micktroup2

My car failed smog because the PO replaced the fuel pump but screwed up the seal. I can't afford to drop the tank to replace a cheap seal. They cut an access panel so I can reach the top of the tank. Can I just release the lock ring, lift the sending unit a couple of inches and use a Permatex liquid gasket or similar product to seal the tank?

Drew

iTrader: (58)

Wow. Why am I thinking if they'd just done the job right the first time you wouldn't have to go back in and replace a seal that should have been replaced...

Any fix in a tube is going to be a band-aid. You'll be right back here again in 6 months when the fix fails. It sounds like you need to remove the sending unit, and install a new O-ring.

_MIKE_P

iTrader: (1)

I'm currently reassembling my car after replacing a leaky tank. If they cut an access hole in the floor then its not that big a deal to replace the o-ring. I assume they cut and spliced the lines near the sending unit with fuel line and hose clamps? If the lines are still one piece from the sending unit to near the junction by the driver side rear wheel then it gets trickier as they wont fit through most reasonably sized access holes. Here's a picture of where a previous owner had to do to get it out. Once the sending unit is out, changing the o ring is cake (I dont have an in-tank fuel pump, just a carb pickup so im not sure if its any different in injected applications)

micktroup2

They didn't cut the lines- just backed a whole and then made a cut toward the driver's side to manouver the lines up I guess..I may just go the 'liquid o-ring route just to get it to pass smog and deal with it later.

Drew

iTrader: (58)

Might as well just try to tape it up with duct tape...

haps

iTrader: (4)

Don't be lazy, do it correctly. You're quibbling about 4hrs at the most. Repair the hole while you're at it.

micktroup2

Your right- it is only 4 hours labor. PM me and I will send you my address so you can mail me the funds. What part of 'I can't afford to drop the tank' wasn't legible in my initial post? All I was asking for was some constructive advise and I get this or 'duct tape'? You obviously got TARP money from The Messiah and are not struggling in this current economic climate. Nevermind, I will deal with this myself. Let's just have a moderator lock this thread because this is going nowhere and has become the last refuge of wiseasses and Masters of the Freaking Obvious!

haps

iTrader: (4)

"Afford" in your post could imply time vs. cost, which is why you're attempting to do it quickly. Perhaps a more informative post would yield better results....and apparently maintain a more healthy blood pressure. No need to get upset.

micktroup2

My blood pressure is fine- I just don't suffer fools gladly, so let me spell it out for Mr. 'duct tape' and others then...
Money is too tight at the moment for me to pay the shop to drop the tank and I don't have the facilities to do it myself. Consequently, I was wondering if the repair I proposed in my initial post was a) one that someone had tried in the past, b) was practical and c) would work, either temporarily or perminantly.
So, if you can answer 'yes' to the first question, please answer the next two.
That should be clear enough...and if you feel tempted to post 'might as well use duct tape' or 'do it properly' please don't- you will be wasting time better spent standing in line waiting for the latest 'call of duty' game release.

cIaRmOaCrZo

well aside from what everyone else is saying, and understanding what your situation actually is. it still involves a little bit of labor, that is IF the owner before you already cut the access panel, and already cut the hard lines. what you could do is undo the rubber lines they used to splice the hardlines back together, undo the retaining ring for the fuel pump. lift it up a little and take the new o-ring and slide it over the top. its possible to do with minimal stretch. but if the original owner did not do the access panel, splice lines, then in reality the labor will be longer. i can do the proper swap faster than i can do the hillbilly swap. dont forget you have to remove the rear trunk plastics and carpet too. (labor)

Drew

iTrader: (58)

Why do you think we're giving you **** for asking about a foolish repair? You're suggesting a band-aid, and you're being told from those with experience that it's not going to work and a more feasible fix isn't that difficult (or monetarily expensive). If they were able to get the pump out and change it through that hole, you can change an O-ring.

If you don't have the facilities or tools, or financial ability to replace a simple O-ring, what are you going to do when something serious fails next week or in the middle of winter? If you can't do it right, start saving your pennies for a bicycle or a bus pass, because that O-ring is going to be the least of your worries.

micktroup2

You know, you ask what seems a legitimate question about a possible repair option. You detail the economic restraints and concerns and layout what you are dealing with and do you get 'it is a possibility, Permatex runs a race car that only uses liquid gaskets' or 'no, I tried a similar fix and it didn't hold' or similar responses? No, you get 'duct tape' or Drew Trump giving economic advise! I thought this site was for enthusiasts to help each other? If you can't offer constructive advise or examples from experience, keep your opinions and your 'bus pass' advise to yourself!

Drew

iTrader: (58)

You're asking for help, you're asking for opinions and advice. That's exactly what you're getting, you're just too stubborn to accept that NO ONE ELSE thinks your idea is going to work. You're the one asking questions, clearly you don't know what you're doing. Other people are answering questions, maybe they have a clue what they're talking about?

You asked for my advice when you posted, stop being a crybaby and whining about my reply.

haps

iTrader: (4)

Precisely what you've asked for.

micktroup2

Crybaby? Your the one who is tossing around the insults. Douchbag. Forget I brought the subject up.

Drew

iTrader: (58)

Yeah Dipshit, obviously everyone else insulted you first. You need to adjust your attitude, especially since you're asking for our help.

Peace out, I'm done trying to help you.

92 BBC Z

Yes, its possible(assuming the access hole is big enough) to lift the pump assembly and use some kind of sealant. Possible to do yes, likley to hold, not so much. If you can lift the pump assembly high enough to put a good bead of sealant, then you could probaly use some long reach needle nose 45 degree plier's to snake a new o-ring/gasket/seal over the sock/strainer. The cost of the o-ring is about the same as any good sealant. The amount of time it takes to do this should be minimal and the labor or tools required also minimal, assuming you have some patience or skills to do so. This is the same advice as the other's, without the further comments. Take it or leave it.

micktroup2

THANK YOU '92 BBC Z'! I am seriously trying not to be sarcastic here, but your answer was succinct, informative and to the point and answered my question EXACTLY. I hope I can help another member as well as you just helped me... thank you again.

By the way, do you know how far the pump assembly extends from the seal? I was just wondering how far into the tank I might have to reach to snake the seal over it as you suggested. I might try taping it to the end of a wooden dowel to make it easier... then pull it up and out.

92 BBC Z

I'd say its about 8"-10" long give or take, but the problem is its shape. Its going to be a little tricky because of the float, its not straight up and down(not mounted in-line, verticle), its mounted 90 degree's on the end of a staff, which means you cant pull it straight up, your gunna have to turn it some. Whatever you do dont drop it in the tank or your going fishing.

micktroup2

That could be really tricky... I wonder how pliable that oring is, cause it might have to stretch a ways.

92 BBC Z

The worst thing you could do is drop it inside the tank, so tie a piece of string or saftey wire to secure it, that way if you do drop it, no big deal, just pull on the line to retrieve. Think of the o-ring seal as King-Kong's ****-ring, its about 4" dia and pretty tough to tear. I think with a little patience you could do it.

_MIKE_P

iTrader: (1)

I did some more work and took some relevant photos:






Old ring slides down, new one you just slide over the float and then the sock and its good to go. (This is a non-FI carb style pickup, again I'm not sure if the FI setups have any additional steps.)



In the last one I tried pulling the ring over the top the of the fuel sender and lock ring to test your theory, seems to work okay and doesn't appear to stress the o ring that much. You will have to thread the wiring harness through the ring as well if you go from the top (unless you cut and splice it).

Also the gasket I pulled from the stock tank appeared to have some sort of built in metal reinforcement (possibly oem?) while the replacement gasket that shipped with the new tank was just a giant flexible o-ring. The metal reinforced one probably would not be able to be stretched over the top and would require pulling the sender out of the tank.

_MIKE_P

iTrader: (1)

Crusty, possibly original, ring I pulled. Has the rubber cast around a metal ring with some metal retaining tabs.

micktroup2

Firstly, kudos to Mike_P and 92 BBC Z for their help. This is how we help each other on this site... who knows, one day YOU might have an unusual problem or a unique idea for a solution.
Anyway, I just got back from Autozone, where I picked up a tube of gasket sealant. it is the kind that remains soft after curing.
I pulled up the carpet and peeled back the access door(!). I could smell gasoline, BIG TIME! Using a piece of aluminum and a wood block, I gently knocked the retaining ring free- it seemed a bit loose, actually. I gingerly raised the pump up and there was the o-ring. It was pliable, plump and where it should be. Curious, could it be this simple...? Do I really not have to figure out a way to get that thing off of King Kong?

I gently replaced it, inspected the ring for dents or defects and replaced the pump/sending unit. I then tapped the ring back into place, making sure to rotate it AS FAR AS IT WOULD GO.
I started the car- no smell around the tank! And I have pressure at the cap! After all the worry and concern about dropping the tank, getting the o-ring over the pump etc, it LOOKS LIKE the previous owner didn't seat the lock ring and/or o-ring properly. With a bit of luck, I can pass smog tomorrow! And I don't have to drop the tank until I am ready to repair the hack job of an 'access port'.

to those with constructive suggestion and a to those without.

Drew

iTrader: (58)

Hey , are you really too stupid to figure out you just did what I suggested in the very first reply to this thread? LOL Not only were you given good advice, which solved your problem, but it was given to you in a polite manner until YOU let your attitude get the best of you. It's not our problem, it's your problem. Thanks for the laughs, jackass.

micktroup2

What is this Drew, high school or do you spend your time gossiping on Facebook? Jesus! For the record, your first suggestion was replace the o-ring...Duh! When I emphasized that it did not look like I could get the unit out far enough to do that- hence my idea of a liquid gasket alternative- your next suggestion was DUCT TAPE, so stop acting like you were such a big help.
There were over 800,000 of these things made, so they are as plentiful as hell... Next time I come up with some 'hillbilly' idea that may offend some elitist like yourself I will just go ahead and do it without asking for advise, just in case some purist gets the vapors.
Usually, you look to see how long a person has been on the board to gauge how much knowledge they may have. Both Mike_P and 92 BBC Z are just 'regular guys' but ironically were very helpful. In your case, I think 'senior member' just means 'old dick'...

89fbrestor

lolololol sorry but the back and forth on here was pretty funny. anyway glad you got it figured out. i just dropped my tank last night as I'm doing a motor swap and needing a better fuel pump for my hp goals. all i can say is that tank sucks to drop. if you were able to do it the way suggested easier then dropping it, good deal.

micktroup2

Pretty pathetic, huh? All I wanted was a little help... Finally got it drom a couple of great guys. Funny that all I had was a lose lock ring. Good luck with the project!

92purplehaze

iTrader: (8)

WOW...so....yea...getting on topic here...where can I find a replacement o-ring?

micktroup2

This is what I found...

http://www.carpartswholesale.com/v5/...g101fuseuno-91

Drew

iTrader: (58)

I didn't suggest actually using duct tape. I said that your fix idea had as much chance of working as duct tape. It's not my fault that you are too stupid to figure that out. I guess I should have expected rampant stupidity since you posted a question about fixing a gas tank on the body forum.

micktroup2

If I am 'stupid' for posting a question about a fuel tank on the Body forum- seems a reasonable place to me- then what does that say about you, being the first person to respond on the subject? And what are you saying about everyone else who helped me? The problem is solved already- go insult someone else.

Drew

iTrader: (58)

What does it say about me? It says that I happened upon the thread, in spite of being in completely the wrong place, and made an effort to point you in the right direction. It says I'm helpful, if somewhat intolerant. Within 15 minutes you got a reply with good advice. You chose to ignore my advice and insult me for my efforts. You actually have the gall to suggest that anyone but yourself set the negative tone by throwing around insults. So sincerely, fellate me.

http://visual.merriam-webster.com/tr...obile/body.php
"Body" in auto terms, generally refers to the external, painted surfaces of the car. Like hoods, doors, fenders, etc... In other words Body parts... The fact that you consider fixing a leaky gas tank as body work, or a relevant topic on a "Body" forum, tells me that you are an imbecile. That and wanting to fix a leaky O-ring with RTV. The two together is enough to make the case. Arguing with the people trying to help you, just drives the point home.

The stupidity in your posts is the kind of thing I'd expect from an arrogant teenager. For someone of your age to be so inept, I'd suspect some kind of mental deficiency. Good luck in your endeavors. I'm sure I won't be the last person to insult you.