2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Fuel Leak

[JTitone]

For the past 6 months I've had a fuel leak from the top of the fuel tank where all the connections go into the tank. It wasn't bad at first, just a few drips, but now it's about a quarter cup per day. I've tried to get a good look at the troubled area but there's barely enough room to get a hand up there to feel around. It seems to drip whether or not the truck is running and at any level of fuel in the tank. I'm thinking it's gotta be one of the fuel lines. Is this fixable without dropping the tank? And if it involvels new fuel lines does anyone have a recommendation for something other or better than stock. If so, will any auto parts place carry the parts? If the tank needs to be dropped any good resource with "how to" instructions?



Jim T

1998. 5, 2500 SLT, Ext Cab, 2wd, Fass DDRP, Isspro Mech Fuel Pressure, MBRP Stainless Exhaust, Linux Bed

 

[HHhuntitall]

Jim, I've seen several problems here. One is the O-ring quick connect fittings between the tank and fuel lines on top of the tank. If not connected fully or if the o-rings have failed, that can be a source of the leak. If you're truck is running good, with no stalls or loss of prime, I'd guess it'd be the return line that's leaking. There could be a hole in a line, but usually that's not the case. You can, perhaps, loosen the tank, and lower it a short distance to gain access to it. I can, with a factory bed, look in from the outside of the frame, and see what I'm doing, although it's a tight fit. Usually I just lower the tank a few inches with a jack, so I can get in and reach it. As far as How to? I can only give you some guidelines. I'd say a floorjack with a block on it, with as little fuel as possible in it. Loosen the two strap bolts, let it down enough to reach the fuel lines, and do what you have to do... ... if there is too much fuel in the tank, it could be hard to handle, even with a jack under it. Letting it down too far will stress the fuel lines, so pay attention to those while letting it down. The quick connect fittings press into the tank fittings... . uh, those are pretty simple, there are two tabs on each side that snap into the fittings when pressed in far enough... ... . if you look around, you should be able to find some pics and procedure notes on here.....

 

[DFerverda]

I would vote for the big o ring on the lid or fuel line, (return) If it was the feed line, you would as stated above have issues with it running do to air.

I used a draw straw , Here
Vulcan compound turbo components, AirDog Systems, FireBall injectors, DrawStraw™, Big Line Kits, VP silicone boot kits, gauge installation components, metric adapters & fittings, FASS, Quadzilla, Edge,AirDog, DTT Trans, ISSPRO, HTT Turbo, AFE, Veg pu

I have never dropped the tank, i lift the bed. 8 bolts and a couple electrical connectors and the fuel fill (3 screws) and remove the cap and the bed will lift straight up with a chain hoist or even a come a long.
Then you don't have to worry about bending or breaking any lines, and if need be you could start the truck to see what leaks. (Don't let the bed swing around and hit or drop it on yourself)
Good luck

 

[JTitone]

Thanks to those who responded to my question on the fuel leak. From the majority of opinions, raising the bed is the preferred method to getting at the top of the fuel tank. Especially in light of the fact my tank is 3/4's full. The question I have for DFerverda, when you raised your bed, did you replace the mounting bolts with new bolts as the manual says? Would coating the old bolts with lock-tite be sufficient?



Jim T

1998. 5 24V, SLT, ext cab, 2wd, Fass DDRP, MBRP S/S exhaust, Isspro mech fuel pressure gauge, linux bed.