Air leak at fuel tank fittings?

[sutor623]

Hey guys, I have installed some clear hoses in my fuel system to find an intermittent idle/hard start issue issue. I have found enough air coming in from the gas tank to concern me with leaky fittings. I have isolated the air as coming in after the fuel tank and before the fuel/water separator.

I have an aluminum tank with aluminum fittings. There is an anti-siphon valve installed. Would it be appropriate to just tighten the two fittings 1/8 turn with the wrench? Or do I need to full remove the fittings to check the pickup tube and the re-apply thread sealant to the fittings before tightening back down? I am concerned that I will crack a weld or damage the aluminum fittings if I remove them.

 

[sutor623]

Here are the fittings.

 

[Grub54891]

Well, if it was mine, I'd re-seal and replace everything that looks bad. It's possible the pickup tube in the tank is corroded enough to leak above the fuel level. Check that also. Your last pic looks like an anti siphon valve, bot to tell you have to remove it. Just put a wrench on the tank fitting, and one on the nipple and take it off, clean it up, and re-seal, install. If it's not an anti siphon valve, get one! We are talking about you safety and your passengers.

 

[sutor623]

Well, if it was mine, I'd re-seal and replace everything that looks bad. It's possible the pickup tube in the tank is corroded enough to leak above the fuel level. Check that also. Your last pic looks like an anti siphon valve, bot to tell you have to remove it. Just put a wrench on the tank fitting, and one on the nipple and take it off, clean it up, and re-seal, install. If it's not an anti siphon valve, get one! We are talking about you safety and your passengers.

Thanks! I am not concerned about getting the nipple out because like you said I can put a wrench on the tank fitting. But I am worried about getting that square tank fitting out. Should I just put a wrench on her and twist after I get the nipple off?

 

[Grub54891]

Yes, Never broke one myself. It just looks scary. Them welds are strong, and if it does break, god forbid.... it would have broke while underway, and not very nice things would happen....

 

[sutor623]

No Title

Thanks for your input Grub. I called the tank MFG and they set me up with all new parts. They told me that the pickup tube is nylon heat shrunk onto the aluminum stem. Got me a new anti-siphon valve and nipple also.

I wasn't quite as concerned as snapping a weld as I was snapping the aluminum stem on the pickup tube, leaving the threaded end stuck down in the tank!!!!!! Following pic shows what I am afraid of!!! Maybe some PB blaster will do the trick.



The manufacturer also told me to simply use anti-seize on the threads of the fittings, and it will keep the tank air-tight as well as allow me to remove the fittings down the road. Does that seem like a good idea?

 

[Grub54891]

I use aviation sealant, The brown stuff available at Napa. Fuel safe. Wow, never broke one like that! pb should help, and if it seems to be binding, work it back and forth a bit as ya unscrew it, spray it as ya go. It'll be fine. The one in the pic was probably cross threaded at a point in it's life. The threads actually heat up and gall slow is good.....

 

[sutor623]

Ok sounds good.

Or I could try a propane torch if all else fails.........................
Hahahah, JK, don't try that kiddies!!!!!!!!!!!:laugh: