Smell Gas in car

[Chelseasbmw]

Are there any common areas to start looking for this gas leak. Have 1989 325i BMW. Thanks

[Jared at Pelican Parts]

The most common culprit would be the fuel sender seal, which is under the rear seat. The seal can wear and start to vent fumes into the car...

[puzzlelounge]

I had a gas leak that I thought was the fuel level sender seal, because the area around the seal was covered in gas after a drive. Gas would leak from above the fuel filter onto the ground when the tank was above 3/4 full. However, I replaced the seal and the leak was not fixed.

I found the real problem was a hole in a steel gas line on top of the gas tank. The line is somewhat visible if you remove the access panel under the rear seat behind the driver. I dropped the exhaust, driveshaft and gas tank in order to see the hole. Actually, I only partially dropped the gas tank because I removed all the gas tank bolts except the one on the passenger side of the car. I removed the fuel filter and the electrical connection to the fuel level sender. After lowering the tank somewhat I could look through the access panel and see the hole in the steel fuel line on top of the gas tank right where it attaches to the tank.

To attempt a repair, I first used a wire brush to remove loose rust in the area around the hole. Then, I applied a rust eating chemical that I found at autozone. Next, I cleaned the area with brake cleaner and a rag. Then, I primered the area with rust converter. Finally, I have applied a gas tank repair epoxy that I found at Autozone to the area surrounding the hole. I just created a big mound of epoxy over the hole. This whole procedure was difficult because I was working through the access panel and the hole is difficult to reach.

I haven't tested it out yet. I should have everything back together by next week. I'll let you know how it goes.

Jared

[Jared at Pelican Parts]

Just remove the two bolts holding the lower rear seat pad to the bulkhead, then pull it out. You'll notice an access panel underneath. Remover the panel, and you'll see the sender.