72 Gas tank repair?

[Gary S.]

When I fill my 72's fuel tank to the max, I get a bit of dripping onto the exhaust system. Now, for some of you, that may not cause concern, but I am worried about this for obvious reasons. Other than not filling the tank more than 3/4 full, is there an alternative to dropping the tank? I believe that the leak is at the vapor condensing gizmo on the upper left rear of the tank. I really need to get in there, drop the spare tire carrier and confirm this though. I know from previous posts in the past that this fuel vapor condensor (sorry - I don't know the correct terminology) is not available in service or repro. Therefore I am stuck with fixing it, bypassing it (not really an alternative), or living with the drip (again, not really feasible). Suggestions? If I decide to drop the tank, I know that the exhaust system has to come off. I have seen the device that clamps onto the halves of the exhaust pipe and then you use a socket set and essentially rachet the halves apart. Is this the best way to get the exhaust system apart and off of the car?

Gary
72 LT1

[Patrick H.]

Re: 72 Gas tank repair?

Gary,

I've dropped the tank without fully removing the exhaust system, or should I say without fully taking it apart. You may get enough room by just loosening the rear hangers, but you will likely need to loosen the hangers at the transmission. For extra room, you can disconnect at the manifolds. This will allow you to leave the exhaust in one piece, but move the mufflers to the sides and not have to disconnect the system pieces from each other.

You "might" be able to reach up and access the vapor separator by itself, but it would be very difficult. It's held on with two small bolts (if my memory is anywhere near correct).

Bring it over and we'll fix it on the lift. Only a 550 mile drive.

Patrick

[Larry M.]

Re: 72 Gas tank repair?

Gary -

Like Patrick, I have removed the gas tank in my '72 without removing the exhaust. I removed the bolts that held the mufflers to their hangers, so that the mufflers hung free. I can't recall whether or not I loosened the clamps at the crossmember, but in any case, there was sufficient free play that the mufflers were able to be moved out of the way, to the sides of the car, so that the tank could be removed. The job was really much easier than I originally envisioned, and once the tank was out, I retrieved the tank sticker, which was the whole idea behind the removal. Best of luck; I don't think you'll have too much difficulty with the R&R.

Larry, # 10713

[Gary S.]

Re: 72 Gas tank repair?

Well, I have removed a 66 tank before, but the exhaust system was off of the car, making this a fairly straight forward job.

Btw, just finished 200+ miles of cruising with the Pittsburgh Tri-State Chapter. Great weather, great scenery, and 13 Corvettes in caravan on windy two lane roads. I remember now why I like this so much.

Gary
ps, thank you for the responses.

[Michael M.]

Re: 72 Gas tank repair?

I've had to replace that vapor device also. I did it without removing the tank or the exhaust. It isn't easy, but neither is dropping the tank. My vapor separator was also leaking - turned out that one of the hose "nipples" had cracked. There really was no way to repair it - so I had to go a "hunting". I found mine from a guy on the other forum, but remember that Paragon also had'em. I'd bet Contempory Corvette would also have them.