Hard line on gas tank leaking. Have question.

[SpyHunter]

So, my 318is developed the dreaded leak, in front of the drivers side rear tire. I have replaced the filter, and the two rubber feed lines, and still it leaks. Taking the round cover off the drivers side, under the rear seat, I can see a build up of moisture. Seems pretty obvious that it is the hard line leaking somewhere along there. I fully plan on replacing the fuel tank itself. Will do when I go through the rear subframe, diff, and TA's.

Here is the question. As a temporary fix, is there any reason to not bypass the hard line altogether? Run a line directly from the pump, to the filter, right next to the return line? This would just be a temporary fix, to get me through the Holidays.

Any thoughts?

[jlevie]

That will work, if you can fish the soft line in over the top of the tank. But my guess is that a leak in area of the top of the tank is going to be a hole in the tank, not a failure of the hard line. Water and/or salt that gets on the top of the tank can tend to stay there and corrode through the top of the tank. The hard line is spaced just a bit above the top of the tank and stays out of water that might collect there.

[SpyHunter]

Gas only leaks while car is driven, though. And for a period after. The tank is now almost at 1/2 a tank, as well.

Thought I had read that the hard lines were welded to the tank. Or tacked on. And that, usually, caused the issue with the hard lines.

[jlevie]

Gas only leaks while car is driven, though. And for a period after. The tank is now almost at 1/2 a tank, as well.

That in and of itself doesn't tell whether the leak is from the hard line or the tank. But there is a way to find out. Jumper the fuel pump relay and let the pump run for a while. If fuel starts dripping the hard line becomes the prime suspect.

[SpyHunter]

Thanks for the insight! Appreciate it. :D

[Fcknslo]

interested in your procedure to fix it
i have a leak thats in between the fuel pump and the fuel filter betweent he frame of the car and can't exactly see it.
was wondering if your talking about the same location under the seats and wanted to know if you got it fixed by any chance.