Fuel Line Leaking Question
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: New Palestine IN
Fuel Line Leaking Question
Help, I have a 76 and just got the paint done last week. I have had it down since last October. I have drove it for about a week and yesterday found fuel running out from the right rear quarter behind the tire. Very strange, it seamed to be running between the seams of the quarter and the inner works. I could not see any thing inside from underneath. I do see the fuel lines running on top of the frame rail on this side and appears to be in good shape. I started it and let it idle and did not see any leaks and it did not leak again from the quarter. Has any one seen this? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 6,355
Likes: 425
From: Seattle Area WA
What kind of shape is the fuel tank in, any signs of rust? You can also check the rubber hoses on top of the tank that attach to the steel lines, maybe they are cracked. Regardless, this is a dangerous scenario, gas in the vicinity of the exhaust system that needs to be addressed ASAP.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: New Palestine IN
All appears to be in good shape. The fuel level is low and I was going to fill it later that evening. So if the rubber tube was bad I don't think it could have splashed out. Is there a return line? If the feed line is rusted with a hole would it suck air and not leak tell setting? Would the return line leak running under pressure. Thanks for your help!!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 6,355
Likes: 425
From: Seattle Area WA
On the right side you will have a larger supply line and a smaller diameter return line which is under pressure when the engine is running.
If the supply line had a hole it would leak regardless. If the supply hose was cracked, it wouldn't splash out, it would get sucked out with the engine running.
Also note that your '76 uses a rubber bladder in the fuel tank, if it has a hole, the gas should not leak out of the tank assuming the tank does not have any rust pinholes.
I'd take a good look at the rubber hoses coming off the top of the tank too, however that big shield makes it kind of tough to get a good look without dropping the tank.
If the supply line had a hole it would leak regardless. If the supply hose was cracked, it wouldn't splash out, it would get sucked out with the engine running.
Also note that your '76 uses a rubber bladder in the fuel tank, if it has a hole, the gas should not leak out of the tank assuming the tank does not have any rust pinholes.
I'd take a good look at the rubber hoses coming off the top of the tank too, however that big shield makes it kind of tough to get a good look without dropping the tank.
Last edited by Scott Marzahl; May 23, 2008 at 01:27 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
You need to replace the synthetic rubber lines connected to your fuel tank. One is probably cracked near a hose clamp. That has to be your problem, and since they are 30+ years old, just get it done. In addition to new clamps and hoses, buy a couple of rubber end caps for the fittings on the tank; that way you can cap the "leaks" [when you pull the old hoses] until you are ready to hook the new ones up. Make sure your garage is open to lots of fresh air [to clear fumes] and disconnect your battery so there is no chance of a spark. It's a pretty easy job if you are properly prepared. You may want to drop the spare tire and carrier to get easy access; and then you have a good reason to clean that up, as well.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 14,112
Likes: 28
From: Florida
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,907
Likes: 229
From: Oakbank Manitoba
While tackling this repair.....keep the incandescent trouble light away. Use a LED or compact fluorescent style instead. A member in the C4 section just destroyed his car and garage this spring after some fuel ignited from dripping on his touble light.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: New Palestine IN
Thanks for all the advise. I have the exhast removed and the cross member that holds the tank straps off. I have the tank loose and half out. It will not drop all the way out. The front of the tank drops, the back seam gets caught on the rear frame cross rail. Any suggestions, should I have to fight it? I don't want to pry it foward to clear the frame rail. Wife is making me take her to dinner, I will check back as soon as I get back. Thanks for the help.
