Fuel leak under tank

T

ta24z

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Hello everybody

I just noticed that my Land Cruiser 80 (from 1996) has a fuel leak. It's dripping from under the tank and smelling petrol.

It's friday evening and I don't think it's a good idea to drive the car. What do you recommend? Leave the car where it is and tow it to my mechanic on monday?

thanks...
 
Driving with fuel leak is DANGEROUS!!! One spark and you have a very hot fire with the wind and drafts supplying oxygen.
 
Well, I don't know, I thought it wouldn't be safe to start a car spilling petrol (it's unleaded, not diesel) regarding the risk of fire for example
 
Thanks for your answers. I put a bucket under the car. I will leave it parked at the office for the week end and tow it on Monday. That's probably the safest option...
 
ta24z said:
Thanks for your answers. I put a bucket under the car. I will leave it parked at the office for the week end and tow it on Monday. That's probably the safest option...
Click to expand...
Just Google what adhesive is safe for a temp repair. Problem with petrol is that the fumes will ignite. Rather plug that hole asap before moving

Am assuming it's a metal tank?
 
Somebody known to members of this forum did recently pass away due to a leaking petrol tank and the associated fumes. I would almost recommend removing the battery as well.
 
Guys, is it a serious possibility that the fumes ignite during the week end?

It's just dripping not spilling.
 
If you have an Assist programme on your personal policy get them to tow the vehicle if it's insured.
It shouldn't cost you anything.
 
I have and I will do.

But my mech is closed until monday morning now...
So I was planning to leave the car untouched, with a bucket below, until monday morning and then get it towed.
 
If you can see where it's leaking from get a bar of soap and firmly rub it over the hole, soap goes into the hole and plugs it. Yes, it works. You can then get it repaired properly, although I drove for years on a soap plug.

It's not going to catch fire from a drip. I would even drive it.
 
Last edited:
ta24z said:
I have and I will do.

But my mech is closed until monday morning now...
So I was planning to leave the car untouched, with a bucket below, until monday morning and then get it towed.
Click to expand...
Mmm a bucket of petrol vs it dripping on the ground and evaporating... Think I'd for the latter.
 
Drill a 1mm hole into the metal where petrol is dripping from. Force self tapper into small hole to seal off fuel leak. Quick fix. Perma fix would be solder. Silver solder, Brazing or welding. No one wants to get close to used fuel tank. They think it is going to explode or something when you weld it...

Looks like no one here has basic Chemistry.
 
Magnum said:
Drill a 1mm hole into the metal where petrol is dripping from. Force self tapper into small hole to seal off fuel leak. Quick fix. Perma fix would be solder. Silver solder, Brazing or welding. No one wants to get close to used fuel tank. They think it is going to explode or something when you weld it...

Looks like no one here has basic Chemistry.
Click to expand...
Like drilling into a petrol tank?
 
Magnum said:
Drill a 1mm hole into the metal where petrol is dripping from. Force self tapper into small hole to seal off fuel leak. Quick fix. Perma fix would be solder. Silver solder, Brazing or welding. No one wants to get close to used fuel tank. They think it is going to explode or something when you weld it...

Looks like no one here has basic Chemistry.
Click to expand...

Drill into a leaking petrol tank? Have you seen what goes on inside an electric drill?
 
Guys, I appreciate your help. I won't drill anything. I will let it like that without touching anything until monday and then tow it to my mech first thing in the morning.

Thanks for your advices

Pierre
 
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