DIESEL LEAKING FROM CONNECTION OUTSIDE OF VAN HEATER

Dougwe · Chief one feather

DIESEL LEAKING FROM CONNECTION OUTSIDE OF VAN HEATER

elliemike · Guru

If it is like mine the fitting is a Compression type that has either Fibre or compression metal washers (Red Type or soft ally type.) for sealing. From memory mine is this type shown in the picture.

You might seal it with thread Tape or Soft Teflon Paste. But as this fitting is not a "Tapered Thread" Fittings you get no proper seal on the threaded parts. Try making a "Grommet " Washer from a length of Thread tape. That might solve the problem temporarily

P.S. Get a clean container ready (Bucket, Bowl, Can) capable of holding the contents of the tank, that will fit underneath. Take the outlet pipe off the barbed fitting. The Diesel will drain slowly as the hole is small. Be careful when removing the Barbed Nut as the male thread is fitted from inside the tank. Don't let it slip back into the tank when fitting the new seal.

-- Edited by elliemike on Saturday 29th of October 2016 12:50:06 PM

-- Edited by elliemike on Saturday 29th of October 2016 12:51:00 PM

macka17 · Guru

They 90% of time. Compression joints as said.
Go to Repco. Supercheap etc with fitting.
Plug hole with whittled down wine cork or something.
get a couple of fibre washers to suit. and reinstall.

After coupla days. nip it up.
The fibre will have absorbed some diesel and may just need a crimp.

Dougwe · Chief one feather

Thanks for the info so far. Silly me should have put a pic up of the problem area, so here it is.

aussie_paul · Guru

Lightened up a little Doug.

Aussie Paul. smile

Tony Bev · Guru

Hello Doug

It looks to me as though it should have originally had a soft washer, or gasket, between the metal fitting and the plastic tank

One trick that may temporary stop the leak until your friend can get hold of, or make a washer

Is to roll up some thread or plumbers tape as per the picture (to make what looks like a piece of string)

Loosen off the hose clamp

Loosen the metal fitting about two full turns

Place the thread or plumbers tape (clockwise or same direction as tightening metal fitting on thread) in the gap between the metal fitting and plastic tank

Completely fill the gap with rolled up thread or plumbers tape

While keeping the thread or plumbers tape tight, tighten the metal fitting. and then tighten the hose clamp

Hope that this info is useful

Thread tape.JPG

Dickodownunder · Guru

If it is leaking from the thread then it will depend of the integrity of the plastic moulding.

Your neighbor may find that using some jointing paste may be more successful than tape.
Jointing paste may fill any voids that would be in the plastic moulding

www.autobarn.com.au/stag-jointing-paste-200-gram-tube-sg200

Looking at the photo I was wondering if the firtting had been leaking from the time of installation or has it just started to leak?

If it has just started to leak it may be because the fitting has been struck by a stone or similar while travelling and if this is the case the tank may need replacing.

Hard to say without seeing it in the flesh.....

Dougwe · Chief one feather

Thanks for the ideas so far everyone, some ideas to try out there.

Geoff, "in the flesh" that sounds scarey. If you saw the bloke you would know what I mean biggrin

Dougwe · Chief one feather

Well, job done with pink tape on two joins so time will tell now but so far so good. If that doesn't work something else will be tried.

Aus-Kiwi · Guru

I carry various O rings . Surprised how often it gets people out of trouble ..