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I had to clean the gas tank so I removed it and took it to a local radiator shop. When I installed the tank I had a drip at the fuel line connection and tightening did not help. So I inspected the connection and found that there was no cone in the tank fitting for the flared line to fit into. Looking into the tank fitting I can see that it has a reverse cone like one would use for a compression ferral or sleeve. Not only that, the tank fitting is 3/4 inch deep and the line fitting has only 1/2 inch threads so there is no way it can seal as is. Could there have been a brass insert that went in the tank fitting to connect the flared line to the reverse cone in the tank fitting? If so does anyone have one? Any suggestions about how to hook up the fuel line without the insert would be greatly appreciated. I have some photos I can insert if anyone is interested.
I have partially answered my own post. I found a post on the Plymouth forum that indicated there should be a ferrule between the fuel line and the tank fitting. I also was reminded how to spell ferrule. Now the next question is where can I get one of these ferrules? It doesn't appear that a hardware store ferrule will work. A hardware store 5/16 ferrule is only 1/4 in long. The line fitting only has 1/2 inch threads and the tank fitting is 3/4 inch deep so it doesn't look like the line will tighten against the ferrule.
Do you still have the same nut on the fuel line that was there when you removed the tank?
Ferrules usually become crimped on the line when they are originally tightened. Does your difficulty mean the original ferrule is gone, too?
It's supposed to be fun!
1949 De Soto Custom Convertible (project)
Hi Jim,
Many years ago I had a 1948 Dodge that had a dent in the fuel tank, and I had to remove the fuel tank to repair it. I seem to recall that there was an intermediate fitting between the tank and the fuel line. This fitting had an external ball that went into the tank and mated with the internal flare in the tank fitting, and a normal internal ball on the other side that mated to the flare nut and line. That is a somewhat specialized fitting, but I bet a good plumbing supply house would have one.
Brent Jacobsen
Owner of a 1952 Desoto Firedome
I have found that the part is a "fuel filter nipple sleeve" part number 1122375. I checked with a local Chrysler salvage yard, but they got rid of their old stuff. I called Andy Bernbaum and he knew what it was but didn't have one. He did look for it indicating that he has had some. He recommended Moore Salvage in Montana and he is supposed to look but hasn't called back. I checked partsvoice.com and it came up with two places that might have it. Will call them Tuesday.
I have seen a picture of it and it appears to be similar to a compression ferrule only longer and bigger diameter. If all else fails I will try to make one from hardware store ferrules. One ferrule is too short and line fitting will not screw in far enough to seal. Two ferrules stacked are too long. So I will have to grind two down some and but them together. Thinking maybe solder them together.
Hi Jim,
The solution you are suggesting would probably work, but the part that I recall being in my 1948 Dodge looked more like this. It is a common part used in the hydraulics business to join two pieces of flared tubing.
Brent Jacobsen
Owner of a 1952 Desoto Firedome
Thanks Brent. I found a picture of the part and it does resemble the piece you have. I contacted one of the vendors found by partsvoice.com. He said he has one for $18 so I said send it to me. Maybe in a few more days it will arrive from Jacksonville FL. I can hardly wait to drive my Desoto some more.
Part arrived Monday and installed same day. It works, no leak now. It is tiny, less than 3/8 in long with bevels on both ends to fit flare. I smeared a little permatex on it to hold it in place while attaching the fuel line. I bet that some day I will move something in my shop and find the original. Oh well then I will have a spare.
