Tempo gauge seal leaking heavily!

[ArtJ]

I have a ss tank in my Tartan 34. It has a flat mount tempo gauge
that fits in the rectangular top of it.

I have noticed occasionally that tne gauge seal leaks over several years.
The gauge is possibly 10 years old. In the past slight seeping has been cured
merely by tightening of the screws that attach it to the tank.

Occasionally, I have put a little permatex around the perimeter of the screws.

I got a major surprise when after filling the tank at the dock I noticed a
strong smell of gasoline.

Upon checking the tank gauge today I noticed gas seeping heavily around
the perimeter of the screws. There is no more tightening available. I had some permatex form a gasket on hand
and spread a generous amount around the perimeter after wiping the seeping fuel away first. It looks like the gasket cement experienced
some immediate thinning from the gas. I am afraid it may not hold.
The only cure I can think of is to drain (syphon) some fuel from the fill hose, remove the gauge and replace the gasket with cork or neoprene.
This is a issue of immediate concern!

Suggestions Appreciated and source of gasket material / or
tempo new ones.
'Thanks

Best Art
I believe that the leak was exasperated by my filling the neck hose completely with fuel to the top of the deck fill port.

[Al Schober]

Yeah, gas leaks are not good. Old gasket? Replace the gasket.
Curious about the screws that secure the gauge - do they go thru to the interior of the tank? If so, that's a leak source - same as the bolts that secure the water jacket side plate. A fix that works is to replace the screws with studs and nuts. Whoever thought you could attach the gauge by drilling and tapping the top of the tank for screws was dreaming!

[ArtJ]

Hi Al

I think the leak is caused by the gasket itself squashing or ethanol wearing it out. The tank is ss
with ss screws. I agree that the screws could be a source as well.
I see the gas seeping from around the gasket outer circumference edge,
not the screws. I have previously tightened the screws using vice grips
they are so tight that they cannot be tightened further. Perhaps the originql

gasket was snug enough against the screws to prevent initial leaks

I can't do more without lowering fuel in tank. As mentioned I think
replacing the gasket will help. It did not leak at all the first several years.

Not sure if the gasket is a "standard Marine Gauge size'. I have seen such things advertised.

Also could use cork sheet but messy best is probably to get a tempo compatible gasket, Possibly, the permatex will harden shut temorarily,
although it seemed areas were thining out . permatex may be gas
solable until dried. sitting in a seep of gas that way.

Best Art

[ArtJ]

https://www.amazon.com/Moeller-Marine-035728-10-Electric-Mechanical/dp/B000MTI16O/ref=asc_df_B000MTI16O/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312114712708&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=15157058683325343804&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9002277&hvtargid=pla-493838891465&psc=1

https://www.ebay.com/itm/164031929749?hash=item2631109d95:g:80gAAOSwyVdeHmN6

Just found this moeller, other gaskets kit on amazon supposed to compatible with marine tank gauges sizes

Art

[ArtJ]

Forgot to mention - coating screws with proper gasoline use permatex before installing as well as under gasket would help - gas must be below gauge to install.

[ArtJ]

Went to boat this am. The permatex gasket maker held for now.
NO gas odor or in Bilge. Ran Engine 1hr to lower fuel level in tank
Hopefully now low enough tom replace gasket on gauge when it comes in.

Best Art