OMC Gas Tank Leaking Through the Glass Gauge on Top of Tank

[mooring]

I just picked up a used OMC Gas tank. It is the one with the glass gauge with the red needle that moves back and forth (as opposed to the one with the round window that you looked through to see numbers).

I just filled the tank for the first time. On the way home I started to smell gasoline. It was clear that gas was sloshing in the full tank and seeping out somewhere near the glass gauge and running down the tank. I think this is a large opening as I still smell gasoline in my garage after the tank has been sitting stationary for a week.

I checked the screws on the tank gauge and they are tight. I didn't back them off, becuase I don't know if something on the "otherside" would drop into the tank.

Is there a simple gasket fix for this--or do I need to take it to a dealer. I don't see any apparent crack in the glass gauge, but maybe it's cracked below where I can see?

Thanks for all advice.

 

[Doubles Shooter]

Re: OMC Gas Tank Leaking Through the Glass Gauge on Top of Tank

Go to NAPA or other parts store and get some fuel resistant gasket material. A few minutes with a razor blade and you're back in business. You can take the screws out with no worries, the nuts are part of the tank. I did this to a used tank last year and all is well. Good luck.

 

[mooring]

Re: OMC Gas Tank Leaking Through the Glass Gauge on Top of Tank

Thanks so much for your suggestions.

Today I took the four screws holding the fuel connector/fuel gauge assembly out. I discovered that there are actually three gaskets in this setup. First, there is a gasket between the tank and the assembly--that one looked old, but find and no apparent leaks. The second is between the float/gauge assembly--this is a rectangular rubber gasket about 1/8" thick. This one was not continous and I'm thinking was responsible for my leaking (see picture). The third is on the underside of the glass gauge assembly--this one also looked old, but in good shape with no apparent leaking.



I did go to several OMC marines to see if they had the gasket--nope.

I bought some black gasket former stuff that said it was oil resistant. I'm not very good at this stuff, but tried my best. I don't think it's gonig to work because the original gasket was 1/8" think and the glass gauge was compressed against this rubber. I may not have used enough of the "make your own gasket goop" to fill all the space as when I put it all together, nothing squeezed out. As a backup, I tried to put some of the "make your won gasket goo" between the glass gauge and the cast iron assembly from the top side--doesn't look pretty, but I glopped it on trying for a second seal. Directions said to allow 24 hours for cure--so will have to see what happens tomorrow afternoon.

If this doesn't work, my only hope is that the "make your own gasket goop" will come off easily.

When I put this back in/on the tank, should I use some of the "make your own gasket goop" between the assembly and the tank?

A friend stopped by to look at my mess--that stuff is pretty sticky and gets on everything. He said I should have used Seal-All http://www.eclecticproducts.com/sealall.htm which he said is a good glue as well as a sealant. Anyone use this stuff? He said it was hard to get off if you make a mistake.

Thanks again for the help.