Gasing

[AZRick]

Its evident I am doing something wrong. For the umteenth time, I need to seal-up the fuel pump/fuel tank interface. Not sure what @#%$ decided to put the fuel pump access in the side of the tank but I am having evil thoughts toward them. :doh:

I was underneath last night, working on my on-going vibration problem, when I noted the smell of gas and wetness on the side of the tank. 

Does anyone have a part number for just the gasket?  

And

Does anyone have a recommendation for a sealant that will not be affected by gasoline, something YOU HAVE PERSONAL EXPERIENCE WITH. 

 

Thanks

Rick

[64 Cheyenne]

If your talking about putting a sealant like RVT on where the fuel pump mounts (sender cage) I say don't do it.

It didn't come from the factory using RTV "to keep gas in" suggest you not try doing it.

Sounds like you have a problem with the lock ring and gasket, Napa sells the lock ring and O-ring together, search for a Cherokee lock ring and gasket (about $6 bucks).

If a new lock ring and gasket(O-ring) isn't the fix, you might have a leak where the pressure and return lines enter the sender unit.

again, RTV is a real bad idea, there are places where you might get your sender cage repaired, or if not suggest you start searching.

Search is your friend, think there is a write up of a sender repair in the DIY...

[AZRick]

It's leaking at the lock ring, at the very top, i.e. it only does it when its full and the wetness bleeds outward and down from the lock ring area.

[64 Cheyenne]

Did you try a NEW lock ring and O-ring?

[nitroxsteve]

I just use grease on the oring to help everything slide in place no additional sealant is needed. I would try a new lock and oring and check the area where the oring seats to the tank to see if it has any damage. It could be rust pitting, a crack, or bent.

[48MJ]

I know its a pain to remove the tank. But it is easier to put it together with it flat. Also make sure the the rubber nipple inside the tank is there and in its pocket. Because they sometimes fall off inside the tank when the sender is removed, the nipple keeps it lined up properly and reduces vibration.

[48MJ]

Also keep the lock ring centered so it has even pressure on the seal.

[AZRick]

Thanks for all the tips.

Pulled the tank and put it on the workbench, got the new lock-ring/o-ring kit from NAPA, less than 5 bucks  :D

This was actually a o-ring, and that was my problem, the seal I was replacing was a square profile.  This one went together like a dream, filled tank up, no more gassssin out the garage  :thumbsup:

[R1.]

I'm dealing with the same thing now.  Thanks for following up on this.  I am going to drop the tank and I just ordered a new lock-ring/o-ring kit.  I am tired of messing with this.  I tried to use some fuel resistant sealer to fix it.  It was better but no cigar.

 

This is an improvement.

 

[DirtyComanche]

Get a new lock ring and o-ring.  Lube the o-ring with vaseline.  You may need to tweak the tabs where the lock right interfaces on the tank side in order to make it easy to start.  You can actually see if the o-ring is seated correctly, so it's way easier than most things.

 

If all else fails you can coat the o-ring with Sealube (https://www.aircraftspruce.ca/pages/ep/lubricants/sealube.php) or Permatex 'Aviation' Form-a-gasket to help stick it in the correct place and have it seal, but it should NOT be needed.

 

If the groove for the o-ring on the tank is damaged, or there is burrs on the lock ring or pickup/sender assembly, you will need to try to clean them up with a file/sandpaper/scotchbrite and replace them if needed.