Gas leak... thoughts?

Discussion in 'Wet behind the ears??' started by Selykg, Jun 16, 2017.

  1. Selykg

    Selykg Member

    Hey all,

    I have a '72 Skylark that unfortunately has been sitting for a few years. I bought a house and that was the event that caused me to start it up and move it for the first time in awhile and after doing so it sat again for a month until I started it up just to keep fluids moving through the system.

    During that last run I noticed gas dripping pretty heavily on the floor. I turned it off not wanting to cause a fire or something else.

    It stops leaking as soon as the engine is off (other than whatever remnants of gas were already leaking). Turn it on, leaks begin again.

    It's not because the tank is over filled, it has maybe 1/4 of a tank. It's also not leaking from the tank in any visible area of the car that I can see. My suspicion is that the fuel line or around the sending unit has sprung a leak or a hole or something along those lines.

    Any tips or ideas on the best way to tackle this? Drain the tank, pull it and get to fixing or is this a problem that can be fixed in a more straight forward manner?

    Thanks!
     
  2. lemmy-67

    lemmy-67 Platinum Level Contributor

    What is the location of the leak? Front or rear of the vehicle? If it is the front, check the lines between the fuel pump and the firewall. If it is in the rear, drop the tank and check the lines from the send unit at the top of the tank. Sounds like the lines to the pump are your issue.
     
  3. BYoung

    BYoung Stage me

    Have you been under the car to take a look? Very possible the rubber line connecting the metal line from the tank to the metal line going to the fuel pump has rotted or been chewed on by some varmint. If so, it's an easy fix. Get 3/8 inch fuel line from parts store to replace.
     
  4. Selykg

    Selykg Member

    Thanks guys!

    The leak is just above the fuel tank. Towards the rear diff. Having not pulled the tank before, i assume this is roughly the location of the sending unit and all that stuff, so the leak is most likely coming from there. Just wanted some eye balls on the idea before i started ripping things apart. Hopefully it's as easy as a rubber line that needs replacing. I have enough other issues I want to get fixed that cost small fortunes (battery tray rust repair, disc brakes for the front at least, and some suspension upgrades).
     
  5. BYoung

    BYoung Stage me

    The location leads me to believe it's the rubber fuel line connection. That would be nice. No need to lower or drop the tank to fix it.
     
  6. flynbuick

    flynbuick Guest

    While you are engaged also change the rubber gas lines under the hood to the fuel pump and the short set half way down the frame just about the location of the driver's side door.
     
    Selykg likes this.

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