Petrol Leak

[tommtb]

Hi

i have a very minor petrol leak on a 325i coupe

its more of a seeping of petrol from the area where the pipe is clipped to the tank, most likely just the clip.

is this easilly accessed to adjust the clip?

worst case how much am i looking at for a new tank?

cheers everyone who can help

[SPADGE]

It'll almost certainly be the tank itself as they rot on the pipe where the rubber one connects or by the seam.
A new tank from gsf/euro's is around 90 quid.

[tommtb]

ok mate grand, the leak seemed to come from right where the pipe joins to the tank, just around the clip...

so maybe the take has gone rotted where the pipe attaches if thats what you meant?

cheers for the price too, any websites? any idea of fitting costs or times?

[Fushion_Julz]

To fit the tank you need to drop the exhaust and remove the propshaft....

I'd reckon, if you have access to a ramp or pit, then about 3-4hrs should do the job...

However, it would be well worth either changing or at least cleaning and greasing the brake pipes while you're at it as they really need the tank out to be replaced and are likely to need doing in any case....

Not a job I'd fancy doing on the drive, but probably possible...add a couple of hours at least, though.

[daimlerman]

Tank it's self is only held by 5 bolts,it's the rest of the stuff that has to come off that's the problem...there are two access hatches under the rear seat cushion,both have wiring connections under,and the wires are NOT long enough to enable the tank to reach ground level also worth changing the fuel filter whilst you have the thing in your hand.Job took me half a day,working off the ground.

[tommtb]

ok great information thanks

i wont be doing the work myself as ive got no clue what im doing and no access to a ramp or a pit and generally would make a balls up!

any idea of cost and time for a garage to do it? 3-4 hours doesnt sound too bad?

[E30BeemerLad]

for the tank try GSF as suggested www.gsfcarparts.com

there are 2 sizes of tank, depending on what your car is.

[tommtb]

ta mate, as always mine is the most expensive one!

not as much as the BMW part though obviously, so thats sweet.

[tommtb]

no ideas for a fitting price at a garage?

[Fushion_Julz]

depends on where you are and how much your local wrench monkies charge....

Main dealers are around the £100-120 per hour mark, a decent and knowledgeable independant about £70/hr and the back street bodge merchant maybe around £50/hr...

However you a) get what you pay for and b) will pay more *hours* to a person or garage who have no idea what they are doing and are "learning the job"...

Where do you live?

[tommtb]

im finding out for someone in south london, london bridge area...

but he doesnt mind travelling a few miles out of London

[Fushion_Julz]

I'd recommend MJF Engineering in Beare Green nr Dorking...

Mark knows his stuff and is pretty cheap and efficient

[tommtb]

thanks for the help!

[Brianmoooore]

Loosen off the clips at both end of the hose, turn it to free it up, then push it tight up against the tank and position the clip so that it is only about 2 - 3mm from the tank.
If the hole is in the stub pipe, you may get lucky and seal the leak.
Don't blame me if the whole stub disintegrates though!