Gas Leak
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Gas Leak
I noticed today when I got to work that there was gas on my rear quater panel where the gas cap is. So it was pretty easy to find out that there was a leak out of the cap. Its the original cap and pretty sure it could use a new rubber seal. Is it just better to get a after market cap and that solve my problem or is there something else more to this problem. That just seems like to easy of a fix. Its a fairly full tank of gas too just want to get opinions and see if anybody else has had this same problem and what they did to solve it. Multiple ways would be great to know.
MSEE
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 10,386
Likes: 35
From: Austin, TX
Gas shouldn't be coming out of there at all. You should be able to drive around without a cap at all and not have a leak (of course I don't recommend that). Your tank may not be venting properly. Does this truck have evaporative emissions?
MSEE
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 10,386
Likes: 35
From: Austin, TX
Evaporative emissions means you don't have a vented cap; instead there's a rollover valve on the top of the tank which leads to a charcoal canister via a passenger-side fuel vapor return line. The charcoal canister then runs up to the air cleaner using a purge valve.
The "smog ball" you mention is not smog equipment; it's a vacuum reservoir for the vacuum-operated HVAC controls. If you have cruise control, you may have a second canister.
The "smog ball" you mention is not smog equipment; it's a vacuum reservoir for the vacuum-operated HVAC controls. If you have cruise control, you may have a second canister.
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Ok yes i do have emissions then...i was told wrong then by an ol shade tree about the smog ball...I wondered what that was.
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MSEE
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 10,386
Likes: 35
From: Austin, TX
When you say you have "emissions," do you mean evaporative emissions? You've verified this truck has the charcoal canister along the frame rail in the engine bay?
If YES: the system cannot vent into the canister. Possible clogged return line or rollover valve. Or the cannister is not purging. It could be as simple as a leaking gas cap but your first post indicates you have liquid fuel running down the side of the bed. In my mind, pressure would have to be pretty high for that to happen. A vented gas cap is a quick way to bypass the whole system as explained above.
If NO: replace the gas cap.
This all assumes trace amounts of leaked fuel.
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It is trace amounts of fuel. Is it worth it to get down there and find the culprit or just the vented cap? I dont want just fine I want the right way so should I get rid of all the emissions or replace and make sure its running right?
MSEE
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 10,386
Likes: 35
From: Austin, TX
It seems to me as though you answered your own question:
It's ultimately up to you.
It's ultimately up to you.
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So I think I have found out why the emissions was not working and the leak was there to begin with. The gas cap was not making a complete seal. After driving a while I would suddenly see that the cap was at a different angle than when I had put it on there. I ended up purchasing a new cap that was for an emissions truck and no leak at all. The emissions in the truck are running just fine so I do not need to fix anything there.
The only thing that I do not like about the new cap is that it is a shiny new silver one. My truck is red and I would like to get it that color but also look as if the paint job was 40 years old as my truck does as well. Is there a good way of doing this? My idea was to go get rustoleum red rattle can paint that was close...spray 7-8 coats on the outside of the cap and then scuff it up with a scotchbrite pad. Has anyone ever done this or tried to make something new look old like that?
The only thing that I do not like about the new cap is that it is a shiny new silver one. My truck is red and I would like to get it that color but also look as if the paint job was 40 years old as my truck does as well. Is there a good way of doing this? My idea was to go get rustoleum red rattle can paint that was close...spray 7-8 coats on the outside of the cap and then scuff it up with a scotchbrite pad. Has anyone ever done this or tried to make something new look old like that?
Moderator & parts slinger
Joined: Feb 2007
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From: S/W Missouri, Polk county
Glad to hear it was an easy fix. As far as antique paint tricks no, but that sounds like a good plan you have. I would practice it on some similar sheet metal first....