It’s a tale familiar to many classic car enthusiasts: the dreaded fuel leak. For owners of a 1985 Lincoln Town Car, a sudden gasoline smell can be alarming and point to issues within the fuel system. Often, the initial suspect might be the fuel filler neck, a common culprit in older vehicles. However, as one DIYer discovered, the root cause can sometimes be more unexpected, especially when modifications have been made. Understanding the fuel line and gas tank setup in your 1985 Lincoln Town Car is crucial, and knowing the right tools, like a fuel line removal tool, can save you from potential headaches and even dangerous situations.
The Misleading Fuel Filler Neck Issue
Initially, the strong smell of gasoline led to the assumption of a faulty fuel filler neck. Having experienced a similar issue with a previous Town Car – where a leak developed due to a failing seam in the filler neck – replacing this part seemed like the logical first step. A brand new fuel filler neck, complete with a new grommet and gas cap, was installed with the expectation of solving the problem. Unfortunately, this common fix didn’t resolve the persistent fuel odor.
Uncovering the Real Problem: Trunk Modifications and Tank Puncture
Driven by the need to find the real leak source, a deeper investigation, including a forum search, led to a crucial realization. The question was raised: “Has someone installed a stereo amp in the trunk or drilled any holes?” This simple question pinpointed the likely cause. In a moment of DIY enthusiasm, an amplifier had recently been installed in the trunk. Regrettably, this installation was done hastily, with little thought to what lay beneath the trunk’s spare tire deck. Long, 1 1/2″ self-tapping screws were used – a decision that would soon prove problematic.
Upon removing the amplifier and carefully probing the area, the worst was confirmed. One of the self-tapping screws had indeed penetrated the fuel tank. The telltale sign was gasoline residue on a welding rod used for probing. The full fuel tank exacerbated the leak, creating a visible drip and gasoline staining beneath the car, particularly near the passenger side tire.
DIY Fuel Tank Access and Temporary Repair
Faced with a punctured fuel tank and without immediate access to specialized tools like Ford fuel line removal tools – especially on a Saturday afternoon – a resourceful approach was necessary. Dropping the fuel tank for a proper repair was considered but deemed impractical at that moment without the right tools and time. Instead, the focus shifted to gaining access to the damaged area for a temporary fix.
Utilizing existing holes in the trunk deck, along with creating a new access port using a 2″ hole saw, allowed for visual and physical access to the fuel tank’s seam. This was done cautiously, avoiding sparks by using a coarse hole saw instead of a cutoff disk, and working carefully with a cordless drill to prevent further damage. Only cutting partially through the deck allowed for folding back the metal and later sealing the access point.
The area around the puncture was cleaned to bare metal, and a steel gas tank repair putty was applied. Despite the putty being advertised to adhere to fuel-soaked metal, allowing a full 24-hour cure time before moving the vehicle was crucial to ensure a proper seal.
Unexpected Benefit: Resolved Fuel Filling Issue
Interestingly, the replacement of the fuel filler neck, while not solving the primary leak, did address another long-standing issue. For weeks, refueling had been a frustrating task, with the gas pump constantly shutting off, requiring extremely slow filling. After installing the new filler neck, this problem vanished. The tank could now be filled at full pump speed without any issues.
The likely explanation lies in a one-way flapper disk within the filler tube, designed to prevent fuel spillage in case of a rollover. It’s speculated that this flapper may have been sticking in the old filler neck, causing the refueling difficulty. The new filler neck, possibly with a slightly improved design or a functioning flapper, resolved this secondary problem.
Conclusion: Caution and Correct Tools are Key
This experience serves as a valuable lesson for anyone working on a 1985 Lincoln Town Car, or similar vehicles with fuel tanks located close to the trunk floor. When installing accessories in the trunk, especially amplifiers or anything requiring screws, extreme caution is necessary. Always verify what lies beneath the surface before drilling or screwing. Using shorter screws, and avoiding self-tapping screws near the fuel tank area, is highly recommended.
While DIY repairs can be effective in emergencies, proper repair of a punctured fuel tank often requires dropping the tank and may involve welding or professional patching. Furthermore, having the correct tools, including fuel line disconnect tools, is essential for safe and efficient fuel system work. For any fuel line or gas tank maintenance on your 1985 Lincoln Town Car, ensure you have the right tools and knowledge to prevent similar mishaps and maintain the safety and integrity of your vehicle’s fuel system.
