Gas Tank removal/repair

[Purple73Cuda]

It appears I have developed a pinhole in the gas tank over the winter. Does anyone have a way to fix the leak until I can replace it?
When I pull the tank, do I need to remove the rear valance panel (73 "Cuda)?

[tommyg29]

not sure if you absolutely have to, but it sure makes it a LOT easier if you can. The valance panel is only about 8 bolts. Took me about 5 minutes to get it off.

[4Cruizn]

There is some putty available that claim to be able to plug gas tank leaks.  I had a leak in the hardtop in the 1980's and had a radiator shop coat and seal my tank and it still looks pretty good.  This was before replacement tanks were available.

[purple1]

When I went to Carlisle in 2007 I ran over something and punched a good size hole in the tank. Got some of that tank repair stuff that you kneed together and then apply. I bought a new tank but have not needed to put it on yet. That stuff is still holding fine.

You might try something like that for now.

Dave

[Bullitt-]

Plugged a leak in a water heater tank once with a good sized sheet metal screw & some sealant...never did leak there again. 

[Chryco Psycho]

it is difficult to get to the bolts that hold the tank straps with the valance on , it is much easier if you remove the valance

[Super Blue 72]

I had a similar situation with a pin hole leak.  I tried the putty stuff and maybe I didn't clean it well enough since it didn't stop the leak completely.  In theory it should work.

I ended up getting a tank from Rock Auto.  I think with  customer coupon code discount that pops up once in a while (some members will post the code to use here and there) it ended up costing me like $155, which is a pretty decent price.  This was like 2-3 years ago.

I think most of the tank are from Spectre industries in Canada.  You can tell when you shop around and the vendors use the same part number for the same tank.

Dunno about the Cuda but for a Challenger the rear valance can stay on so long as you can geta deep socket on the J-bolt for the tank straps.  I have ahunch that the rear valance on a Cuda is closer to the tank as the rear valance has provisions for the end of the leaf springs to have room...

[Purple73Cuda]

I will have to check on prices for a tank. I will probably try the putty until I replace the tank. Can anyone recommend a brand of putty that works well?

[tommyg29]

whatever you do....do it right. You dont fool around with fuel leaks. Especially if you keep the car anywhere near your home!

[cudax34me]

You might also check with your local radiator shop.The one I use hot tanked and welded up a couple of holes in mine.Don't remember the cost but was reasonable.

[Topcat]

I would replace the tank. But if you have to patch it till funds are better you can find this type of product at most auto retailers.

http://shop.oreillyauto.com/ProductDetail.aspx?MfrCode=CGO&MfrPartNumber=16002&CategoryCode=3373G

[swede-cuda]

 :wave:hm,it could be a good thing,a new fuel tank,nice and clean and so on.but are these reproductions good copys of the originals,do they have those inner expansion tankstuff in them,and if not whats the difference if you use your car alot?will it matter???

[tommyg29]

good question swede.
I just installed a replacement tank and it does not have the separator in it. Not sure how that will affect anything.

[Purple73Cuda]

:wave:hm,it could be a good thing,a new fuel tank,nice and clean and so on.but are these reproductions good copys of the originals,do they have those inner expansion tankstuff in them,and if not whats the difference if you use your car alot?will it matter???

What is the inner expansion tank?
I am leaning towards buying a new tank shortly.

[500Stroker]

When mine sprung a leak I cut off a 1" piece of rubber fuel line, sliced one side, flattened it out, put a hex head sheet metal screw threw it and screwed it into the hole in the tank. No more leak.  A few months later when I replaced the tank I removed the screw and used the hole to drain the tank.