Gas tank

[rjlsho]

I went to fill up my 98 STS the other day and when it got full, a river of gas started flowing at me from beneath the car. I would imagine that the filler hose or the vent hose is to blame. My question is, how difficult is it to check where the leak may be coming from without pulling the tank? Thanks, RL

[Ranger]

If it was a "river" and it was "while filling", I think it is a pretty good bet it it the filler pipe. Should be pretty easy to see.

[rjlsho]

Behind the tire there is a panel to pull out and I can see the filler tube kind of, but I can't really get to it to remove it to see if the rubber split. Does anyone know how to pull the tank without removing the cross frame guard for the exhaust or the whole passenger rear tire assembly? I tried without doing those things, but I must be missing something. Thanks, RL

[Murphyg]

Originally Posted by Ranger

If it was a "river" and it was "while filling", I think it is a pretty good bet it it the filler pipe. Should be pretty easy to see.

Ya like that ?^?

Were you topping up after the pump shut off ? Or did it not shut off and the fuel just started to spill ?

[dkozloski]

Filler necks rust out and it is shockingly expensive for parts to fix.

[Mitch3]

Guess it's pretty common. The filler pipe on my '94 Eldo rusted out a few years ago. The shop I was working with at the time said they had to drop the tank to replace the pipe. Now I have a '98 Eldo and the filler pipe is rusted out. The shop I'm working with now says they do not have to drop the tank. They have been waiting for the parts for over a month so I went online and checked a couple of parts places. Both said "special order". I wouldn't bother fixing it but my check engine light is on and my inspection is coming up in September. Can you replace the pipe without dropping the tank?

[rjlsho]

Well I went to fill up today to see where it was leaking from, and found out it's not the filler tube. I was watching the tube with a flashlight and all was well for about 16 gallons (I thought I was in the clear), when I heard the gas starting to hit the ground. I shut the pump off right away and opened the trunk, lifted up the carpet, moved the metal plate and low and behold the source of my river. It seems to be coming from the fuel pump area.
I would imagine it would be the gasket, but I will have to do some digging first. If it is the gasket, I hope it's sold seperatly. I'll keep you posted.

[Ranger]

If it is the gasket, I hope it's sold seperatly.

It should be, but I have never heard of one just start leaking like that without being disturbed. Very strange.

[thu]

Wow, talk about a fire hazard. I wonder how close the exhaust pipe is to the fuel tank. Did you have someone service it (e.g. replace the fuel pump or sender unit)? Maybe someone didn't tighten the fuel pump access cover properly.

[rjlsho]

Sorry it took so long for the update. Short story, my wife and I seemed to notice the gassy smell since we got the car, but never noticed a leak and not serviced by us. I did however take the fuel pump out and the gasket (O-Ring) looked fine, except that it was way too big. The top of the tank looks like it has a seat built in to fit the gasket and when I tried to fit it back in, it wouldn't fit. I had about an inch and 1/2 extra that wouldn't fit. Bottom line: my local auto parts stores don't carry it. $30 local dealer cost, non-stock item, about 4 days to get.

[donwon]

Orile's might carry it and can get it overnight.