Re: fuel tank leak - urgent info request

["Russ Maki" <rinard@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Hi John,

If you're lucky, the only problem is a failed O-ring that seals the in-tank
fuel pump assembly to the top of the tank. If you're not lucky, and the car
is a year-round driver in the salt belt, accumulated dirt, road scum and
moisture has rotted out one of the fittings that enter the tank near the
fuel pump/sender assembly. Replacing it is a 1-hour job for someone who has
never done it before (like me before I replaced the O-ring on my '87 ic).

Either way, you'll want to inspect the top of the tank through the
inspection plate under the rear seat. It's held in place by three or four
screws, and is pretty obvious once you take the rear seat cushion out.
Disconnect the battery before playing in the gasoline fumes...and work in a
ventilated area!

A bentley manual will take you through the steps involved in removing and
installing the fuel pump.

Good luck
Russ



> From: john <j.s.smith@domain.elided>
> Subject: fuel tank leak - urgent info request
>
> '89 325i
> For the past week or so I thought (knew) I could smell petrol. Couldn't
> see anything leaking anywhere. This morning, after putting 60 lites of
> fuel in, the smell was very strong. Took a look underneath the fuel tank
> and, ar  last could see the leak. Fuel was dripping off the underneath
> of the fuel tank. It must have been happening for some time as there
> were small whitish crystals in that area on the tank too. I thought
> something must have punctured the tank. But, upon closer inspection I
> can see that the fuel is actuall running down (from somewhere) at the
> *back* of the tank (ie the rear vertical surface of the tank facing the
> rear of the car.
>
> Can someone please advise what might be the cause. Is there something
> further up that surface that could be loose. The tank "look" in good
> condition visually - will get the rear wheel off just now and see if
> anything is visible. I've never worked on the fuel system at the "tank
> end" before so not looking forward to this - *and* of course I now have
> a full fuel tank as well!
>
> Thanks for any advice. email direct appreciated. j.s.smith@domain.elided
>
> - -John

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