2.3L ('83-'97) Fuel leak, 1989 base model

[BuckHilt]

I just bought this truck and the first time I filled it up, gas started dripping at the front of the tank (I put 13 gallons in it(, no idea how much I had since the fuel gauge is not reading. It stopped leaking after about 200 miles. What to do next??
I got a fuel pump with the truck - Precision P/N A27004.

 

[scotts90ranger]

If it only leaks when it's full, it's probably the filler neck or a vent. Best bet is to pull the bed and have a look. The bed bolts are T55 torx, the fuel filler neck is held on with 3 bolts with 7mm heads then there's the tail light connector drivers side by the bumper, two people can lift the bed with the tailgate off, wear gloves and lift at the wheel wells and just walk it back a little

 

[BuckHilt]

Filer neck was shot, replaced it and it leaks worse now! The leak seems to be under the cab, so I'm going to have to drop the tankk anyway.
What's the best way to fix a leak?

 

[scotts90ranger]

Under the cab is just the fuel filter, if under the the middle of the drivers door. There's a coupler for the return line there too sometimes The rest is hard line so not too likely to break.

 

[Shran]

Plastic tank?

If so I'd try to plastic weld it. Maybe some kind of epoxy would work too, I dunno.

 

[Dirtman]

I find the best way to fix a leak starts with finding what's leaking...

 

[scotts90ranger]

That's what I was getting at... is it mainly when it's running or does it leak just sitting? Does it matter how much fuel is in the tank? Too many variables... there's nothing under the cab connecting to the tank other than what you saw with the bed off changing the filler neck, unless something sharp and just the right size got between the fuel tank and bottom of the cab and punctured the top of the tank or something stupid. If it's only when running, it's probably one of the joints by the radius arm mount inside the frame rail.

 

[BuckHilt]

I have changed the fuel pump and the filler hose. The bed is off. The last time I filled the tank it took 14.25 gallons. It was not leaking before I put gas in. It had been about 100 miles since I put gas in. My fuel gauge didn't wok (old pump assembly), so I would put $10 in it and run about 100 mile and repeat. NO leaks doing that.
The part of the tank that is visible with the bed off is dry. The leak with a full tank is a steady drip that overfilled a gallon can overnight and continued to leak.
Does anyone know what type of plastic is used in the tank?

 

[BuckHilt]

Plastic tank?

If so I'd try to plastic weld it. Maybe some kind of epoxy would work too, I dunno.

What type of plastic is the tank made of?

 

[BuckHilt]

That's what I was getting at... is it mainly when it's running or does it leak just sitting? Does it matter how much fuel is in the tank? Too many variables... there's nothing under the cab connecting to the tank other than what you saw with the bed off changing the filler neck, unless something sharp and just the right size got between the fuel tank and bottom of the cab and punctured the top of the tank or something stupid. If it's only when running, it's probably one of the joints by the radius arm mount inside the frame rail.

Leaks all the time running or not.

 

[scotts90ranger]

That sounds like a hole in the fuel tank. With the bed off, it's not hard to take out and it should be HDPE (or is it LDPE?), if you can find the leak the soldering iron style plastic welder from Harbor Freight comes with some strips of plastic that should be compatible

 

[BuckHilt]

That sounds like a hole in the fuel tank. With the bed off, it's not hard to take out and it should be HDPE (or is it LDPE?), if you can find the leak the soldering iron style plastic welder from Harbor Freight comes with some strips of plastic that should be compatible

Thanks! I'm thinking of covering the weld with fiberglass, since I don't relish a repeat.

 

[Dirtman]

Fiberglass epoxy won't stick to polyethylene...

 

[BuckHilt]

Fiberglass epoxy won't stick to polyethylene...

Thanks

 

[scotts90ranger]

yeah, pretty much nothing will stick to polyethylene, that's why you have to weld it