spotter487

I filled my tank up tonight and went for a short 5 min drive back to my house. When I went to make a u-turn to park I noticed that there was liquid that dripped pretty strongly on the road. After parking I saw that it was fuel. The tank was wet with fuel but did not drip while sitting still. It seems that it only leaks during braking. Any ideas on where the leak is coming from? I am going to inspect it further tomorrow when wake up because it was too dark/cold to do it tonight. any help is appreciated. Merry Christmas

mono4lamar

iTrader: (32)

I'd take the carpet out to access the top of the fuel tank. From there you'll most likely find the culprit.

badddrx7

iTrader: (7)

Like the guy suggested above....Proceed in this fashion

1. Working with gasoline - safety first.
2. Don't drive it until you've resolved the problem
3. Check to make sure your gas cap is on correctly or there at all.
4. Proceed to remove the Bose wave ( if equipped ), peel back the rear carpet and remove the access panel to view the top of the tank. Look for the leak area.
5. Understanding #1 above, then start the car ( with help ) while viewing the top of the gas tank. Look for the leak area. Check the hoses.

Report back



Later

spotter487

I checked the leak today. It is leaking from the top of the tank, but I am not sure whether it is a cracked hose/loose clamp ie. Because of its position I cannot see. the only way would be to drop the tank and look that way. What is your opinion on it: should I DIY or should I wait till tomorrow and bring it to a shop to have them do it? how hard is it to drop the tank?

spotter487

more info:
I removed the carpeting in the trunk. then removed the metal piece that is over the fuel tank. I can see the fuel lines coming from the tank. The only way I am able to get the tank to leak is with the engine running moving forward a very short distance (5 feet) and then braking. The leak is from the back/top of the tank. It leaks towards the front/top and drips down the front. Any ideas on what to do?

mono4lamar

iTrader: (32)

Is it all wet at the top? If it is take some brake parts cleaner to spray down the top of the tank and let it sit a couple minutes. Then you can start over.

Looking over your join date it seems that you just bought the car. There could be some sort of actual hole on the tank. A sure shot way to find if its a hole at the top would be to fill the tank completely full.

As you describe it, there seems to be no problem with the lines or carrier. I personally would pull the carrier assembly and bring down the fuel tank. Bring it to a shop and have them sort the mess out. A radiator shop can surely do it. They will flush it out and pressure test it.

spotter487

yes i did just buy my 3rd gen single turbo. I still have my 1980 rx7 for a couple of years now, but am new to the 3rd gen. I dont think it is a hole in the top of the tank because it would most likely leak on acceleration and deceleration then. I think it is a hose but I am not sure. Thanks for the input, I am no expert so your advice is golden

badddrx7

iTrader: (7)

Sombody didn't pull one of these screwups on you - did they ?


https://www.rx7club.com/forum/showthread.php?t=704623


Seriousily, there is a drain plug in the bottom of the tank. Carefully drain all the fuel out and you could probably drop the tank yourself. I did it myself with no trouble. Fuel tank removal is spelled out on pages F-98 and 99 in the manual. If you lack the experience and tools, then leave it for the pros. Working with gasoline is extremely hazardous.

Later

spotter487

thanks a lot. tomorrow I am going to drop the tank and look for the problem. I have the tools, and I am no expert but I do have the knowledge to work on the car. Thanks for all the input. Ill keep you updated after Im done.

spotter487

there was no leak in the tank. The tank was just overfilled. Thanks for the help tho. Very much appreciated

MrNizzles

iTrader: (5)

I'm confused, how does "overfilling" the tank cause it to leak? Was it leaking from the area of the gas lid/cover ? or somewhere else on top of the tank?

jkstill

iTrader: (11)

There are several screws that hold the cover on the top of the tank. ( Just pulled the fuel pump last night, still can't recall how many screws there are). Check to make sure that they are all tight.

badddrx7

iTrader: (7)

I don't buy it. We fill up all the time chief. If gasoline was leaking out of the top of the tank, then you can rest assured - 100% - that you have a problem my friend.

Now if you left the cap off......




Later

mono4lamar

iTrader: (32)

Maybe he's gonna sell the car... Problem fixed

spotter487

Lol nope dont think I am gonna be selling the car anytime soon. If i am correct the tank is a 16 gallon tank. When I went to fill up I wasnt paying attention to the gallons meter on the pump and was just waiting for the pump to stop itself. It filled up to 16.25 gallons. I had about 1/8 of a tank left in it already. I brought it to my mechanic and talked to the previous owner who had the car for 2 years and also own 2 other fds he said that he thinks it was the same problem. But we could be wrong and maybe the car will blow up in the future but i drained some gas and the car is not leaking anymore. Hell, if the car does blow up it seems like mono4lamar would be pretty happy about it. what a nice guy

mono4lamar

iTrader: (32)

^ I hope that was sarcasm...

badddrx7

iTrader: (7)

Drive it around some, I bet a Happy Meal your leak will reappear. If I were you I'd pull the tank and inspect it good. Otherwise you might lose an FD and the rest of our cars will just get rarer. Good luck


Later

spotter487

ya it was sarcasm

spotter487

I will be pulling the tank soon to inspect it and see where it was originally leaking from. Once I do I will update you

mono4lamar

iTrader: (32)

If you don't feel like messing with it come upstate. I'm 90 miles from you. I think you'll really like my shop...

spotter487

I might have to take you up on that offer sometime. pm me the address. But I am going to drop the tank this week hopefully and fully inspect it.