The Ford Barn

Derby · 02-13-2020, 04:47 PM

The fuel tank outlet tube on my '37 is damaged and needs to be replaced. The retaining nut fitting has been rounded off and will not accept a wrench. Prior to my attempts to loosen the fitting, I am asking for help in understanding the connection. The tube must extend about three inches through the fitting into the tank. Is the fitting soldered in place or is it removable? I want to avoid more damage in the attempt to remove the fitting.

mrtexas · 02-13-2020, 04:58 PM

I would fill tank up with water and then apply heat to the tank fitting. Line should then come out easily.

Kube · 02-13-2020, 05:19 PM

Only apply enough heat (after filling tank with water) to get that fitting moving. You don't want to disturb the seal between the boss and tank.
The tube goes in the tank about 3/4" at most.

jimTN · 02-13-2020, 06:01 PM

You also could drill out the tube even with the nut, drill a couple of small holes thru the nut on opposite sides and use a easy out.

Flathead · 02-13-2020, 06:13 PM

Tap a six point socket onto it, use metric if you need a tighter fit.

Derby · 02-13-2020, 07:14 PM

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OK, great responses. I will proceed cautiously. While doing some previous tank work on a different car someone suggested putting some dry ice in the tank. The dry ice sublimates and releases CO2 that displaces all gas vapors with a little patience.

Kube · 02-13-2020, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Derby

OK, great responses. I will proceed cautiously. While doing some previous tank work on a different car someone suggested putting some dry ice in the tank. The dry ice sublimates and releases CO2 that displaces all gas vapors with a little patience.

Derby, I too had heard of the dry ice thing. Water is easier and cheaper

fourfords · 02-13-2020, 08:57 PM

Any problem with using a penetrant and a small pipe wrench to remove an already unusable and damaged fitting?

V8COOPMAN · 02-14-2020, 10:57 AM

Only problem with filling the tank with water is that the water becomes a GI-HUGIC heat sink. You ever try melting solder on a copper fitting with the copper pipe still full of water? Almost impossible! Might consider purging the tank with a CO2 fire extinguisher. DD

marko39 · 02-14-2020, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fourfords

Any problem with using a penetrant and a small pipe wrench to remove an already unusable and damaged fitting?

Vise grips.

Terry,OH · 02-14-2020, 12:34 PM

ditto the vice grips and penetrating oil. The tube goes in just a little bit.

hook00pad · 02-18-2020, 04:03 PM

I agree on using vice grips, but be careful not to crush your fitting!

Al Hook

02-13-2020, 04:58 PM	#2
mrtexas Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Sugar Land, TX Posts: 4,420	Re: 37 fuel tank I would fill tank up with water and then apply heat to the tank fitting. Line should then come out easily. __________________ 41 woodie https://41fordwoodie.weebly.com/

02-13-2020, 05:19 PM	#3
Kube Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Wisconsin, USA Posts: 9,852	Re: 37 fuel tank Only apply enough heat (after filling tank with water) to get that fitting moving. You don't want to disturb the seal between the boss and tank. The tube goes in the tank about 3/4" at most. __________________ "I can explain it for you. However, I can't understand it for you".

02-13-2020, 06:01 PM	#4
jimTN Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Powell, TN Posts: 2,617	Re: 37 fuel tank You also could drill out the tube even with the nut, drill a couple of small holes thru the nut on opposite sides and use a easy out.

02-13-2020, 06:13 PM	#5
Flathead Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Southern Maine Posts: 1,617	Re: 37 fuel tank Tap a six point socket onto it, use metric if you need a tighter fit.

02-13-2020, 07:14 PM	#6
Derby Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2019 Location: CT Posts: 25	Re: 37 fuel tank Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) OK, great responses. I will proceed cautiously. While doing some previous tank work on a different car someone suggested putting some dry ice in the tank. The dry ice sublimates and releases CO2 that displaces all gas vapors with a little patience.

02-13-2020, 08:57 PM	#8
fourfords Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Lake Elsinore, CA. Posts: 476	Re: 37 fuel tank Any problem with using a penetrant and a small pipe wrench to remove an already unusable and damaged fitting?

02-14-2020, 10:57 AM	#9
V8COOPMAN Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: East Shore of LAKE HOUSTON Posts: 11,184	Re: 37 fuel tank Only problem with filling the tank with water is that the water becomes a GI-HUGIC heat sink. You ever try melting solder on a copper fitting with the copper pipe still full of water? Almost impossible! Might consider purging the tank with a CO2 fire extinguisher. DD __________________ *Click Links Below* __ ▼ *'35-'36 W/8BA & MECHANICAL FAN* *T5 W/TORQUE TUBE*

02-14-2020, 12:34 PM	#11
Terry,OH Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 5,187	Re: 37 fuel tank ditto the vice grips and penetrating oil. The tube goes in just a little bit.

02-18-2020, 04:03 PM	#12
hook00pad Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Posts: 105	Re: 37 fuel tank I agree on using vice grips, but be careful not to crush your fitting! Al Hook