leaking gas tank
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Senior User
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 240
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From: stafford VA
leaking gas tank
My gas tank is leaking. i havent dropped the skid yet. i just wanted to know if its possible to patch it. ive tried looking for a new one but i just can find one. or should i buy a used one? Whats my best bet?
Tim
Tim
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 450
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From: Charter Oak, Iowa
leaking gas tank
I'm not sure of your application, but, you might check E-bay. There's a guy selling tanks for pretty much every Ford truck out there. If you aren't in a hurry you can pick one up for $60-70. I bought one and I don't think they are quite as heavy as OEM but still are decent units. Also there are tank patch kits out there but I have no experience with these. The POR 15 website has one but if I remember right it wasn't that much cheaper than the new unit I bought.
Randy
Randy
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Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 388
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leaking gas tank
Ebay does have them. I think there around 100 dollars in the buy now feature. You also could try a junk yard. I would just replace it instead of patching it. Might be a good time to check the fuel pump also since you are replacing the tank.
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 92
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leaking gas tank
I just had the same problem with my 90 XLT. I called around, but the used prices here were the same (or more!!) than a new one - $143 CDN, approx. $95 US. Cost almost $200 labour to have it installed. 
If you do this yourself (or get someone to do it) take care with the filler pipe - there is an inner and outer pipe. Mine had a kink in it when I got it back which made it really hard to fill!!
If you do this yourself (or get someone to do it) take care with the filler pipe - there is an inner and outer pipe. Mine had a kink in it when I got it back which made it really hard to fill!!
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 169
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From: Florida
leaking gas tank
When I got my truck it had several small pinholes in the tank. I figured I had nothing to lose so I dropped the tank and used some scotch weld, or JB weld, don't recall which, to patch the holes. I put it on fairly thick, then took some composite cloth and laid it on the fresh epoxy. When it dried I put another coat on. I didn't really expect it to work, and it may be a fluke, but almost seven months now and it hasn't leaked a drop. 
Anyway, here's a link to one on ebay. Last check though there were four of 'em. --Eric
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...category=33556
Anyway, here's a link to one on ebay. Last check though there were four of 'em. --Erichttp://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...category=33556
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 13,653
Likes: 6
From: Cabot, Arkansas
leaking gas tank
Same here. Bunch of pinholes from rocks stuck between the tank and skidplate. Patched it with JB weld.
When I finally did replace the tank (almost a year later) I went down to NAPA, $125 for a 33 gal. stock replacement.
When I finally did replace the tank (almost a year later) I went down to NAPA, $125 for a 33 gal. stock replacement.
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 392
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From: The South
leaking gas tank
is there anything to worry about when replacing your tank yourself? like sparks and that crap?
any tips to make it go smoother, not that I am going to replace mine right away... but any knowledge would help for future references
thanks
any tips to make it go smoother, not that I am going to replace mine right away... but any knowledge would help for future references
thanks
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Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,987
Likes: 7
From: Memphis, TN
leaking gas tank
You'd have to be pretty reckless to start a fire, and pretty goofy not to have a water hose or fire extinguisher handy while you work. 
I've pulled & drained several (including my mother's Grand Marquis last week), and I've never had a problem.
Use plenty of Liquid Wrench for the 3 days prior to starting the job, and use Anti-Seize Lubricant when you start putting it back in. Let the tank run almost dry before you do it (even if you have to carry a gas can with you) and if you're gonna pull the sender plate, be sure to have a new O-ring on hand. If you have EFI, you'll probably need the garter spring tools, but they're only $8/set of 5 at CarQuest or Napa.
I've pulled & drained several (including my mother's Grand Marquis last week), and I've never had a problem.Use plenty of Liquid Wrench for the 3 days prior to starting the job, and use Anti-Seize Lubricant when you start putting it back in. Let the tank run almost dry before you do it (even if you have to carry a gas can with you) and if you're gonna pull the sender plate, be sure to have a new O-ring on hand. If you have EFI, you'll probably need the garter spring tools, but they're only $8/set of 5 at CarQuest or Napa.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 241
Likes: 0
From: Colorado Springs, CO
leaking gas tank
Mines leaking a little as well. I can smell it and it's getting worse. I don't know if I should drive it anymore. It's not leaking on the driveway, but you can definitely smell it.
Should I drive it, or have it drained and changed? I have almost a full tank unfortunately.
Should I drive it, or have it drained and changed? I have almost a full tank unfortunately.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 241
Likes: 0
From: Colorado Springs, CO
leaking gas tank
anyone know if it's ok to drive for a few days? I can't get another tank until monday. it has a drip or 2 hanging off and you can smell it, but it doesn't seem that bad. i don't want to blow up or anything!
thanks
thanks
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 241
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From: Colorado Springs, CO
leaking gas tank
ok, autozone said they can order one for $120??? Does that sound right? That seems kindof cheap to me, especially since the dealer ship wanted more than 3 X that amount. Of course the dealership will rip you off.
I don't know if it is metal or plastic though. But they need to know if I have a 2 inch or 3 5/8 inch fuel guage hole?? Is that the hole where you fill it up?
any help would be appreciated
I don't know if it is metal or plastic though. But they need to know if I have a 2 inch or 3 5/8 inch fuel guage hole?? Is that the hole where you fill it up?
any help would be appreciated
Senior User
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 122
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From: Mountain State
leaking gas tank
Hi, over the years I've had several gas tanks get pinholes from rocks getting between the skid plate and the tank.
All the auto parts stores sell a gas tank repair epoxy. The stuff works great. I think it is a Permatex product. I've never had one leak afterwards. It even works with diesels.
If you have something other then a few pin holes. Get a new tank. J C Whitney sells them, along with the whole auto parts world.
Bruce (Big Red Bronco)
All the auto parts stores sell a gas tank repair epoxy. The stuff works great. I think it is a Permatex product. I've never had one leak afterwards. It even works with diesels.
If you have something other then a few pin holes. Get a new tank. J C Whitney sells them, along with the whole auto parts world.
Bruce (Big Red Bronco)