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Best Way to Install the Gromet in a Fuel Tank

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BumperMan

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hello guys I was wondering if anyone could tell me the best way to install a Gromet inside a fuel tank. It's for a 68 Plymouth GTX, the Gromet will go around the filler neck no problem when it is off the tank but once you put the Gromet in the tank it's like putting a square screw in a round hole.

I've greased it, put Vaseline on it, heated it up and I still cannot get the filler neck put inside the Gromet.

Any ideas I would appreciate
 
Try dish washing liquid. That always works on rubber stuff for me.
 
I always smear a gob of hand cleaner with lanolin on any rubber product. It softens the rubber and makes it slippery enough for those tight fits. I also use it on things like windshield gaskets and wing vent seals. It softens the rubber and cleans it at the same time. My favorite is Whisk but any lanolin hand cleaner without the grit will work
 
I just did this on my RR build. You just gotta really muscle it in there, i went thru the same issue but finally got it installed.
 
You shouldn't be having such an issue with it. A few months ago I replaced my tank & grommet and it went in like butter. I strayed a little oil on it and it went in no problem.

Is it the correct grommet? It may be a bit too heavy on the sidewall. I'd try a different brand of grommets. If you call a good mopar parts dealer they should be able to give you options. https://nationalmoparts.com in Ontario Canada has a few selections of grommets. Talk to Nigal. They ship everywhere and Americans bonus out on the crappy Canadian dollar.

Let us know how you end up solving the issue.
 
Measure the O.D of the filler tube then measure the I.D. of the grommet - difference should not exceed 1/6 of an inch larger for the fill tube. Remember that when you install the grommet in the tank it loses a bit on the I.D and becomes tighter. The fill tube should have a taper at the end where it inserts so it starts fairly easy with a bit of lube. By reaching inside the grommet after installation, make sure it's seated properly in the tank and not folded over on the inside lip. You may actually have the wrong grommet that matches the tank but not the fill tube. If possible, turn the fill tube as you insert it and do not use any lube that is not soluble by gasoline or you may contaminate the fuel system. Tranny fluid is perfect for this.
 
Yeah, it shouldn't be difficult. I used a little silicone grease on the one I installed in my "68 Coronet last year. With a slight twisting motion and downward pressure it popped right in. I wonder if you have a poorly made (sized) replacement part that seem to be popping up often these days?
 
I believe you put the grommet in the tank first, then slide the filler tube into place. I think thats the way we did it. I have done 2 of them, and it aint easy. lots of lube and muscle, I think is what it takes.
 
I just put one inside a 1971 Plymouth Satellite Sebring Plus fuel tank. I used that white creamy mechanics hand soap that comes in the plastic tubs. After making sure the grommet was properly placed in the fuel tank, I lubed the rubber and the filler tube with the soap. Then i worked the tube back and forth while at the same time pushing the filler tube inside. In my case, it took a long time to finally get it started so that in would continue to work its way inside. In fact, I was just about to give up after a lot of cussing and yelling at the pieces. It was not easy and I was almost convinced I had the wrong parts. The amount of inward pressure required was literally all I had. I was concerned I might bend/break something in the process. But in the end, It finally fit and made a good tight seal. Don't give up and it will eventually work its way in thanks to: the bevel (and rigidity) on the metal tube, the flexibility of the rubber, and the slipperiness of the lubricant. Just like making babies, I guess. You will be overjoyed when it finally slides in, believe me. I was doing all of this after I had already installed the new fuel tank and now I wished that I had performed the operation while the tank was back on the floor.
 
I just did this to my 66 coronet a couple of weeks ago. I used wd40, sprayed down the grommet and slipped it in the tank and screwed the filler neck in no problems. So far no problems with a leak.
 
If the size is correct, soak it in very hot bowl of dishwashing detergent water. Once the temperature of the water cools so you can remove it, the install will be a snap.
 
Carcinogen said:
my experience.

Had trouble getting the OER grommet I got from jegs to fit, then after a few months it split.

The next one from DMT http://www.ebay.com/itm/DMT-70-74-E...ts_Accessories&hash=item53f7ffa7f1&rmvSB=true fit better.
Click to expand...

Hi wondering how the DMT fuel grommet worked out. I had my new one split and pour gas out of the fuel neck too. Was thinking of to get one from DMT now. My original lasted over 40 years. New is just garbage. I want a real rubber one, not cheap Chinese simulated rubber. Thx
 
Carcinogen said:
It has lasted a year so far with no leaks.
Click to expand...

I just got the fuel grommet off of ebay from DMT. This is real rubber quality part, not the simulated rubber part that split on me. I plan on putting it on this weekend. Im sure it will not leak anymore. Thx for the update

Swapped out to the DMT grommet this weekend - No leaks - Perfect
 
Last edited:
Old post but just need a little advice. How far into the tank should the filler neck go. The double seal grommet has a right and a wrong way to fit into the tank. Ask me how I know? Grommet went in relatively easy but filler neck not so much
 
Seems like there is a tab on the filler neck, that bolts onto a body panel or frame. That keeps the filler neck from moving around or twisting. Also locates it in the proper position.
 
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