Hot tip: seal for fuel tank sender

[Swiss Toni]

Simply...... Use a 1st generation Fiat 500 sender gasket.

Its a nice thick RUBBER gasket with little lips on the inner and outer edges as well as around the screw holes. No modifications needed, it's a direct replacement.

An example I quickly found as I got mine from the mechanic I use.

https://www.ricambio.co.uk/1887-fuel-tank-sender-rubber-gasket-seal--classic-fiat-500-126-600-850

 

[Bob_Spidell]

Interesting. Moss Motors here in the States sells one that looks just like that. I tried one with no luck (still had a leak).

 

[Swiss Toni]

Did you use thread sealant and/or sealing washers on the screws "?

There is no seal inside the tank for the screws, just a threaded hole that goes all the way through.

 

[Bob_Spidell]

Did you use thread sealant and/or sealing washers on the screws "?

There is no seal inside the tank for the screws, just a threaded hole that goes all the way through.

Yep; have tried everything you could think of. The best result--although it still seeps with a completely full tank--has been with an 'old-fashioned' cork seal my dad made. Note the sender flange has been warped by a PO overtightening the screws (probably trying to stop a leak or fuel smell in the boot). This is a reman tank, generally of decent quality except for the flange the sender screws into; it's flat, but not exactly a thing of beauty.

 

[bighealeysource]

Hey Bob,
Finally got my sender unit gasket sealed up when I used some Permatex "fuel resistant gasket dressing and sealant", part # 85420. Supposed to be same as Hylomar Universal blue. Had the same problem with gas seeping through new rubber gaskets from Moss and eventually ruined the boot armacord. This sealant from a local auto parts store has done the trick so far with no leaks in past 6 months.
Regards
Mike

 

[andrea]

Thanks Tony
easy way to solve a problem, no leaks, but fuel "gas" on the boot

 

[roscoe]

Another product you might have some luck with used to be called FuelLube and is now called EZ Turn Lube . It is available through most aircraft supply houses and can be bought in a small quantity which would still last a long time. Standard disclaimer, I have no financial interest. It is a thick paste and if you read the specs on it it will make you wonder, "what the **** IS this stuff made from"?

 

[stuntflyr]

That's what I use, Jon. Thanks for the Fiat gasket tip, Toni.
Chris...

 

[Bob_Spidell]

Hey Bob,
Finally got my sender unit gasket sealed up when I used some Permatex "fuel resistant gasket dressing and sealant", part # 85420. Supposed to be same as Hylomar Universal blue. Had the same problem with gas seeping through new rubber gaskets from Moss and eventually ruined the boot armacord. This sealant from a local auto parts store has done the trick so far with no leaks in past 6 months.
Regards
Mike

Ordered some off eBay and applied this weekend; so far, so good. Thanks for the tip; although I already had some 'Hylomar,' I understand there's (at least) two formulations and wanted to make sure I used the correct stuff.

 

[steveg]

For 10 years with no leakage, I've been using the Moss black rubber gasket, #8 bonded sealing washers and panhead screws all sealed with Hylomar. Paying special attention to sealing the screw threads.