My gas tank is LEAKING! Can I at least drive it to the mechanic, or do I have to tow it?

Question

Great answers.....the firemen are coming to check it out. We will hold off calling the tow truck. My husband is a good mechanic, but was panicking! Whew! Thanks!

Answer 1

A leaking gas tank isn't a big deal - it just means you're losing gas just don't park near an open flame. You can drive it to the mechanic without any problems other than the possibility of running out of gas. Depending on the location, size and cause of the leak they should be able to drain the tank pour in a sealer, slosh it around to cover the leak and fill the tank back up again. It's likely not something you can sit and wait for like an oil change but it shouldn't be too expensive to fix.

If you drive an older car and need to save money in the event that the tank is beyond repair you should try getting a replacment tank from a junk yard. If you can find one you can take it the mechanic and have them install it. If you don't know much about cars - and if you have to replace the tank - tell the mechanic you want to try to find a used one and have the mechanic write down the details of what you need - the guys at the junk yard can probably tell you if they have one and can direct you to it if you have to retireve it yourself.

If you notice the tank stops leaking when the gas is at a certain level in the tank it will give you an idea of where on the tank the leak is - say, half way up, a quater of the way up etc - just keep your gas level below that and you'll be ok until you get it fixed unless of course the leak is right at the bottom. Good luck.

Answer 2

with the intention to weld it, you first ought to empty it then fill it with water.yet another direction might want to be to flow to napa and get a gas tank restoration stick.you purely like stuff the stick contained in the hollow.then take some epoxy and kind slightly of metal to conceal a million a million/2" round all aspects of the leak,placed a a million/4' bead of epoxy around the sting of the metal and stuff it on and carry it.at the same time as dry itll very last some yrs, however the temp gas patch will very last awhile to boot till like in my case it changed into less than the mounting strap.3 days later i repeated the stick and used a canvas chaffe sleeve to save it from leaking.

Answer 3

Is it leaking around the tank under the tank straps? If so, toe it. If its a puncture that you can plainly see wipe off the area as best you can. Carve a piece of ivory soap to mimic the shape of the hole in the tank. Now it's going to get wet. Cover yourself with plastic and wear neoprene gloves. Using a plastic punch press it in the offending area and quickly press the prepared piece of Ivory soap into the hole. this will temporarily stop the leak.

Answer 4

I am not making this up......my father once plugged a leaking gas tank with CHEWING GUM and got it home. I would use bubble gum for this and none of that wimpy chiclets stuff! And quite a few people drive old clunkers not even knowing they have a leaky tank, I would go ahead and drive it unless it was really gushing out.

Answer 5

if not to far i would drive it. just don't put any more gas in the tank,they may have to remove it.just be careful where the car is parked,people may not know the problem and may throw a match or cigarette,than you will really have problems.

Answer 6

If you want to take a chance on having a vehicle fire, drive it. If not, tow it.

Answer 7

You can cram a peice of soap into where it is leaking. They also have a patch at advance auto parts.

Answer 8

You have an explosive situation.Call a tow truck.

Answer 9

if u no where the leak is they sell stuff that u can put over the leak

Answer 10

you can drive it but i wouldn't i'd pay the tow