73 Coupe - Gas Tank Repair

[Jerry Britsch]

Thanks to all who responded to my previous request for info on removing the boot. I did get the tank removed successfully and found several leak sources. Both leaks were on the vapor return side of the tank. One leak was due to an old fuel line hose that had cracked where it went into the tank. The other (and more troubling)leak is due to a cracked separator. I have looked in Mid America and Ecklers catalogue but see no replacement for the Rochester Products separator. How important is it to replace this item? Can't I simply attach the vapor return line to the tank outlet nipple?

Thanks for any help.

[Joe L.]

Re: 73 Coupe - Gas Tank Repair

Jerry-----

The seperator is long-since discontinued and not available in reproduction. I don't know the ramifications of deleting it from the fuel system.

[Paul O.]

Re: 73 Coupe - Gas Tank Repair

Jerry the problem without the separator would be that raw fuel would be able to flow to the vaper canister. The little check ball inside the separator prevented this from occurring with a full tank of fuel also a stuck ball open would cause fuel in a full tank or if the car was tilted rear end high and left front lower fuel would drain from the canister thru the line. There are 3 solutions to your problem repair your separator, replace it, or run your fuel tank 3 or 4 inches below full. If needed I do have a few extra separators that I would sell. Paul #18046

[Patrick H.]

Re: 73 Coupe - Gas Tank Repair

The one on my Dad's 72 was cracked along one of the original "mold lines" on the bottom. Using a special glue and hardener (both gas resistant) I was able to fix it and have it not leak. You may want to see if you can find an adhesive as well that would work.

Patrick