TCS tanks from banks leak

[Lumbes]

Had the left and right fuel tanks replaced about 2 months ago and just discovered the sending unit on the left tank is leaking fuel.  Surprised to see that happen on a brand new unit.  I'm assuming I'll have to remove the tank from the car in order to reseal the sending unit.  Is this a commonly known problem with the replacement tanks? Any advice on resealing the sending unit properly so it can stay in the car for longer than 2 months?

[EuropaTC]

I think you've been unlucky there although I have had similar problems with my Elan tank.

I'm not familiar with the design of the tank supplied by Banks so took a quick look and it's very similar to the ones I made. Mine has a bolt-in sender plate and I can remove/replace mine without taking the tank out so I would expect it to be a fairly straightforward job.  If yours is held in place with small studs, it might be worth giving them a nip to see if you can seal it first but if it's one of the "twist & lock" designs then I'd just replace the gasket.  Either way it should be a ten minute job ?

Brian

[jbcollier]

Easy to overtighten and ruin the cork gasket.  Do not use “silicone” sealer as fuel attacks it.  I’ve never seen a sender itself leak.

[MRN I J]

one petrol proof sealant that we use on the cork gasket and other direct fuel contact gaskets is Permatex Super 300 Form-A-Gasket, hard to find in the UK but easy in the US

[Lumbes]

Thank you everyone for the advice on the fix.  I ordered a gasket from RDent earlier today and guessing that will do it.  Probably will put down a small bead of that Permatex suggested by MRN I J and will be sure not to over tighten the 6 screws.  Glad to see that

I should be able to reseal it without removing the tank.  I may have to open up the port hole slightly that gives access to the sender but at least that is easier than removing the tank.

[mike alain]

That permatex super  300  in Canada is about $60.00  for 4 oz.      what a rip off.

[jbcollier]

A LIGHT application of hylomar would work as well.  Just don't over tighten and split the cork gasket.

[Dilkris]

 
I read somewhere (and personally I stick with this rule), that a cork gasket, in order for it not to loose its effectiveness, must be compressed no more than 1/3 of its original thickness. It has worked for me.   

[MRN I J]

We also sell a 3mm steel reinforcing plate that stops the metal plate of the sender distorting.
if you order Permatex in the UK it comes from Latvia or some other eastern european country, its £38 or so for a 4 oz bottle, that will do a huge amount of joints.

[dakazman]

  Yikes,
https://www.google.com/search?q=permatex+80057+super+300+form-a-gasket+sealant&safe=active&client=safari&channel=iphone_bm&sxsrf=ALeKk038R8PHOWVGePhgqKxs75dVnbP6ig%3A1616801947381&source=hp&ei=m3BeYPXHFO3s_Qa5_rgw&oq=permatex+super++300+&gs_lcp=ChFtb2JpbGUtZ3dzLXdpei1ocBABGAQyAggAMgIIADICCAAyBggAEBYQHjIGCAAQFhAeMgUIIRCgATIFCCEQqwJQ9S1Y9S1g63poAnAAeACAAT6IAT6SAQExmAEAoAECoAEBsAEA&sclient=mobile-gws-wiz-hp
 If this is the same stuff , maybe I can ship.
Dakazman