Johnson 6 fuel leak

[dfb]

Sorry I posted this earlier on I/O forum. <br />Bulb on my 1967 Johnson 6 doesn't get hard. When pumping sounds like air is getting into line with gas. Engine will run for about 5 min then stop (fuel starve?). I noticed gas leaking at connection between line and gas tank (6 gallon metal tank) when pumping bulb. I bought new fuel line, bulb and connectors but the leak at the line/tank interface persists with pumping bulb. Can the male adaptor on the gas tank go bad? The male adaptor is part of the gas level indicator and can't be separately removed. The newer tanks have a threaded port to put in new male connectors on the tank. Any advise appreciated. I hope I don't have to buy a new tank. I'm sentimental towards the old metal tank. Tank looks like this but doesn't have threaded 1/4" npt port (http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wc...Id=10001&classNum=79&subdeptNum=78&storeNum=6)

 

[NMplayer]

Re: Johnson 6 fuel leak

If it was me, I'd buy one of those cheap ten dollar wal-mart tanks and the fitting to go with it. That way you'd know and you'd have a spare tank just in case, and it doesn't cost much.

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: Johnson 6 fuel leak

DFB..... Look closely at that tank male fuel connector and you'll see two small pins protruding from it which the female connector pushes in when connected. One is a fuel valve, the other is a air vent valve.<br /><br />The (pin) fuel valve is leaking which allows air to enter the system, which in turn causes the fuel pump to draw air.... and the engine will not run on air.<br /><br />Those connectors can be repaired by mechanics that know what they're doing. However, at the present labor rates, you may be justified in doing exactly what NMplayer suggests... purchase the cheaper tank at Wal*Mart.

 

[dfb]

Re: Johnson 6 fuel leak

Thank you for the great ideas. This forum is awesome!!! I don't know what I'm doing, but will try to take apart and clean the valves on the gas tank fitting. If that doesn't work will buy new tank. Will try to give feedback.

 

[dfb]

Re: Johnson 6 fuel leak

Joe,<br />can you give any clues as to what may be causing the valve to leak? Can the valve be cleaned? Is there a kit I can buy to rebuild the valve? Any help will be appreciated before I dive into this project.<br />dfb

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: Johnson 6 fuel leak

Another option might be to check your local marina. The fuel fitting cartridge on the tank might be bad, but there's a good chance your local marina has a pile of junk tanks out back with gunk/junk/rust in the bottoms. Quite often the fuel fittings are still fine...<br />- Scott

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: Johnson 6 fuel leak

DFB.... There are tiny "O" Rings in/behind the small core plugs that cover those valves. Usually it's the "O" Rings that go bad.

 

[dfb]

Re: Johnson 6 fuel leak

thanks to all for the helpful information. At least I know what the problem is. Joe was right (of course) about the leaking seal on the gasoline pin on the tank connector. I looked at it last night. I don't think it was designed to be taken apart and rebuilt. It seems like it would be a major job. At any rate there is no way in H-, E-, double L- that I would be able to do the job. I also called the people at Tempo Tanks about replacement parts. They said the part is obsolete and not available. So NMplayer hit the nail on the head with the recommendation to get a new plastic tank. I will be so happy if I can run my motor without it starving for fuel and with fuel leaking all over the tank. Thanks to all.

 

[dfb]

Re: Johnson 6 fuel leak

The new tank with fitting (~$17) from walmart did the trick. Also no gas leaking out around the tank. What should I do with the old metal 6 gallon tank with the bad fuel fitting cartridge (leak gas valve)? It doesn't have any dents and the paint is in good condition (all writing text is legible). Sell on ebay??? I haven't been able to locate a replacement fuel fitting cartridge for the tank.