1986 es Leaks Fuel on Full Tank

[Ben/brg]

I've searched, but haven't found any answer to my problem. I'm aware that the e30's fuel tank is prone to breaking. While I wish I had found pin-holes in the bottom of the tank, the fuel seems to be leaking from the top of the tank. This leakage only occurs when the car is running and when the tank is full. I've gotten under the car to try to locate the source of the leak, but haven't been able to source where it comes from. I suspect a hose connection on the top of the tank. If anyone has experienced the same, please post a reply. And if this has already been answered, please link me the thread.

-Ben

[Sean S.]

Pull your back seat out and then take the inspection cover off. See if you can see either wet fuel or stains where fuel has washed the dirt away. Most likely the leak is coming from either the fuel pump gasket or the sending unit gasket. If not the gaskets, how do the rubber lines look? You can start the car and see if any are leaking. May want to just get all the gaskets and bulk line you"ll need and replace everything anyways. Good luck!

[Chessmaster]

^ that is the most common location of fuel leak when full. Also try looking at the fuel neck filler hose.

[Ben/brg]

You guys are awesome. Thanks for the replies.

[TobyB]

Also take the right rear wheel off, and pull the filler hose inspection cover.
There is a metal Y- pipe in the vapor return that loves to rot away,
and the hoses that are covered by that cover can be pinched, cracked or leaking.

As can the fittings at the filler neck itself.

hth

t