Leaking Fuel Tank
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Leaking Fuel Tank
Just replaced the rear tank on my 95 F150 due to a leak. Another silly Ford design from the people that brought us the exploding Pinto! The tank is held in place with two plates above the spare tire. The plates are painted the tank is not! The rear wheels throw dirt and road salt up between the plates and the tank and eventually you get a rust hole. This is a serious safety hazard due to the leaking fuel. Keeping the space clean might save your tank for while. When I went to the parts shop they stock rear tanks in quantity; which gives you an idea of how common a problem this is!
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Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Elkhart IN
when i pulled my bed to put a flatbed on it, my tank leaked there, i just patched it, and coated the hole tank in bed liner. i put rubber straps as spacer to help tighten the tank up from shifting.
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Originally Posted by chrono4
when i pulled my bed to put a flatbed on it, my tank leaked there, i just patched it, and coated the hole tank in bed liner. i put rubber straps as spacer to help tighten the tank up from shifting.
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Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Topsfield, MA
My old truck had a pinhole leak in the gas tank under that bracket. They put a "gasket" of some sort between there, and after 10 years it is usually gone and then problems start. The tanks seem to rust around the seams the most. I just used some special putty stuff and sealed it just fine.
Soon I plan on taking my bed off and sandblasting/painting the frame and undercarrage. The tanks will be sealed in and out as well.
I don't think it's as big a deal as you make it out to be.
The tank on my dads truck lasted for 15 years...he got his use out of them. The tanks on my trucks are good.
Better then when chevy put the tanks left and right...outside of the frame rail...where an accident could easily rupture the tank
The Pinto came down to a simple business decision. It was much cheaper to pay the few lawsuits, then it was to pay $11 per car to put a rubber blatter inside the tank and prevent the problem.
$11 per Pinto adds up to quite a bit. Unfortunately, in corporate business you have to make those types of decisions to stay afloat.
Soon I plan on taking my bed off and sandblasting/painting the frame and undercarrage. The tanks will be sealed in and out as well.
I don't think it's as big a deal as you make it out to be.
The tank on my dads truck lasted for 15 years...he got his use out of them. The tanks on my trucks are good.
Better then when chevy put the tanks left and right...outside of the frame rail...where an accident could easily rupture the tank
The Pinto came down to a simple business decision. It was much cheaper to pay the few lawsuits, then it was to pay $11 per car to put a rubber blatter inside the tank and prevent the problem.
$11 per Pinto adds up to quite a bit. Unfortunately, in corporate business you have to make those types of decisions to stay afloat.
Last edited by MustangGT221; Jul 4, 2005 at 12:19 PM.
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Your tanks have leaked, but it's OK. I believe a leaking or patched fuel tank is a BIG DEAL. I have two cars that are 27 and 43 years old and their tanks don't leak. No, it's a bad design that put's people at risk.
Last edited by MustangGT221; Jul 4, 2005 at 05:33 PM. Reason: removed quote
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From: Topsfield, MA
I'm sure I could go find some 100 year old car that the tank doesn't leak...
Ya, one of my tanks did leak....so...it drops a few on the ground. I'd notice that quite easily and fix it...end of leak...end of worry...
You're suppose to have that gasket between the tank and that strap.
There's nothing wrong with a patched tank as long as it doesn't leak. Otherwise, they wouldn't sell gas tank repair kits. If you're worried about it just leaking in another place...then just clean it up and seal it and it won't rust.
I've been on these boards for a long time and I don't see too many people complaining about their tanks. Ya it happens, but I'm sure it happens for many other auto-makers as well.
I still fail to see why this is such a big deal...if you don't like Ford then why'd ya buy one?
If you're so concerned, seal it inside and out...and you'll never have to worry about them again.
Ya, one of my tanks did leak....so...it drops a few on the ground. I'd notice that quite easily and fix it...end of leak...end of worry...
You're suppose to have that gasket between the tank and that strap.
There's nothing wrong with a patched tank as long as it doesn't leak. Otherwise, they wouldn't sell gas tank repair kits. If you're worried about it just leaking in another place...then just clean it up and seal it and it won't rust.
I've been on these boards for a long time and I don't see too many people complaining about their tanks. Ya it happens, but I'm sure it happens for many other auto-makers as well.
I still fail to see why this is such a big deal...if you don't like Ford then why'd ya buy one?
If you're so concerned, seal it inside and out...and you'll never have to worry about them again.
Last edited by MustangGT221; Jul 4, 2005 at 05:46 PM.
