C3 Gas Leak

[Gregg Plapas]

I have a small drip of raw gas seeping down on to my passenger side muffler starting at midway or center of the muffler. I can not ascertain if it is a hose / fuel line leak or the tank itself. Any one here ever have this problem. I do not have a lift to further inspect, but I would be very greatful for any insight into correcting this problem as soon as possible.

Is there a hose or fuel line on this side of the gas tank?

If worse comes to worse, at least I can retrieve the build sheet if tank replacement is warranted. The car is a 1973 Coupe L-82, and has been stored in a heated garage. Send help please.

Thanks guys,
Gregg

[Chuck Sangerhausen (20817)]

Re: C3 Gas Leak

Gregg, I doubt that anyone can diagnose this problem long distance without taking a look, but I would say that a leaking hose connection at the tank is more likely cause rather than a perforated tank.

Earlier C3s have short lengths of rubber hose with spring clamps connecting the TBW fuel line and vent line to the fuel tank (his assumes that your 73 has the vapor return line). Both of these hose connectors would be located directly above the passenger side muffler.

[Gregg Plapas]

Re: C3 Gas Leak

I hope so, but my further inspection has revealed what I believe is the culprit that is a pin hole in the seam of the tank on the passenger side. It's hard to see , but it is located just right of the spare tire carrier. I have a man looking at it on Thurs. of this week, will reply when I know more.

What a bummer,as I have Fight Judging in less than 2 weeks. It going to be close.

Thanks
Gregg

[Dave Strickland (21448)]

Re: C3 Gas Leak

Greg,

I just had a similiar thing happen to my 72 where there was a leak over the passenger side muffler. The supply and return lines(assuming you do not have an LT-1) are on that side. I ran the car and I found a small hole in the fuel line which is under pressure and was squirting fuel. Joe Lucia suggested I use JB Weld to patch the steel hose. I did just that and corrected the problem quite well. If you have a tank leak JB Weld could be a short or long term fix depending on you way of thinking. In any event it should get you through your judging. Good Luck.

[Don Griffin (14721)]

Re: C3 Gas Leak

A leak in my '74 turned out to be corrosion of the tank where the right side strap was in contact with the tank.

[Gregg Plapas]

Re: C3 Gas Leak

Well, as it turned out it was the seam in the tank. I had it replaced with a Quanta replacement with all the correct markings.

I would like to make all here aware of the super service and turn-around time(24 hrs)that a local Vette mechanic here in Maryland gave me. His name is George Gallant and is located in Belair, Md. I am sure some here know and respect this man. If you need work on your car and just can't get it done on your own, and you live in the Mid-Alantic states, check this guy out.

As far as retrieving my build sheet, it was there, but completely obliterated.

Oh, well.

Gregg