See full version: How to Tell If Your Gas Tank Has a Leak
Look in your car's owner's manual to see where your vehicle's gas tank is. Lower your head beneath the bumper of the car, and visually inspect the ground below your tank. If there is a gas leak, there should be a puddle on the ground underneath your car where the gas is leaking out. The size of this puddle will depend on how large the leak is.
The fuel system within your vehicle is a complicated collection of many parts, including fuel injection lines, fuel tank, filters and pumps. All of these parts must be working together for the car to run properly. When any one of these parts fails, the system fails. A common problem in this system is for any part to develop a leak from which gas escapes, causing the car to not run properly. The gas tank is one such place where a leak might develop, and identifying it as soon as it occurs will help you repair it sooner.
Watch your gas gauge carefully after you fill your gas tank. Make a note of where the gas gauge is reading before you park your car for an extended period. Note where the gas gauge is when you turn your car on again. The gauge should be at the same location, but if you have a leak in your fuel system, it will show that you have less gas in your tank.
Notice the smell around your vehicle after it has been parked for an hour or longer. While some fluid evaporation is normal around your vehicle, the smell of gasoline will be extremely potent if it is leaking from your vehicle. here
Ways to locate a leak
You can mostly identify leaks with a hose, squirting water over deck fittings and other places mentioned above to find the culprit. However, actually following the track of a leak is surprisingly difficult. Where the water ends up is not necessarily where it entered the boat. Many modern production cruisers are built with an internal ‘matrix’ bonded to the hull: these in particular can distribute water to an area far from its entry point. But there are a few methods to let you discover the water’s route and likely source.
Most diesel engines have a large water pump which shifts a lot of water around the engine at pressure. A hole in a hose, or a fractured spigot, can make it look like you’ve developed a hull leak when in fact it’s the engine, so it’s important to ascertain whether the leak is still there when the engine isn’t running.
Cockpit drain hoses
The first step is a visual check – remove any headlinings from your suspect fittings (checking, of course, for any blackening or discolouration of the plywood panels, which can help) and look at the fixings as someone squirts a hose or throws a bucketful of water over it.
Even more unusual than keel bolt failure, a hole or crack in the hull is a possibility nonetheless. The key is to trace the water to its source (see panel) and keep a record of when the leak seems worst (eg after sailing on port tack in particular) to aid diagnosis.
A leak-proof boat might seem like the holy grail – but it is achievable with patience and a thorough approach to problem solving. Here is a simple procedure to follow should you find a leak. We’re not talking huge quantities here – if there’s a big leak you’ll need to make your way to a hoist ASAP – but for smaller leaks here’s what to do…
Instantly book a certified mobile mechanic to come to you
Your vehicle is ready to go
A top-rated mobile mechanic will come to your home or office to determine the origin of the leak and what repairs will necessary. The mechanic will then provide a detailed inspection report outlining the nature and cause of the leak and the cost of any repairs that need to be made.
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IF I RESPOND IN ALL CAPS, ITS NOT ON PURPOSE, AND I AM NOT YELLING here
we replace tank on a regular basis.
the tank is about $900 to have one made.
the labor is anywhere from 6 - 12 hours, depending on how hard it is to get to.
we also suggest replacing all the fuel fill and vent lines while you are in there.
I just replaced the tank in my 22' Sea Hunt. The tank was a 91 gallon and cost just over $1000. at the manufacture's facility down in Perry, Fl. It took me and a buddy just over two day work to finish the job. I also replaced all the hoses while I was in there. If you decide to DIY, get the hoses somewhere other than West Marine. Don't get me wrong, I like West Marine it's just that they wanted $8 a foot for gas line hose that was $2.40 on the internet (same brand and CG certified). You will need a chain hoist or other lifting device and a fairly extensive list of air tools.