Fuel flowing from the sender area like a waterfall (73 Coupe)

[ntrylvl]

So I have been trying to track down and eradicate a nagging fuel smell in my '73 Coupe, and the various related threads on this forum have been helpful. However, despite checking all of the hoses and clamps in the vapor recovery system, the smell hasn't gone away.

Yesterday after filling up my tank, I opened the front "hood" to get something out and noticed a lake of gas in the front pan, down in front of my spare tire. I also noticed that the area around the fuel level sender was wet. So today I decided to gas up with the front hood open so I could watch closely and hopefully find the leak, which I suspect(ed) to be the fuel level sender gasket.

Suddenly, as the tank got full, gas started pouring out from around the sender area like a freaking waterfall! I quickly shut off the pump, but I'd say that close to a gallon of gas flooded out of that spot, creating another lake of gas, same as yesterday. I cleaned it up and returned home, then pulled the sender. I do see a black rubber gasket in place, but clearly it isn't working correctly.

So all of this seems pretty obvious, BUT I haven't read anything this extreme in any of the posts in this forum, so I'm wondering if maybe I have a BIGGER problem than just replacing he gasket??! Have any of you who have had problems with leaks (or fumes) from his area experienced such a flood?

Thanks for your comments and support.

Chris

[RWebb]

no, but it seems like we all have to either repl. the gasket or tighten the screws down...

[RoninLB]

Originally Posted by ntrylvl

I do see a black rubber gasket in place, but clearly it isn't working correctly.

the rubber gasket is considered an upgrade by the dealership starting with letter S in Willoughby Ohio so your car didn't come stock with it

maybe previous guy working in there over torqued if it looks like gasket is being squeezed out. If over tightened the sender flange may be bent out of shape. Gasket is same as oil level sender rubber gasket so that gives you an idea of torque specs to work from or call dealer parts at 1-800-342-1414.

I've used same gasket for over 10 years with no issue

scary story

[ratpiper71T]

I've seen your other threads and glad you found it finally... That could've been really bad.

[ntrylvl]

Gasket replaced (with the cork style). Problem appears to be solved. I think the rubber gasket that was on the sender had shrunk and become too thin, or it was the wrong part to begin with.

No more smell, no more leaking when I refuel. Let's hope this is the last of it.