I have a mid-80's Crane toilet. I can not get it to stop leaking from the two mounting bolts. I've tried replacing the washers & bolts, cleaning the porcelein with scouring pad, and even using plumbers putty. Nothing works! I've tried tightening and loosening the bolts. I'm at my wits end and am ready to just replace it with a new toilet. I don't like the 2-bolt mounting method anyway because it doesn't seem as steady as a 3-bolt type.

Before I give up, does anyone have any ideas? Thanks.

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Originally Posted by Augy123

I have a mid-80's Crane toilet. I can not get it to stop leaking from the the two mounting bolts. I've tried replacing the washers & bolts, cleaning the porcelein with scouring pad, and even using plumbers putty. Nothing works! I've tried tightening and loosening the bolts. I'm at my wits end and am ready to just replace it with a new toilet. I don't like the 2-bolt mounting method anyway because it doesn't seem as steady as a 3-bolt type.

Before I give up, does anyone have any ideas? Thanks.

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Did you replace the spud washer?(see image). Tighten the tank bolts so the tank has a 1/4" of rock in it. Do not tighten the tank bolte so the tank won't give a bit. If you do somebody leaning back can crack the bolt holes in the floor of the tank. And that's what I have a hunch what's happened already. If youcan't stop the tank from leaking then check around the bolt holes in the tank for cracks. Let me know. Tom

Is the spud washer the single washer in the middle (through which the water flows)? If so, I have replaced it and that isn't where the water is leaking. I am almost 100% certain that the leak(s) come from the bolts. If I get one side to stop leaking (by tightening or loosening the bolts), then the other side starts leaking. I haven't seen any cracks in the tank but that doesn't mean they are there... I'll have to look a little closer. If there are cracks, is it time to just give up and replace the whole thing?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Augy123

Is the spud washer the single washer in the middle (through which the water flows)? If so, I have replaced it and that isn't where the water is leaking. I am almost 100% certain that the leak(s) come from the bolts. If I get one side to stop leaking (by tightening or loosening the bolts), then the other side starts leaking. I haven't seen any cracks in the tank but that doesn't mean they are there...I'll have to look a little closer. If there are cracks, is it time to just give up and replace the whole thing?

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Hey Augy,

Are you installing the tank bolts correctly with the tank bolt washers? (See image) If you find cracks near the bolt holes you may caulk them with epoxy or just replace the tank. No need to purchase a entire toilet. Cheers, Tom

Thanks for the help. I ended up just replacing the whole thing for $70. I am pretty sure the tank was cracked like you said but I didn't feel like it was worth the time to spend trying to fix it.