FUEL TANK LEAKING!!!!!!

[charlE30]

Filled my car up with fuel today, just been outside and all I could smell was petrol I've looked underneath and I can see traces of fuel on the bottom of the tank by the rear wheel. Is there anything I can do to make it safe to drive (until I can get it to the garage) or is it a case of don't drive and get it towed to a garage ASAP?

[E30Adam]

I've just had to change my fuel tank and it's not a fun job.

I wouldn't start the car up with leaking fuel, it's jut not worth it. Get it to a garage and get a new tank put in there, it's the only way to solve the problem, the seams at the top of the tank separate over time and cause the leaks.

If you want to have a go yourself then there's a guide in the articles section.

[Andy325i]

Mine leaked for ages, only when full up though, difficult driving a 325i without filling with fuel every 5 mins though!

[charlE30]

Adam do you have any idea of what a garage would charge for doing this??
Ideally I will do it as it's not beyond my mechanical skills (did an engine change 2 weeks ago). My trouble is it's my only means of transport until next weekend

[BadDave]

I've got an article in the tech section if you want to do it yourself
As for costs involved
Tank is about Ԛ£90 inc vat
Garage would probably cost in the region of Ԛ£100+ at a guess(there quite reasonable with there labour rates up here)

[Brianmoooore]

Before you condemn the tank, check that the hole is not in the steel filler pipe, or the big rubber pipe connecting the filler to the tank.
In my experience, the place most tanks rust is on the stub pipe into yhe tank, or immediately around it.
Car should be safe enough to drive for a short while if you keep the tank less than about one third full and don't subject the car to high G forces.
To change tank, the rear exhaust section and tunnel heat shields have to come off. The prop centre bearing can then be dropped and the prop disconnected from the diff. Tank can then be unscrewd, if you can get at a couple of bolts half hidden by the rear crossmember.

[charlE30]

BadDave already printed it off very good write up. Will be ordering a new tank today and hopefully getting a hire car through my work until the weekend, better safe than sorry.

Going to have to risk driving today but will be driving like a 60 year old sunday driver Cheers for the tips guys

[charlE30]

Have jacked the car up to have a good look and it's leaking from where the filler pipe joins the tank, is it possible to remove the tank (and drain) and get it repaired or not???

[BadDave]

If you look under the drives side of the car there should be a drain plug in the tank(needs an allen key to undo)
You can do a temporary fix that could possibly last 6 months but then you'd have to do it all over again.
I've tried to fix the same problem by welding and using various other remedies but they never seem to last long before needing looked at again.

HTH

Dave

[Brianmoooore]

Came across one once where the leak was actually on the stub pipe right against the tank. Vented the tank with an air line for several hours, and nearly filled it with water.
Heated up the neck to melt the braze, slid the stub in about 15mm and re brazed it. Tank is still in use six years later.