Two days ago I noticed a strong gas smell. I looked around and found a big leak coming from the rear driver side from the front of the gas tank. Around the area where the filler hose is located. Well I let the car set for about a day then I drove it around the block to get it leaking again to try to find where its coming from(wanted to try to see without dropping the tank) It only leaks when the car is running and a short time after I shut the motor off (when there is still fuel pressure i'm guessing). As I was pulling into my parking spot at home it started to idle very high and sputtering a little bit(usually it idles fairly smooth) then it just died and won't start back up. It just turns over and over.

Now, where should I start??? I'm guessing that it isn't getting any fuel since it was leaking so bad that there can't be enough pressure for fuel to make it to the front of the car. Could a hole in the tank cause this or would it be something else(like a fuel line that may be around the area that is leaking)?

Please help.........

 

The leak left a decent size puddle I got a crappy picture of how bad(you can kinda tell how bad its leaking)

 

Pic is too small. Have you checked the fuel filter?

 

The fuel filter was replaced about 3000 miles ago, so I think it should be good... Although I guess I could change it out. Does anybody know of any write ups for dropping the gas tank?

 

If the tank has a hole, it's rusting, fuel filters can plug quickly.

Drain the tank, shoot PB Blaster on the 4 strap bolts and the 2 hose clamps on the filler and over flow hoses, remove the - wire from the battery, unplug wires at the tank, open fuel door, remove 3 bolts on the fuller neck trim ring, break the 2 rear bar strap bolts loose, break and remove the 2 front stap bolts. Tank will hang by the tabs on the straps, lower tank far enough to remove the 2 fill hoses, remove the other 3 fuel hoses, drop tank.

 

Ok thanks for all the help, I guess I'll drop it next weekend.

 

Now I just have to find a good gas tank.....

 

It's going to be a bitch to replace.

 

Is it really that hard. I access to a lift and power tools, so I don't think it will be that hard (I hope)

 

Good tanks are getting harder to find.

 

Ok I just went out and tried to fire the car back up and after a few cranks it fired up, then ran for a few secs then died, fired back up and died almost instantly. The first time I went under the car to see if I could find out where it was leaking from. It didn't leak at all. After it stalled I could hear the fuel pump running but I could see any fuel running through the fuel filter. Could the problem be the fuel sending unit or fuel pump? I've only messed with fuel pumps on 2nd gens so I'm new to 1st gen pumps. Where exactly are they located??

Would something on the fuel sending unit cause a big fuel leak from that part of the tank?

 

Ok nevermind about where the fuel pump is located(did some research). Has a lot of people had problems with stuff leaking from this area?

 

My '83 was leaking fuel from the front/left hand side of the tank. Turned out, the charcoal canister was plugged up, and the sun warmed the tank, causing excess pressure to build up. The "weakest link" was one of those stupid squeeze clamps.
Try this: dump some fuel in the tank (2-3 gallons) and see if it will run. Leave the fuel cap loose. No leak- look to see if the small hose on the charcoal canister is plugged. Hint, inside the small nipple of the canister, there is a tiny restrictor. It plugs EASY AS HELL!!!!! I drilled mine out, problem solved forever.

 

I stuck my hands up there and it feels like there aren't even any squeeze clamps on the hoses up there from what I can tell. I'm just gonna drop it and replace the tank since I found one somewhat local and it looks like the tank is a little rusty. I ordered a new fuel sender unit and fuel pump I'm gonna replace at the same time. That way everything is in great working order back there for years to come..... Does anybody know of a good write up with pictures on dropping the tank??

 

POR 15 makes a great tank repair kit for around $130.