Gas tank leak?

[jfiscus]

I've had my jeep for a while and it's always been hard to start, and a coworker said it was probably a small hole in the gas line.

The last 2 times I've filled it up all the way its leaked a considerable amount of gas out onto the lot, and continued to leak gas for hours afterwards (possibly up to 1/10 tank worth?).

The leak appears to be on the top of the tank, towards the front. I have the large skidplate covering the tank, so i can't see where exactly the leak is.

What is involved in removing the skidplate and possibly the tank and locating this leak?

[Fornesto]

On some 79s, there is an access panel under the rear seat. This was available on late 79s, mine doesn't have it. It allows you to replace the sender without dropping the tank. You might be able to pull the panel and check out vent leaks. Your filler line comes out the upper rear of the gas tank, though. The others are vent lines. Also, check to see if its leaking at the filler neck, that's pretty common. Good Luck

[fullauto60]

I have the same problem. same things happen to me.
I just go late at night to gas up, use my card and get out before anyone else pulls up.
I found that my filler line is rotting away and have to get a new one. Tough to find.

[shredby4]

You need to check all of the lines near the front of the tank. If they look even the least bit cracked, replace 'em. If that doesn't help, then drop the tank.

[jeepguzzi]

It could be the seal at the sending unit or the pick up on the tank. Or the metal in either of those has rusted out. It could also be a leak at the front of the tank where there is a plastic shield that likes to catch sand and dirt and hold it against the tank until a hole is worn through.

Dropping the skidplate is not hard, just a few bolts. If you need to , look into MTS for a replacement tank.

[Great Pharoah]

I had a case where I would lose power, and stall, especially when warm, and going up hills. Since the sender was no good, and I had a previous vehicle with holes in fuel tank, I decided to replace the tank, so ordered a new one. When I dropped the old tank, I found a hole in the fuel line as big as my thumbnail. I was surprised the truck could run at all like that. Replaced that line, and it was fixed. But I switched tanks anyway, since the old one was out, and I had put sender in new tank. Upside is I have a spare tank for sale, and a little new knowledge.
regards,
mm