I was running my '68 at idle on my driveway today. My driveway is pitched downward pretty steep. Maybe 45 degrees or so. Anyway, while running at idle I noticed gas dripping down from what looks like the front corner of the tank on the passenger side? Maybe from the seam where the top half of the tank is bonded to the bottom?
Is this where old tanks usually leak? Or could there be a rubber hose up there somewhere?

I only had about 5 gallons in the tank.

Steve

Steve,I had to replace my tank in my 73 it had a pin hole where the tank straps are.Moisture gets traped and over the years it just rusts out. Take your spare tire down and the upper cover to get a better view.To put a new tank in isn't a bad job.Got my tank from Corvette Central perfect fit,no problems.

Dave, Easton,PA

There is a fuel return hose that is attached to a nipple on that side of the gas tank near the top. If your tank is leaking, it is not likely to be from the seam. Most leaks will be near the bottom where it is exposed to the elements, but rust can be unpredictable. In restoring my 69, I found two leaks not noticeable until removing the tank. They appeared near the bottom as damp spots in the dirty and rusted surface. I have plenty of experience sealing gas tanks from building custom motorcycle tanks, so I did the job. After cleaning the tank both in and out, I sealed it with a product specific for this purpose. To my surprise and disappointment, it still leaked when filled. With much time into this job, I just bought and installed a NOS tank. Removing your tank isn't a big deal as long as you drain it's content into a seperate container first. If your hose is leaking, you should see fuel dripping while the engine is running. Hope this helps.

This helps a lot Red! Thanks. Now for the big question! Can I get to the fuel return hose with the tank installed? Maybe just removing the spare tire will give me access to that hose? Or do I have to remove the tank to get to it?

Thanks
Steve

Steve,
I think you can see the return hose with the spare tire in place. It is difficult when not using a lift, but if you look under the car about mid-way behind the rear passenger wheel and tail light panel, you will see the gas tank. If you look along the frame side rail you will see your gas lines. The large one will go to the bottom of the tank and sender, the other goes up to the return nipple. If your muffler isn't in the way you can almost see it. There is lots of space above the frame to feel around. Follow the fuel hose up with your hand and you will feel the nipple on the side. If it is leaking, you will more than likely feel gas running down that side of the tank. Seems to me the hose would last longer than the tank, but strange stuff happens. Good Luck stopping that leak.

|UPDATED|11/24/2003 12:34:15 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|

Thanks Red. So sounds like I'd be able to replace the return hose without removing the tank, right? Maybe just need to push the passenger side muffler out of the way? Please say yes. Hoping I don't have to go through the trouble of removing the tank, just to replace a leaky hose.

Steve

Yes, you can replace the return hose without removing the tank. There is a hose clamp on both ends that you may need to remove first. If you tug hard enough the hose may pull off. Any auto parts store should have the hose you need. Bring your old hose or measure for length as they will cut it from a roll. Good luck.