Fuel Leak directly under Fuel Filler

[MPDano]

I topped off on Sunday, then saw it leaking. It eventually stopped. This morning after I drove it to work, I could still see and smell it leaking. Probably under the pressure of the Fuel Tank.

I don't think there is a fire hazard since it's opposite the Muffler, but what could be causing this? Is this a return line leak or ...?

[neil30076]

Leo, clean and dry off the underside of the tank with an de natured alcohol. Look for a hair line crack on the tank up on the right side ( as you look from the rear). Dwayne just did a write up on the tank and its removal on rlist. He shows where his cracked.

[MPDano]

Yikes! So you think it's a crack and not one of the hoses up there?

[MPDano]

It's actually not dripping from the sides of the tank, but more exactly down from the Fill Spout.

[riber.bentsen]

Could be the passage/level hose or return hose or the hose to expansion tank.

[neil30076]

Originally Posted by MPDano

Yikes! So you think it's a crack and not one of the hoses up there?

Could be a hose, also a b***h to get at, approx how much gas do you have in the car?

[MPDano]

Full tank

[tmpusfugit]

deleted

[riber.bentsen]

You're screwed leo, but you have to empty out that tank one way or another, 'cause you'll be dropping it sometime soon

Be that by driving the snot out of it or with a load of HD petrol-canisters..

[neil30076]

Originally Posted by MPDano

Full tank

I had a similar leak on the 81 a few years ago, was split at the seam around the 1/2 tank level.
I would try to drain some and see if and when the leak stops, that may give you a clue as to how far up the problem is. Drop the tank straps and see where they are wet.

[MPDano]

I took a look around my lunchtime today around the Filler area. I removed the Rubber insert so I could see the Tank Neck. Nothing that I can see following it down, but I will take a look again when I get home as then the pressure will yield some visual results.

[84Shark]

Hold on Leo, if you plan on dropping your tank this weekend let me bring my car and you can watch me make an arss of myself while I try to follow dwayne's 100 step pictorial process....

[MPDano]

I've actually dropped my Tank on the Euro before. Process isn't that hard. I think the hardest part was re-installing the Strap back as they bolts don't line up very well while grime is falling onto your face. I'm going to try and pinpoint the leak area before I drop it. At least I am hoping to be able to see it without dropping it

[stepson]

I would think that it's probably the large vent hose that goes through the frame to vent the two sides of the fuel tank. It's not that bad a job when the tank is empty, but it IS a dirty job. I recommend doing it outside and not in an enclosed area. You will need to drop the tank, but it doesn't have to come all the way out. Replace the large vent hose and reinstall the tank. It's probably a 2 - 2 1/2 hour job the first time you do it.

[MPDano]

Ok, just got home and nothing leaking. I looked in the Fuel Cap area and it's dry. I did pull my Cap and I don't have that one seal in it like my Euro.

[lfausty]

if , and it just might be lot of watching/checking/smelling, tricky to figure out.
1. a new tank whos to say another old tank is the cure. if good of course problemo solved.
2. over full - gauge, send unit may not be so accurate - fill and right when startup excess pours out, why it wont stay and just burn down but spills out?, hmm. pressure to too much fuel?
3. hose or the plastic valve (bottom of the neck cracked , crimp/clamps not there or corrided.
4. drips off the tank bracket is it fp,ff, flines, check valve. wont know til bracket comes down to check for corrison/rusted out under the black rubber foam (saturated with gas) line
*Have to drive the car (pressurizes) park car (unpressurizes) if drips are there (hrs/next morning) then repeat drive park and ......

5. jacked and support the tank, undid just side straps (yep opp the muff) only. seam which you cant get to to see/fix its behind strap. and you wont know theres a leak why because it screws with you. pressure no pressure makes it drip or not through seam.
6. wipe down area dry -alcohol - pcar denat. alky -- not ur alcoholic beverage.
Wait (hrs next day) ........ can you see where gas has come out of seam?
7. Now for the next trick. finding fuel and oil resistant sealant. sealall.com
8. sealall.com site read read specifically no.2 fiberglass a good/better option than tape? and scroll down to bottom... how to use......
9. If any of this is useful information
10. If buying seal all (remember the website read) or other like products hanging there at advanced auto (tried other auto stores) 2 buck stuff. Bring your glasses, or a good pair of eyes.