Fuel Tank Leak
Thread Starter
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,745
Likes: 18
From: Lansing, MI via Bowling Green, KY, Dalton GA, Nashville, TN & Atlanta, GA
Fuel Tank Leak This may not be the best forum for this question, but I figured it might get more views here than in the fuel & injection sub-forum. Feel free to move it if you're so inclined.
Long story short, I put my car in storage in October of 2000, pulled it out in 2006 or 2007 and started working on getting it running, at which point it needed new "everything", including a fuel tank.
This past weekend I finally got it out to drive after 17 years of "sitting". The first thing I did was take it to a gas station to "fill it up". The brand new Spectra fuel tank we put on it a few years ago appears to be leaking and as best we can tell it's where the filler neck enters the tank. This was the first time the tank had been filled up, but we have been putting gas in it over the last several years, five gallons at a time via gas can, without issues.
I've attached a couple pics that show the nature of the leak. The gas was running down the driver's side of the tank, dripping onto the exhaust shielding and exiting on the passenger side of the car. I have to admit that was the most awesome part of the "first drive". I almost wanted to drop a match, but that would have probably blown up the entire gas station, along with myself and several innocent bystanders.
The leak eventually stopped when the fuel level reached a certain point and I was able to drive the car, which was a lot of fun after having not driven it in such a long time. It seems to run & drive better than ever with the addition of Kooks headers, GMMG exhaust, Strano springs & Koni shocks.
Has anyone effectively fixed a leak like this with epoxy/JB Weld or other means? I would really like to avoid pulling and replacing/repairing the tank as it can be, or is, a huge PITA.
Long story short, I put my car in storage in October of 2000, pulled it out in 2006 or 2007 and started working on getting it running, at which point it needed new "everything", including a fuel tank.
This past weekend I finally got it out to drive after 17 years of "sitting". The first thing I did was take it to a gas station to "fill it up". The brand new Spectra fuel tank we put on it a few years ago appears to be leaking and as best we can tell it's where the filler neck enters the tank. This was the first time the tank had been filled up, but we have been putting gas in it over the last several years, five gallons at a time via gas can, without issues.
I've attached a couple pics that show the nature of the leak. The gas was running down the driver's side of the tank, dripping onto the exhaust shielding and exiting on the passenger side of the car. I have to admit that was the most awesome part of the "first drive". I almost wanted to drop a match, but that would have probably blown up the entire gas station, along with myself and several innocent bystanders.
The leak eventually stopped when the fuel level reached a certain point and I was able to drive the car, which was a lot of fun after having not driven it in such a long time. It seems to run & drive better than ever with the addition of Kooks headers, GMMG exhaust, Strano springs & Koni shocks.
Has anyone effectively fixed a leak like this with epoxy/JB Weld or other means? I would really like to avoid pulling and replacing/repairing the tank as it can be, or is, a huge PITA.
TECH Resident
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 853
Likes: 32
From: Kernersville, NC
I haven't had to deal with any fuel tank leaks yet, but I've seen online where JB Weld didn't work.
Permatex makes some good stuff, so this might work.
https://www.permatex.com/products/sp...nk-repair-kit/
I know it's a pain, but I think I'd pull it and get it welded.
Permatex makes some good stuff, so this might work.
https://www.permatex.com/products/sp...nk-repair-kit/
I know it's a pain, but I think I'd pull it and get it welded.
Thread Starter
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,745
Likes: 18
From: Lansing, MI via Bowling Green, KY, Dalton GA, Nashville, TN & Atlanta, GA
Yeah, I've also read about some JB Weld failures, but I've also read that it worked.
They seem to make a couple products that might work in this situation.
https://www.jbweld.com/collections/w...xy-putty-stick
https://www.jbweld.com/products/j-b-weld-tankweld
The Spectra tank I put on has a three year warranty, but I'm pretty much certain it's been on the car longer than that.
Pulling the tank is such a huge PITA. It might be easier if you drop the rear end and have a lift.
I'm probably going to try some sort of on car repair via epoxy etc. If the hole was anywhere else, I might be a bit more reluctant to try that solution. If it fails, I guess I'll pursue other options.
They seem to make a couple products that might work in this situation.
https://www.jbweld.com/collections/w...xy-putty-stick
https://www.jbweld.com/products/j-b-weld-tankweld
The Spectra tank I put on has a three year warranty, but I'm pretty much certain it's been on the car longer than that.
Pulling the tank is such a huge PITA. It might be easier if you drop the rear end and have a lift.
I'm probably going to try some sort of on car repair via epoxy etc. If the hole was anywhere else, I might be a bit more reluctant to try that solution. If it fails, I guess I'll pursue other options.
What issues did you run in to pulling the tank?
I know every car is different, but I don't remember pulling the tank on my 93 being too difficult. Jacked it up high with stands on the body, let the rear end hang until it bottomed out, then tank shimmied out after releasing both straps. This is also with the older fixed style filler neck - I think they eventually went to a flexible one?
I know every car is different, but I don't remember pulling the tank on my 93 being too difficult. Jacked it up high with stands on the body, let the rear end hang until it bottomed out, then tank shimmied out after releasing both straps. This is also with the older fixed style filler neck - I think they eventually went to a flexible one?
Thread Starter
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,745
Likes: 18
From: Lansing, MI via Bowling Green, KY, Dalton GA, Nashville, TN & Atlanta, GA
What issues did you run in to pulling the tank?
I know every car is different, but I don't remember pulling the tank on my 93 being too difficult. Jacked it up high with stands on the body, let the rear end hang until it bottomed out, then tank shimmied out after releasing both straps. This is also with the older fixed style filler neck - I think they eventually went to a flexible one?
I know every car is different, but I don't remember pulling the tank on my 93 being too difficult. Jacked it up high with stands on the body, let the rear end hang until it bottomed out, then tank shimmied out after releasing both straps. This is also with the older fixed style filler neck - I think they eventually went to a flexible one?
I think I'm going to try the epoxy route. Removing & replacing/repairing the tank will be a last resort.
Thread Starter
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,745
Likes: 18
From: Lansing, MI via Bowling Green, KY, Dalton GA, Nashville, TN & Atlanta, GA
Not absolutely certain of anything, but it appeared to be leaking from around the filler neck, where it goes into the tank. We've had gas in it since we put the tank on the car, and we've been starting it periodically to let it run, but that was the first time the tank had been filled to the brim. It quit leaking after a gallon or so ran out. It's hard to say exactly how much leaked out, but we captured maybe 1/3 of a gallon.
Trending Topics
TECH Veteran
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 4,985
Likes: 112
Not absolutely certain of anything, but it appeared to be leaking from around the filler neck, where it goes into the tank. We've had gas in it since we put the tank on the car, and we've been starting it periodically to let it run, but that was the first time the tank had been filled to the brim. It quit leaking after a gallon or so ran out. It's hard to say exactly how much leaked out, but we captured maybe 1/3 of a gallon.
LS1 Tech Stories
The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time
Gas Monkey Built a 6-Wheel Ferrari Testarossa With a Corvette LT4 Engine
Verdad Gallardo
7 Most Reliable High-Performance Engines GM Has Ever Built
Verdad Gallardo
Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin
Verdad Gallardo
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them
Pouria Savadkouei
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked
Pouria Savadkouei
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP
Verdad Gallardo
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes
Verdad Gallardo Thread Starter
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,745
Likes: 18
From: Lansing, MI via Bowling Green, KY, Dalton GA, Nashville, TN & Atlanta, GA
We'll definitely be taking a closer look over Christmas. Under the circumstances, sitting at the gas pump, at the gas station, our inspection options were a bit limited, but you could definitely tell that gas was running the down the driver's side of the tank, and appeared to be originating from the area where the filler neck enters the tank. The filler neck on the tank is solid.
Short of replacing or welding/soldering the tank, I was curious whether anyone had successfully addressed similar, or any, leaks via other means.
Short of replacing or welding/soldering the tank, I was curious whether anyone had successfully addressed similar, or any, leaks via other means.
We'll definitely be taking a closer look over Christmas. Under the circumstances, sitting at the gas pump, at the gas station, our inspection options were a bit limited, but you could definitely tell that gas was running the down the driver's side of the tank, and appeared to be originating from the area where the filler neck enters the tank. The filler neck on the tank is solid.
Short of replacing or welding/soldering the tank, I was curious whether anyone had successfully addressed similar, or any, leaks via other means.
Short of replacing or welding/soldering the tank, I was curious whether anyone had successfully addressed similar, or any, leaks via other means.
It is not under pressure or anything assuming your vent system is working, and only touches gas when completely filled to the brim so you will be fine.
Thread Starter
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,745
Likes: 18
From: Lansing, MI via Bowling Green, KY, Dalton GA, Nashville, TN & Atlanta, GA
I would use the JB Weld Steelstik if it is just the filler neck seam. I have used it in a pinch on aluminum radiator end caps (not an LT1, we have crappy plastic end caps) and it holds great even under pressure - especially if you can access the part enough to hit it with a wire brush and clean it well.
It is not under pressure or anything assuming your vent system is working, and only touches gas when completely filled to the brim so you will be fine.
It is not under pressure or anything assuming your vent system is working, and only touches gas when completely filled to the brim so you will be fine.
Thread Starter
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,745
Likes: 18
From: Lansing, MI via Bowling Green, KY, Dalton GA, Nashville, TN & Atlanta, GA
I called JB-Weld and explained what was up. The entire conversation could not have been more than 30-60 seconds and their recommendation was
https://www.jbweld.com/products/kwikweld-twin-tube
https://www.jbweld.com/products/kwikweld-twin-tube
I called JB-Weld and explained what was up. The entire conversation could not have been more than 30-60 seconds and their recommendation was
https://www.jbweld.com/products/kwikweld-twin-tube
https://www.jbweld.com/products/kwikweld-twin-tube
. Thread Starter
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,745
Likes: 18
From: Lansing, MI via Bowling Green, KY, Dalton GA, Nashville, TN & Atlanta, GA
I actually called them again today to get a second opinion and the person that I spoke with this time recommended the original JB Weld, which is apparently a stronger product than the Kwik Weld. I guess I feel better about this recommendation as the person actually asked me some questions before throwing out an answer.
I actually asked this person about using Steelstik or Tankweld. They said they could be used, but in this particular situation they felt that their original product would provide the best results.
I actually asked this person about using Steelstik or Tankweld. They said they could be used, but in this particular situation they felt that their original product would provide the best results.
TECH Veteran
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 4,985
Likes: 112
well JB Weld is impervious to gas according to their website so give it a try. Apply it with the tank low enough on gas that it does not weep through the seam you are repairing.
Might want to hit the area with a wire brush then wipe clean with acetone before applying. Let it fully cure/dry before driving the car
Might want to hit the area with a wire brush then wipe clean with acetone before applying. Let it fully cure/dry before driving the car
Thread Starter
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,745
Likes: 18
From: Lansing, MI via Bowling Green, KY, Dalton GA, Nashville, TN & Atlanta, GA
well JB Weld is impervious to gas according to their website so give it a try. Apply it with the tank low enough on gas that it does not weep through the seam you are repairing.
Might want to hit the area with a wire brush then wipe clean with acetone before applying. Let it fully cure/dry before driving the car
Might want to hit the area with a wire brush then wipe clean with acetone before applying. Let it fully cure/dry before driving the car
With the tank still mounted, I honestly don't know what type of access I'll have to the area where the epoxy will need to be applied. I just know that removing the factory tank and installing this new tank was a pain, and that seemed to be primarily due to the fixed filler neck.
Teching In
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 25
Likes: 2
What issues did you run in to pulling the tank?
I know every car is different, but I don't remember pulling the tank on my 93 being too difficult. Jacked it up high with stands on the body, let the rear end hang until it bottomed out, then tank shimmied out after releasing both straps. This is also with the older fixed style filler neck - I think they eventually went to a flexible one?
I know every car is different, but I don't remember pulling the tank on my 93 being too difficult. Jacked it up high with stands on the body, let the rear end hang until it bottomed out, then tank shimmied out after releasing both straps. This is also with the older fixed style filler neck - I think they eventually went to a flexible one?
I’m going to have to drop the tank in my 93 very soon to replace the pump. First time I did it I had access to a lift so it was no problem, this time it’ll be jackstands in my garage. How high did you have to lift the rear to get the tank out? Did you leave the driveshaft attached to the diff or just pull the whole rear end out from underneath? Thanks.