I have been noticing a fuel spot in my parking space, especially right after I fill up my truck. My tank is the 38-gallon deal, made of that black hard plastic, with a plastic shield built onto it on the drive-shaft side. Today I had some spare time, and the tank is relatively full, so I crawled under there to check it out. I noticed fuel ever so slowly dripping off the bottom of the tank, right about where that donut-looking indention is on the bottom. I took a rag and dried off the bottom of the tank and watched to see where the fuel was coming from. After a few minutes, I noticed it was coming down both sides. So, naturally, I have deduced that the leak is on the top of the tank somewhere. Just my luck. I need to fix it, but I will be out of town this week-end, and the tank is so full right now that I will probably wait and tackle the job the next week-end, on October 4th. By then the tank will be emptied out some and should be easier to handle. Besides, my son's football team doesn't have a game that day, so I will have time to work on it. I am not really familiar with all the gadgetry on top of that tank. Can someone enlighten me as to what to expect once I remove the tank? Also, any direction/advice on simplifying the tank removal process will be greatly appreciated. I noticed the two bolted-on straps holding the tank in. Should those be completely removed, or will loosening one end of each strap be sufficient? Thanks ahead of time! Sure am glad I have this place to come to for help.........

 

Before you pull the tank Check the vent tube connection. When I installed my auxillary tank I had to remove the whole filler pipe assembly The tubes are attached together. they maybe leaking at the top side connection. Are you one of these guys that fill the tank way after it shuts off automatically?? ( I am) anyways my bet is the fuel is leaking out of the vent tube at the top of the tank . When you think about it why would the tank spring a leak at the top. Also My auxillary tank was siphoning into the truck tank and It filled the filler pipe one time right to the cap. When this happen I had what you discribed. I bet If you wipe it again and don't fill your tank alot after it shuts off automatically your leak will disappear. My guess is they have a vent at the top that can get flooded and leaks out.

 

OK....this thing dripped a little fuel until the gauge was almost down to 3/4 tank. More than likely, it stopped leaking somewhere between full and 3/4, and the remaining drip came from fuel already leaked out on top of the tank, I figure. We went on a trip this past week-end and I added fuel twice, but did not fill it all the way up, so as to try and control the leakage.

Where exactly is this "top side connection" you mention, Paso1? Some place that I can get to without removing the tank? I am one of those people who fills up more after the pump shuts off the first time, especially if I am going on a trip, or find some fuel at a lower price. I plan to try and find the leak this coming Saturday. Granted, fuel around here is cheaper than a lot of places, but it ain't free. Cost too much to just throw away. Know what I mean? Hopefully it will be an easy fix! Thanks again for the advice!

 

When you look up from under the fender at the filler pipe (or thru the wheel well) you see the vent tube, covering the vent tube is a protective webbing. From the hose clamp to the other end of the hose is 14 inches. So the other connection must be in the middle of the tank. I have a new filler pipe complete so I just measured it. ( will be returning to ford to get my son back as I left him as collateral ) $130.00 just for the assembly It does sound like you do have a leak if it's dripping at 3/4 mine is so full you can see fuel when you take the cap off and nothing drips.

 

Thanks, Paso1! Hopefully my tank will be nearly empty by this week-end.........