021, 02:09 PM | #10 | |
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Re: Gas seepage at steering column
Quote:
I support the idea of a support!!!
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02-10-2021, 02:37 PM | #11 |
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Re: Gas seepage at steering column
Good afternoon...I'm with Russ/40...I used to live in Fletcher Hills...not too far from Santee...If you use the modern hanger for the steering wheel, and disconnect the old one, and clean and sand the area around where the old hanger connected to the tank, where it normally leaks...let the tank dry for a week or so...then epoxy will hold for a long, long time...several Model 'A's that I know of have had this fix...once epoxy has set up...give it a few extra days to cure before putting gas back into the tank...Ernie in Arizona
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02-10-2021, 03:04 PM | #12 |
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Re: Gas seepage at steering column
I was a firefighter for nearly 40 yrs. One of the worst injuries I ever saw was someone working on a (removed) gas tank from a '67 Corvette. It's not the liquid that ignites but the fumes. I'm like an earlier poster, I wouldn't even let anyone smoke near it! You never know, you could have an electrical arc somewhere that could cause ignition. Be safe, remove it and repair it correctly!
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02-10-2021, 03:35 PM | #13 |
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Re: Gas seepage at steering column
Yes, that's what happened to me too. Still a very slight dampness there, but nothing more, now that the new bracket is installed. This leak is one of the most common problems with Model A's and many people do not even know they have it, until they feel down there and see a blob of petrol on their finger.
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02-10-2021, 04:03 PM | #14 |
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Re: Gas seepage at steering column
Wasn't there a video a short time back of an A involved in an accident and bursting into flames. Wouldn't want to drive it myself until fixed.
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02-10-2021, 06:07 PM | #15 |
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Re: Gas seepage at steering column
My car had signs of seeping there when I got it, saw that the bracket was sweat soldered around the edges , re did the solder job some 50 years ago , still good, didn't use flame, have a large soldering iron,600 watt
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02-10-2021, 10:12 PM | #16 |
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Re: Gas seepage at steering column
Sweat soldering is what plumbers use to do except they used a flame from a torch, Today they now use a crimp with an o-ring for sealing....... wonder how long that will last? A good sweat fitted joint will last for almost ever.
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02-11-2021, 08:35 AM | #17 |
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Re: Gas seepage at steering column
Gas vapor is heavier than air so by the time you smell it some has already passed the largest spark (other than spark plugs) in the car, that being the starter switch. Every time you step on the starter with gas fumes present luck is with you that day.
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02-11-2021, 09:27 AM | #18 |
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Re: Gas seepage at steering column
Originally gas tank brackets were Riveted and Soldered.
1. Gas tank brackets were never Brazed OR welded. Brazing and welding destroys Anti-corrosion coating inside the tank called "Terne coating". Once Terne Coating is gone the exposed area inside of the tank can rapidly rust. Ethanol in today's gasoline attracts water from the air which rusts the tank even at the bottom of the tank near the bracket in the area where the terne coating has been burned off.. 2. Not all tanks leak from under the bracket or loose rivets. 3. My tank had a 1 inch long crack in the steel of the tank about 1 inch from the edge of the bracket. 4. Solder and a brass patch fixed the problem 15 years ago. 5. I also installed the 31 support bracket which removes stress on the bracket. Last edited by Benson; 02-11-2021 at 09:49 AM. |
02-11-2021, 09:41 AM | #19 | |
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Re: Gas seepage at steering column
Quote:
https://www.amazon.com/Marine-Might-.../dp/B001446LKO |
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02-11-2021, 11:07 AM | #20 |
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Re: Gas seepage at steering column
Thanks to all for your suggestions!
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02-11-2021, 12:44 PM | #21 |
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Re: Gas seepage at steering column
Check your "Private Messages" for three suggestions how to stop the leak at the column bracket.
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02-11-2021, 12:59 PM | #22 | |
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Re: Gas seepage at steering column
Quote:
Yes, very true. From our experience though, the rivet hole thru the tank and on the inside at the A-9062 reinforcing bracket develops cracks numerous radially from the rivet hole, ...especially in the tank. The only way this can be repaired is to weld the rivet hole solid and weld all of the radial cracks. Then redrill new holes to mount the tank bracket and re-rivet it all. The sealer will do a good job as long as vibration or movement of the parts does not happen. I did not know which year model the O/P has, so below is a shot of both that shows the reinforcing bracket on the inside. The 30/31 tank is even more difficult because it has the splash shields interfering with the reinforcement bracket. |
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04-05-2021, 02:45 PM | #23 | |
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Re: Gas seepage at steering column
Quote:
Just what I needed. Thank you for the info. Bj |
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04-05-2021, 03:15 PM | #24 |
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Re: Gas seepage at steering column
I added the dash mounted steering column bracket but did not remove the gas tank to steering column bracket. Should I remove the bottom half of the bracket or leave it alone?
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04-05-2021, 03:47 PM | #25 |
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Re: Gas seepage at steering column
I left the bottom half of my bracket but removed the rubber insulator. Ensure it is not hitting the steering column.
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04-05-2021, 05:44 PM | #26 |
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Re: Gas seepage at steering column
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04-05-2021, 07:19 PM | #27 |
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Re: Gas seepage at steering column
We used to patch motorcycle tanks with JBWeld.
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04-05-2021, 07:24 PM | #28 |
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Re: Gas seepage at steering column
Aviation fuel sealant available from SkyGeek.com. PPG Areospace PR 1422. comes in a few drying time formulas. After drying it forms a flexible rubbery layer of protection. Difficult to remove after drying. Its a two part mixture. MEK for cleanup.
Mix and apply to clean dry areas. For sealing of intergal aircraft fuel tanks. Best if applied to seams during assembly but I have used in in situations like described. I had the same issues with my 31 Coupe and purchased the later steering support from Berts that eliminates the load on the fuel tank. My leak has stopped for now. |
04-07-2021, 10:17 AM | #29 |
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Re: Gas seepage at steering column
Thanks to all for the suggestions!
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04-08-2021, 12:32 AM | #30 |
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Re: Gas seepage at steering column
I would also cut down on smoking in the car for now
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05-18-2021, 03:04 PM | #31 | |
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Re: Gas seepage at steering column
Quote:
I have to thank you for this suggestion! I got the stuff and it's great. Like you said, it adheres like crazy, and it's a flexible rubber membrane. A little sloppy putting on, but I think this will do the trick for some time to come. |
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05-18-2021, 05:08 PM | #32 |
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Re: Gas seepage at steering column
Right now, I'm reading a book about a young fellow who was part of a team crossing the north of Australia in 1919 in preparation for a forthcoming air race. In it, they mentioned that they carried cans of condensed milk for fuel tank, lines leaks. They soak a piece of cloth in the milk and plaster it over the leak. When the milk is dried and baked on, it seals the leak and petrol will not dissolve it.
I'd never heard of this old time repair but I'll remember it hoping all the time that I won't need it.
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05-19-2021, 04:24 PM | #33 |
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Re: Gas seepage at steering column
In 1966 I saw the results of a fire caused by a leaky fuel gauge in a Model A. It started when the driver turned off the ignition and a spark there started the fire. The Model A had pulled into a gas station and the gas station had gone up in flames too. It was an old-timey gas station, made out of wood, with one pump. It was in a rural part of California along 101.
Everyone should carry a fire extinguisher in their car where it can be easily grabbed in an emergency.
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05-19-2021, 04:41 PM | #34 | |
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Re: Gas seepage at steering column
Quote:
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05-19-2021, 06:19 PM | #35 |
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Re: Gas seepage at steering column
I am not familiar with a current video but I know we there was an older couple killed in their car years ago. They hit a tree, car caught on fire and they panicked and could not get their seat belts unhooked. This was in WA state.
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05-19-2021, 07:02 PM | #36 |
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Re: Gas seepage at steering column
I have been working on fuel shut off valve and carburetor lines on my 28 for at least 2 weeks. New shut off valve, pencil filter, and new interior gas line and new carburetor line and finally no leaks. Gas leaks have always bothered me. I had a neighbor working under his car with a torch, near his gas tank when the tank blew. It literally blew up so hard that it lifted the car off the ground. I was around 30 foot away and that blast scared the crap out of me.
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05-19-2021, 08:20 PM | #37 |
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Re: Gas seepage at steering column
I would follow Ernie Vitucci's suggestion. Installing a 30-31 hanger will relieve the strain on the crack. Applying a clear epoxy (not JB Weld) to a clean metal surface will bond to the metal and seal the crack. Epoxy is compatible with gasoline and can be painted.
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