Gas leakage

[jt325i]

I was wondering if anyone else experiences a gas spill/leak/drip when the tank is completely filled. This is the second time I started smelling gas n the cabin when the tank was full and when I checked there was gas dripping from the bottom of the tank... just curious if this is at all dangerous. Also, how do you reset the yellow "CHECK" light that keeps flashing. I believe its related to the 02 sensor and I just had it replaced.
Thanks my car is a 1991 325ix ... and it would be helpfull if someone knew the correct bentley service manual I should get for my car. (So I won't continue to ask annoying questions.

 

[Beemur]

If it is really coming from the bottom of the tank I guess it would be the pressure that is causing the leak only when it is full
Or the gas is running down the side of the tank and that makes look like it's coming out the bottom
You should pin point the actual spot and fix it.
the check light can be turned off by pressing the check button that is above your rearview mirror. there should also be a red led illuminated showing you that something else is wrong
91's have a different engine than the rest of the e30s, so . . . I'm not sure which bentley manual you should by sorry. I'm sure someone else could tell you though, I'm interesed as well.

Hope this helps

 

[mjbst111]

i would pull out the back seat and pull off the two access panels to the gas tank. If there is a leak it is most likely up there where components enter the tank (as well as the gas filler tube). Especially if it only leaks when its full. I'm pretty sure you'll be able to see where it leaks. The seat just pulls up and out. Pull on the two front corners.

 

[epj3]

Sounds like a leaky fuel filter or something.

Beemur - What pressure are you talking about? The only pressure is in the hose between the pump and the injectors. The tank itself is not under pressure on e30's.


For the check lights, are there any LED's lighting up? The light that says "CHECK" is a totally different system than the check engine light.

 

[Beemur]

Beemur - What pressure are you talking about? The only pressure is in the hose between the pump and the injectors. The tank itself is not under pressure on e30's.

I mean the pressure caused by the weight of the fuel. I doubt this senario though, it's probably coming from up above, like at the fill tube like mjbst111 said. although if it really is leaking out the bottom only when full then this is the only reason I can think of.

 

[jt325i]

the check light is not the check engine light it is the one that just says CHECK I thought it was related to the exhaust system. I will try those things to fix the gas problem and I dont think it is coming from the bottom of the tank just dripping from there. and still nobody knows what service manual i need ?
thanks

 

[epj3]

the check light is not the check engine light it is the one that just says CHECK I thought it was related to the exhaust system. I will try those things to fix the gas problem and I dont think it is coming from the bottom of the tank just dripping from there. and still nobody knows what service manual i need ?
thanks

No, as I said, the Check light is related to the small bank of LED's up where the sunroof controls are. Hit that little button and the "CHECK" light will clear. It ONLY checks minor electric systems and oil/coolant/washer fluid levels.

 

[jt325i]

thanks for the check light help it seems that it was a stupid license plate light that was causing the blinking check light. i filled up the car all the way again and its leaking again. i pulled out the back seat and took off the access panel and checked the hoses and stuff. there was a gas smell, a little rust and some moisture but no real leakage so i dunno

 

[mjbst111]

did you pull off both access panels? (one on each side)

Does it only leak when you are filling it up, or while it is full and sloshing around?

Did you start the car with the panels off (while the fuel system is running?)

If you crawl under the car (use jack stands!!!) you should be able to see a bunch of different fuel lines, one running from one tank to the other (one side of the axle to the other) and some going to the front of the car and one going to a fuel filter as Eric mentioned. I guess checking those would be the next step.

 

[AWD_Guy]

I know im bringing this from the dead..lol

But its amazing the things that go wrong with cars, everything you listed here I've experienced with my newly purchased 325ix (going on 2 months), the check light was on, the license plate bulb was flashing up top, and sure enuff the lights were disconnected, not suprising for something that is 18+ years old. Im also experiencing the fuel leak. Also only when the tank is filled up . I've pin pointed it to the hose going to the fuel filter...but I gotta finish the handbrake install (PITA) before I start ripping off panels to get a closer look.

 

[echothreezero]

My tank leaked after I scraped over a speed hump - dented the tank and pushed the guage sender up off its lock tabs slightly allowing fuel to spil out the top when full. Leaked all over my hot exhaust and tyres cuasing me to nearly spin out and huge fire risk. Luckily I'm not totally thick, have a fire extinguisher on board, and effected a roadside repair.

 

[Easily Distracted]

Back from the dead pt. 2.

There is a rubber hose that connects the fuel door to the gas tank. If that gets a crack, it will leak fuel when it is filled to that level. Take a look at that hose.

 

[Doughnut]

Like "Easily Distracted" said, the rubber hose from the fuel door to the tank is most probly perished, or perishing c'mon, its 18 years old even if your not sure id still replace that hose and the clamps that hold it in place

 

[AWD_Guy]

Had to replace the gas tank

7 hours labour + $550 for the tank. Ouch.

 

[Doughnut]

thats gotta sting, what was wrong with it? rusted out?

 

[AWD_Guy]

thats gotta sting, what was wrong with it? rusted out?

yeah a little.

Its like a 2 peice tank, right where the top meets the bottom it was all rusting apart, so when the tank was full it was slowly leaking between the seams.