fuel leak from back of tank where carb-tank pipe goes in

Post by **ssnjimb** » Sun Mar 22, 2009 1:38 pm

Hello Folks

Went to change the axle oil and top up dampers today and noticed an infrequent drip from the brass nut.

The brass nut is not turned all the way into the tank anyway.

What temporay repairs can i do to this.

I have drained the tank.

James

Post by **bmcecosse** » Sun Mar 22, 2009 1:48 pm

No 'temporary' repairs! You either try to tighten it - or loosen it! Risks are - it may shear off and/or round off on the spanner flats if completely seized - and/or it may be crossthreaded.
If my car - I would probably try to loosen it slightly to determine if it's cross threaded - and if ok - then tighten it and see if the leak stops. Just check when you turn it that it's not twisting the petrol pipe as it turns. Probably a good idea to get a new pipe and fittings asap - possibly before you attempt anything!

Post by **ssnjimb** » Sun Mar 22, 2009 1:53 pm

will the brass nut be seized in the tank. will i need a new tank

I only saw it when i was doing the top up on the dampers i was about the change the axle oil.

thanks for your reply bmc

Post by **bmcecosse** » Sun Mar 22, 2009 3:49 pm

Hopefully not - brass won't 'seize' in steel. But my concern is it may be crossthreaded - and jammed. But if you can back it off a bit and then tighten it may be ok! Squirt a bit of release fluid on it, and have a cuppa while that soaks in - although likely it's nice and wet with petrol already!

Post by **ssnjimb** » Sun Mar 22, 2009 4:31 pm

i managed to remove the fuel pipe and found that it had two very small holes on it.

I will be off to bull motif spares to get a new fuel pipe etc

James

Thanks for the tips bmc

Post by **bmcecosse** » Sun Mar 22, 2009 7:19 pm

Well found - and an unusual failure! Put a bit of Copper Slip (or grease would do) on the fitting when you screw it back into the tank.

Post by **ssnjimb** » Sun Mar 22, 2009 7:44 pm

it looks like it was perhaps twisted on installation

The pipe is nickel i think the kind that brake lines can be made from instead of the usual copper pipe.

The shock absorbers took loads to fill up i think the passenger side was nearly empty

James

Post by **bmcecosse** » Sun Mar 22, 2009 10:15 pm

Kunifer pipe maybe ? Dampers needing oil suggests they may be leaking. But if the leak is 'slight' they may last a long time. In theory leaking dampers is MOT fail - so wipe away any obvious leak before the test. I reckon they wouldn't have a fill plug if they weren't expected to leak at least slightly! You may find that after some use - the dampers can take more oil as trapped air rises to the surface. But don't fill them right to the very top - there should be an air space.

Post by **ssnjimb** » Mon Mar 23, 2009 8:33 am

The dampers had no signs of leaking when i looked but they could have leaked years ago.

The dampers looked untouched the filler cap on top looked like it had never been removed before.

The fuel pipe will be replaced today.

James

Post by **chrisd87** » Mon Mar 23, 2009 12:34 pm

I had to replace the fuel pipe for Sarah's MOT last month. Strangely both parts (tank -> pump & pump -> carb) decided to start leaking within about a month of each other. The pump to carb one was more alarming though - I got out of the car after using it and there was a really strong smell of petrol. Investigated and the pipe had been leaking petrol onto the exhaust pipe