Liquid for testing fuel tanks OTHER than gasoline?

[Danny_Ocean]

Title pretty much says it all. I need to test my fuel tank fittings with the tank removed and don't want to keep adding/draining gasoline. Can anyone recommend a liquid which I can substitute for testing? Tank will be completely drained/dried before re-installation.

[EarlyPorsche]

I just used water in other vehicles. As long as you leave the cap off so it can evaporate out afterward it will be fine.

[Hugh R]

+1 H20

[Danny_Ocean]

Yeah, that was my initial thought, but we spend our whole (driving) life trying to keep water OUT of the fuel tank!

I'll give it a go. Thanks!

P.S. - Is gas "thinner" than water? Will gas find leaks that water won't?

[Axiom]

Paint thinner (laquer) evaporates fast and leaves no residue. it has worked for me for years.

[group911@aol.co]

Originally Posted by Danny_Ocean

Yeah, that was my initial thought, but we spend our whole (driving) life trying to keep water OUT of the fuel tank!

I'll give it a go. Thanks!

P.S. - Is gas "thinner" than water? Will gas find leaks that water won't?

I think gas is thinner than water meaning that gas will leak where water won't.

[Danny_Ocean]

Originally Posted by Axiom

Paint thinner (laquer) evaporates fast and leaves no residue. it has worked for me for years.

I had a radiator shop seal the tank. Will laquer thinner dissolve the sealant?

[Sapporo Guy]

Don't know the ramifications but I remember antique cars with kerosene in them ... now was that a good idea for storage or not ... I have no clue.

How about cooking oil? lolo .... the wife would love that

[Axiom]

Long term gasoline is stronger than short term thinner.

[911pcars]

Just to cover the complete range of testing methods; EPA is pretty stringent on evaporative emissions on new vehicles - keeping fuel vapors contained within the fuel system at rest and during vehicle operation.

An EVAP tester is a machine one would find in a new car service shop. It can perform a leak test and a smoke test. In the smoke test, the machine blows pressurized smoke inside the tank through a filler cap adapter. The tech can then visually inspect for any leak sources.

Heating contractors have a similar, if not simpler device to test for leaks in HVAC ducting inside a building or residence.

Sherwood

[aston@ultrasw.c]

I have tested fully assembled fuel tanks (including fittings and access plates) with compressed air.

You only need 2-3psi and a U tube manometer.

The manometer you can make out of cheap plastic tube filled with water (and some food coloring)

Air up the system and pinch off the supply hose. A sealed tank should maintain pressure for 30 mins. You can look for leaks with your ears or soap solution.

If you are patient, the soap will find the smallest of leaks.

[Danny_Ocean]

I know where the leaks are (supply & return tubes), just want to test before re-installing the tank for the second time...

[911pcars]

Originally Posted by Danny_Ocean

I know where the leaks are (supply & return tubes), just want to test before re-installing the tank for the second time...

I vote for paint thinner. It's less volatile than gasoline, and when you're through, use the thinner to clean up the oil spots on the garage floor under the engine. :-)

Sherwood

[rfuerst911sc]

Paint thinner AKA mineral spirits. It won't leave a residue that could rust but you say the tanks has been sealed. Mineral spirits should not harm your coating.