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MG TD TF 1500 - Fuel Tank Leak

I seem to have a slow leak in my gas tank around the fuel gauge unit. I took the tank off, cleaned up the area,
made a gasket out of cork and refit it all back together, using lock tight in the screws. Did I miss anything? Or is there a better gasket to try other than cork?
thanks
scott
Scott

Scott,
If using cork should be soaked in oil (or at least water) first for best seal! I haven't had much luck with "dry cork" giving a very good seal.
Cheers,
David 55 TF 1500
David Sheward

Scott,

I tried to fix mine with a cork gasket and Yamabond sealer. But, the flange on my sender was bent and I didn't try to straighten it 'cause I was afraid it'd crack. I used new screws from Moss, though. It actually stopped weeping after a few weeks, as if the sealer eventually "set up" or flowed into the space where it was leaking. So, I guess I have to recommend Yamabond. I got it at a motorcycle shop (the guy at the shop said "hey, they use it to seal crankcase halves at the factory so it must be good").

My sender still didn't (and still doesn't) work :( Since then, I've been advised it's best to just take the tank off to do the work - much easier to work on, examine, and take apart again....and again.... Plus you won't get gasoline in your eyes and sealer on your new tee-shirt!

Greg
Greg Van Hook

Scott,
Go to an aviation repair shop at the airport using airport transfers tunbridge wells. Ask for aircraft fuel tank sealer ($20-30). It comes in a plastic tube that you must mix, they'll tell you how to mix it. I used a drill to turn it so it would mix thoroughly. Make sure the surfaces are clean and dry. Apply evenly, a good coat to tank and unit, no gasket. put together, install screws. DO NOT OVER TORQUE SCREWS!! Allow at least 48 hours before putting fuel in tank. NOTE! DO NOT GET IT ON YOUR HANDS, WEAR RUBBER GLOVES! OH!! hope you never have to remove the unit again. Mine does not leak any more.

Cheers,

Don
Don

Hey
thanks for the help.
Do you know the part number for the screws from moss?
thanks again
scott
scott

Moss 323-728 $2.15
Don

Scott,

Before you permanently seal your sending unit to your tank ala Don's aircraft fuel tank sealer try a product called "Gasoila". This is a paste that is used by the petroleum industry for sealing around threads and is not affected by gasoline (or petroleum/alcohol mixtures).

http://www.unitedsign.com/store/listcategoriesandproducts.asp?idCategory=796

As usual the following disclaimers apply: no vested interest in thecompany, no kickback expected (but accepted if offered).

It does work - and is useful on *ALL* fuel system joints to stop leaks.
Gene Gillam

W/ the gasolia do i need to use a gasket w/ it or just it by itself?
scott
Scott

Scott,

Yes, you need your gasket - everything assembles as before - you just put a light coat of gasoila on everything.

Like I mentioned above, it's good to use on the threads of all the fuel connections and on the copper and aluminum compression gaskets in your fuel lines. You'll hardly use any so the smallest quantity you can buy will last a long time.

Gene

Gene Gillam

Chaps, I recently made the mistake of changing the sending unit on my TF, 'cos the light was always on. I fitted a new cork gasket, and re-used the screws. These had fibre washers, and made a fuel-tight seal on the original. When I had fitted the new unit, there was some seepage at the bottom srews, which seemed to go away when I tightened them a bit more. However this weekend I put more fuel in the tank, and put the car away in the garage. Shortly after, went in the garage - strong smell of petrol. Looked underneath, and fuel was dribbling out at the sending unit. No amount of tighteneing made a difference. So I had to drain off three gallons of fuel and take the unit off again. The cork seal seems ok, but the fuel leaks past the screw threads of the flange and the coverplate. It seems the fibre washers were effective when new, but not on re-use, so I have to try and find some more in the small size. I will also use sealant (Blue Hylomar) on all the screw threads (and the new gasket). If anyone else has to do this job - it is much easier if you take the tank off first!! I didn't and got soaked in petrol, as did the garage floor, which now smells like a leaky service station. I should have kept with my dipstick!!! AB
Adrian Bennett

This thread was discussed between 05/12/2002 and 11/12/2002

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