Leaky EVAP (?) Tube!!

BuffaloXplorer · April 13, 2005

Well, i may have found a possible culprit to my most recent EIGHT MPG tank and overall mileage woes.

I filled up the tank today after 140

miles of travel. It took 17.4 gallons @ $2.23/g (OUCH!)

I used the latch on the pump handle to let the tank fill itself and when it hit the point where it shut off, i happened to be far enough away to notice a decent amount (maybe 1 cup) of fuel spill out of an elbow for the 2nd tube going into (coming out of?) the tank - not the larger filler tube, the one directly to the right - will get pics later.

This is part of the EVAP system, right? What purpose does it serve? If it leaks this bad when it hits the FULL cutoff point, is it likely to be leaking every time i accellerate with a 1/2 full tank or more? Could this be causing fuel pressure issues (although i must note that my pressure is @ 33psi and holds steady for at least 1/2 hour).

BuffaloXplorer · April 13, 2005

Here's a shot taken at the gas station - dead center is the leak - note it curves from upper-left, behind the shock, to lower-right into the tank.

pj8847 · April 14, 2005

The smaller tube would be the "vent hose" coming out of the tank and going up to the filler neck. It is quite possible to lose a significant amount of fuel from this line when accelerating and getting the gas "sloshing" around if there is a large enough break in it. You'll lose fuel to evaporation as well, like leaving the gas cap off.

Regardless of how small a leak it may be, it should be changed ASAP, not just to save gas, but for obvious safety reasons, as gas tends to "creep" along where ever its leaking, and an ill placed flick of a cigarette or match by an unsuspecting passerby won't go all to well with escaping fuel and vapor.

BuffaloXplorer · April 14, 2005

IS there any kind of quick fix for this? Maybe duct tape?...hehehe.

I am SOOO broke...And at $2.23/g and a hole in the vent tube you can see why!

pj8847 · April 14, 2005

A quick fix can work temporarily, and Duct tape *might* work ( that used to be my motto, if it's broke, DUCT TAPE it!..lol )

But there are other cheap fixes as well. You could coat the entire area of the hose where its leaking with Black RTV and let it dry, then duct tape it, would ensure the fuel wouldn't be leaking out and eating away at the duct tape itself, or, you could find the leak, and if its a simple crack, cut it and insert an appropriate size nipple or tube and secure it with hose clamps.

Anything could work temporarily as long as it prevents the fuel/vapors from getting out.

BuffaloXplorer · April 15, 2005

Not sure if it's even possible to lose that much to evaporation, but between shutting it down for the evening, and starting it in the AM, i can usually notice an immediate 1/16 drop in the guage. I've gone from 11mpg at the start of winter to 8 recently, with a couple 10's mixed in between. "EFFIN HORRIBLE"

Lloyd10977 · April 15, 2005

IMHO, duct tape may not be a valid solution. As the weather warms, the gasoline will warm and the resultant vapor pressures would easily displace the tape and if there is liquid near the hole/crack, the pressure could force the liquid out. (Remember removing the gas cap and hearing "whoosh"?) Bottom line. You would still have a leak.

shaggsta · April 15, 2005

Two words for you - JB Weld!

The Canadian Military packs it in our hazmat spill kits, for the specific use of patching fuel leaks in vehicles (temporarily). The stuff should be at most auto parts places.

BuffaloXplorer · April 15, 2005

Lloyd10977 said:
IMHO, duct tape may not be a valid solution. As the weather warms, the gasoline will warm and the resultant vapor pressures would easily displace the tape and if there is liquid near the hole/crack, the pressure could force the liquid out. (Remember removing the gas cap and hearing "whoosh"?) Bottom line. You would still have a leak.

Hehehe - like we get warm enough here to affect the holding power of Duct Tape

I've gotta get under there this weekend and see what the real damage is. I've also gotta check the fuel pressure to see if it's been affected by this leak. It used to be ok at 33psi. We'll see.

Would the Black RTV silicone or whatever it is work? Until i get under there to see what is involved with possibly replacing the part, i'm still thinking about CHEAP solutions.

Any other thoughts?

Leaky EVAP (?) Tube!!

BuffaloXplorer

The X had to go!

BuffaloXplorer

The X had to go!

pj8847

Well-Known Member

BuffaloXplorer

The X had to go!

pj8847

Well-Known Member

BuffaloXplorer

The X had to go!

Lloyd10977

shaggsta

BuffaloXplorer

The X had to go!

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