The Ford Barn

Ford Freak · 06-13-2017, 10:00 PM

Hey Guys ! I think I may have to replace fuel filler pipe-to-tank lead seal on my '37 coupe . Can someone who has done this please tell me the proper procedure ? Thanks - FF

petehoovie · 06-13-2017, 10:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ford Freak

Hey Guys ! I think I may have to replace fuel filler pipe-to-tank lead seal on my '37 coupe . Can someone who has done this please tell me the proper procedure ? Thanks - FF

You'll need a correct size spanner wrench to unscrew and remove the top half of the filler pipe/tube and to tighten it after you insert the new lead washer. This is done from underside of the fender. Once you have it apart, drop in the new lead washer. No need to remove the existing washer/washers - I doubt that you could get them out anyway. I had to use two washers when I did mine. The lead washers are carried by most vendors....

Gas Tank Lead Washer; fits 1933-37 Car & Pickup

Item Number:
46-9051 Your Price: $8.00 EA @ Bob Drake

Ford Freak · 06-13-2017, 11:08 PM

Pete - Yes , I have heard others say to use 2 washers also . Thanks - FF

1937sedandelivery · 06-13-2017, 11:47 PM

Hello,
I have replaced the lead seal on two 37's, one a sedan delivery and the other a Tudor. Both had the threaded screw sleeve with the lead washer.
The Sedan Delivery went well. I used channel locks and fairly easily was able to remove the pipe.
The Tudor was a disaster. Channel locks didn't work at all. The pipe was apparently rusted so bad that it didn't budge, seemed like it was welded on. I bought a proper spanner wrench and even that would not reverse the pipe. Lots of WD40 was squirted down the pipe, to no avail. Perhaps better lubricant/solvent would work better. Without the pipe removed, I couldn't remove the tank, which needed replacing. Rather than lift the body off the frame to remove the tank, I decided to cut up the tank to remove it. Once removed, I still tried to remove the filler pipe...no way, it was frozen solid. Even a propane torch was ineffective.

Long story short, some pipes will give it up easier than others.
My suggestion is to squirt some effective lubricant down the filler pipe and let it sit for several days, more lubricant is better. The spanner wrench (available on EBAY and Amazon) is by far the best tool to use. I forget the spanner pin spacing. If you need it I can go measure. Send me a PM.

Once the filler pipe is out, I cleaned the tank input really, really good, used a new lead washer (from Joe's Antiques), and things went back together without issue, no leaks.

Best of luck, it can be a chore to replace the seal.

gregg

G.M. · 06-14-2017, 06:33 AM

I didn't want to wait for a lead washer and made one out of 3/16" solid
solder rolled around a pipe, soldered the ends and filled so I had a ring.
Put the ring between two 1/2" steel plates and squeezed flat in my large
hiydralic press. You only need one. I dipped the washer in gas tank sealer.
It's been on my 39 for years with no leaks. G.M.

Ford Freak · 06-14-2017, 07:52 AM

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Well, luckily my connecter turns ok . I am going to try to tighten it little more .
G M - the gas tank sealer on the washer is a good idea .
Thanks for the responses/help guys !

06-13-2017, 10:00 PM	#1
Ford Freak Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Pittsford NY. USA Posts: 1,096	'37 Fuel filler pipe-to-tank lead seal Hey Guys ! I think I may have to replace fuel filler pipe-to-tank lead seal on my '37 coupe . Can someone who has done this please tell me the proper procedure ? Thanks - FF

06-13-2017, 11:08 PM	#3
Ford Freak Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Pittsford NY. USA Posts: 1,096	Re: '37 Fuel filler pipe-to-tank lead seal Pete - Yes , I have heard others say to use 2 washers also . Thanks - FF

06-13-2017, 11:47 PM	#4
1937sedandelivery Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 331	Re: '37 Fuel filler pipe-to-tank lead seal Hello, I have replaced the lead seal on two 37's, one a sedan delivery and the other a Tudor. Both had the threaded screw sleeve with the lead washer. The Sedan Delivery went well. I used channel locks and fairly easily was able to remove the pipe. The Tudor was a disaster. Channel locks didn't work at all. The pipe was apparently rusted so bad that it didn't budge, seemed like it was welded on. I bought a proper spanner wrench and even that would not reverse the pipe. Lots of WD40 was squirted down the pipe, to no avail. Perhaps better lubricant/solvent would work better. Without the pipe removed, I couldn't remove the tank, which needed replacing. Rather than lift the body off the frame to remove the tank, I decided to cut up the tank to remove it. Once removed, I still tried to remove the filler pipe...no way, it was frozen solid. Even a propane torch was ineffective. Long story short, some pipes will give it up easier than others. My suggestion is to squirt some effective lubricant down the filler pipe and let it sit for several days, more lubricant is better. The spanner wrench (available on EBAY and Amazon) is by far the best tool to use. I forget the spanner pin spacing. If you need it I can go measure. Send me a PM. Once the filler pipe is out, I cleaned the tank input really, really good, used a new lead washer (from Joe's Antiques), and things went back together without issue, no leaks. Best of luck, it can be a chore to replace the seal. gregg

06-14-2017, 06:33 AM	#5
G.M. Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Florida and Penna. Posts: 4,471	Re: '37 Fuel filler pipe-to-tank lead seal I didn't want to wait for a lead washer and made one out of 3/16" solid solder rolled around a pipe, soldered the ends and filled so I had a ring. Put the ring between two 1/2" steel plates and squeezed flat in my large hiydralic press. You only need one. I dipped the washer in gas tank sealer. It's been on my 39 for years with no leaks. G.M. __________________ www.fordcollector.com

06-14-2017, 07:52 AM	#6
Ford Freak Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Pittsford NY. USA Posts: 1,096	Re: '37 Fuel filler pipe-to-tank lead seal Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Well, luckily my connecter turns ok . I am going to try to tighten it little more . G M - the gas tank sealer on the washer is a good idea . Thanks for the responses/help guys !