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Gas tank leak, gas smell

stvhans
Explorer
Explorer
I posted earlier about the gas smell and the noticeable gas stain down the side of the gas tank on our 2004 Winnebago Itasca. Thank you for all your responses!!!! The leak is definitely from the top of the gas tank down the side of the tank- not a big leak at all. However, as we drive from Big Timber, MT toward Bismarck, ND the smell of gas inside the rig is becoming VERY strong. I am letting the gas tank drop way below half, I started this morning with 7/8 tank in Big Timber and think the high level in the tank allowed the gas to slosh around.

Anyway, this appears to be something that cannot wait until we get home in Nevada in 5 weeks. So I am wondering if anyone can recommend someone good in Bismarck that can drop a gas tank and repair what needs to be done.

Thanks in advance for your help.
Steve
7 REPLIES 7

Matt_Colie
Explorer II
Explorer II
Any GM or Chevy dealership that can handle truck will have a lift that that will lift the coach. At ten years old, there are a lot of rubber parts in the fuel system that might not tolerate alcohol well. Any dealership will already know all about this.

Matt
Matt & Mary Colie
A sailor, his bride and their black dogs (one dear dog is waiting for us at the bridge) going to see some dry places that have Geocaches in a coach made the year we married.

s_N_s
Explorer
Explorer
As mentioned take a look at the vent hose. Ours was cracking bad and we had stains down the side of the tank. Also found a section of the filler hose that was bad. Haven't replaced that yet but will get to it soon. Good Luck and hope you get it resolved.
Steve & Sally
Hudson (Our Little Pom)
HiTee, Houston & Heidi (Forever In Our Hearts and Never Forgotten)
04 NEWMAR MACA 3778 W22
05 pt Cruiser Vert 5 speed
Demco baseplate with Commander Tow Bar

"Never try to outsmart your common sense"

don_b1
Explorer
Explorer
i just went through the same issue you are describing. Mine was also giving off odors and leaking down the side of the tank. My problem was a deteroiated rubber gas line that went to the generator. The line was not accessible unless the tank was lowered. They actually did not lower my tank but blocked up the tank, loosened all the holding straps and raised the motor home with their lift to gain access. I never thought of that method but just thinking if there is a next time I might try the same thing but using my onboard jacks, that might give me enough clearance for access, just a thought though. I hope it never happens again. The process took about three hours and cost approx 250.00. My 75 gallon tank had about 10-15 gallons in the tank when I brought it to them.
2003 Dolphin Model 5380, Workhorse 8.1, 04 Honda CRV, Brake Buddy, Blue Ox, Banks System, Garmin 7200.

Daveinet
Explorer
Explorer
It may very well be just a vent line. Stupid alcohol in the fuel eats fuel lines. My parents 2004 Allegro (W22) also developed a leak which turned out to be a deteriorated vent line.

BTY: JB Weld is good for a lot of things, but fuel tanks are not one of them. I've tried more than once on a pin hole leak on a weld on my aluminum tank. Even the JB Weld fuel repair kit with the fiberglass reinforcement does not work. The alcohol in the fuel is just too strong of a solvent. Of all the things I tried, Seal All was about the best. It lasted for several months before it began to leak again. After that, I used Seal All again, but then covered it with Great Stuff. That actually lasted a whole year.
IRV2

crasster
Explorer II
Explorer II
I wonder if you fuel pump/outlet line is loose. Usually it is on a disk like ring that can be tightened. There is also a gasket there that could be bad.

Probably any auto shop is capable of dropping a gas tank. Usually it is a couple of metal straps holding it on.
4 whopping cylinders on Toyota RV's. Talk about great getting good MPG. Also I have a very light foot on the pedal. I followed some MPG advice on Livingpress.com and I now get 22 MPG! Not bad for a home on wheels.

the_bear_II
Explorer
Explorer
JB weld X2

Passin_Thru
Explorer
Explorer
If you can find the leak with your finger, you can put JB Weld on the end of it and put it in the area, it will stick and never leak there again. Easy fix and I have used it.
Capital RV Center Inc
1900 N Bismarck Expressway Bismarck, ND 58501 (701) 255-7878