Water Heaters - Rheem (Tank Leaks Water)

I have a Rheem Fury gas tank that is leaking out the top under the gas vent hose between the water intake and outgoing supply lines. I am not sure how old it is because it was here when i moved in a year ago. I assume that the whole tank needs replacement but wanted to double check that I am not missing some part up there that could be defecdtive and causing the leak. Havent really been able to find much info about it on the web. I shut off the water to it for now because I dont want to flood the basement and the gas is off too.

As I recall that model is over 20 years old. I think. It does sound as if the tank is leaking, are you able to inspect the top more closely? I think you are referring to the copper flex connectors, and yes one may be leaking.

hard to get to the top of the tank, it is in a very tight spot in the cellar near the stairs. All i can see looking into the area where the water is coming from is an X inside the hole where the vent connects to the top of the tank.

This is a gas unit, and what you may be experiencing is condensation running back down the vent pipe and exiting via the bell onto your heater. If it is cold where you are, my bet is on this. You can get an inspection mirror and flashlight to confirm this. But due to the age of the unit, you may be looking at more, and a replacement may be in your "tomorrow's" to do list.