72 Mach 1 leaking gas

replace the gas lines and the tank and fuel filter first.

obviously drain the tank into some safe containers and filter what you drain out.

Silver solder and a torch. Well, maybe not. JB Weld, but if it's a "project" you shouldn't be "patching it up quick" anyway. It will have to be done at some point anyway and IF you determine it is the tube and not the hose leaking, you should remove and drain the tank, dry it thoroughly and solder/braise the fitting properly.

If I remember correctly, in that area is also the sending unit for the fuel gauge. That seal may also be leaking. The prime suspect however is the hose.

Thanks for the quick replies! I agree that it should be fixed properly, but I was hoping I wouldn't have to let a tank full of gas leak out (I guess I'm not prepared for siphoning). I have a laundry soap container under it now with a small neck, so the smell is gone and I feel a bit safer.

Next question: is this hose just generic hose? Can I just go to an autoparts store and ask for a couple feet of gasline hose and just cut it to fit? Or would it be a '72 Mustang part that I need to search for?

Thanks again, Neil

If you're quick, you can replace the hose without much leaking out..

It's regular fuel hose for all fords of that vintage I think. Just measure it to get the correct ID. probably 3/8th's ID... just measure the steel tubing.

First, congrats on the 72! I am also restoring a 72 mach1 also.

Just drop the tank, it's very quick and easy. I've done it a couple of times while I welded the new trunk floor in. Loosen the nuts on the long bolts (that hold up the tank straps) near the rear bumper and the straps that hold the tank up have "cross" or "+" shaped slots on the opposite end. Once you drop the tank, you can access the vent and fuel lines coming from the top of the tank. BTW, the sending unit is on the left (driver's) side, not the top.

This is my second project car, don't feel like you bit off more than you can chew! It's very satisfying to complete each step, and then to take it out on the first cruise when it's complete!!!!! :-)

Take your time and don't rush things or cut corners, you'll do fine.

Good Luck! Dave

Well, I found out last night that the rubber hose has a split in it. I bought the wrong size last night, so I just pinched the hose with a clamp to stop the leaking. I'd like to drain the gas before doing this, but I don't have anyplace to store an almost full tank of gas. I'll get some 3/8" ID hose today, and hope I can swap it out very quickly. :)

Thanks, Neil

Don't joke about something like that. There are people stupid enough to give that a try, and blow themselves up...

As long as there is someone with a camcorder and a Darwin Award trophy in hand....

Well, after trying some 5/16 hose (why did I let the guy sell me that?) I got some 3/8" ID host and it actually went on pretty easy. I used clamps with the screws and got them snug. I had a full tank of gas, and nowhere to drain it, so I probably had a quart run down my arm as I fought with the hose for a minute, but no leaks since then (thanks to everyone!).

I did notice that the hose seems to run rather close to the exhaust, maybe within an inch or so. Does this sound normal? I guess by the time the exhaust gets all the way to the back it's not all that hot, but it just struck me as odd to put a rubber hose right there.

Thanks, Neil