Fuel tank (return?) leak

[82Blu]

on top of the original tank there are two ports. One with the sending unit has an access port in the bed. The port on top near the driver side (no access port) is loose and leaking when tank is full and taking right turns… is there a gasket missing or if I tighten the loose screws, will the”gold” section in this picture tighten up and seal?

Do I have to drop the whole tank or can I lower it enough to access and tighten these screws? (1981 California model)
Thx for any insight!!!

 

[3_puppies]

yes you need to lower the tank, you may get enough room by removing the 2 rear strap bolts and using a floor jack to control the tank, you may get enough room without removing any hoses on the fill side.
good idea to use most of the gas so there is less weight to deal with.
there is a rubber gasket that seals between the pickup assembly and tank
yes the screws should be tight

 

[Living in the Past]

Not sure about the FJ40 but on my 89 FJ62 I was able to replace the fuel pump from the inspection cover in the floor for the sending unit. Had to lower it but at least didn't have to completely remove the whole tank.

 

[82Blu]

ughhh, I'm back at this and the tank hanger bolt just spins! i think the welded nut for this is entirely closed off from the outside so no getting something on it to hold it. do i need to cut a hole in the floor to get a socket on it? (not that there isn't enough rust holes in the floor already, but I'd rather not create another!)

 

[3_puppies]

IIRC the nut is inside the body "tower" not sure how to get to the inside, maybe cut a window in the "tower"???

it may not be easy but have you looked at getting the pin out of the other end of the strap?

 

[82Blu]

IIRC the nut is inside the body "tower" not sure how to get to the inside, maybe cut a window in the "tower"???

it may not be easy but have you looked at getting the pin out of the other end of the strap?

Yep, but the bash plate keeps it from dropping. I guess I could mangle the strap and pry it down. I may use some temporary prermatex sealant until I can eventually get the body off or cut that bolt. I’d like to run a full tank of gas…

 

[82Blu]

Yep, but the bash plate keeps it from dropping. I guess I could mangle the strap and pry it down. I may use some temporary prermatex sealant until I can eventually get the body off or cut that bolt. I’d like to run a full tank of gas…

Fuel sloshes out of the tank on hard right turns if more than 1/2 tank… smells great, but not cool.