subaru experts!!! Impreza Fuel leak problem!?

Question

i bought a '96 impreza (non-turbo) about 2 months ago. i think i just found out why i got it for such a great price.

included are 3 hyperlinks to jpg photos i took of underneith the car, behind the drivers side rear tire, of what i believe is the fuel tank. you can see there is a corrosion problem, and everything is wet. this fluid smells very much like gasoline, and has metal flecks all through it. please help me identify what the problem is, where the leak is coming from, what parts i need to replace, and if you have a chiltons manual, or any similar kind of book, pertaining to the parts (or know where one is, or know where i can get one, without having to pay over $25, if you know where i can buy one in the miamisburg, Ohio area), and other mechanics specific to this car. thanks so much for any and all help! i really appreciate it!

http://www.geocities.com/sidewalkannie81/HPIM6796.JPG
http://www.geocities.com/sidewalkannie81/HPIM6799.JPG
http://www.geocities.com/sidewalkannie81/HPIM6800.JPG


post note: i have already had a good mechanic i know and trust inspect the fuel lines, and they are intact. i keep thinking its a pressure problem inside the tank itself, or with the pressure release valves, or a seal or a gasket might be loose, not sealing, or broken (however i have no way of knowing what seals/gaskets are where, and this would be why i'm desprately looking for some type of manual). i smell gas profusely when i fill the tank up, and i can see the gas gage rise and fall as i hit the gas, and let off it, especially while i'm on the innerstate, and need to be at high RPMs.

Answer 1

you can get to the fuel sending units without removing tank.If you lift the carpet up in the trunk or cargo area there are 2 floor access holes.Remove the 3 screws on the drivers sideand you will see the sub sending unit and if you take the 4 screws from the pass side cover you will see the fuel pump and sending unit.These cars have a saddle type fuel tank so they recquire 2 sending units.There may be a leak there or you can pull out the lower cushion on the rear seat and see where the fuel lines come into the car on the drivers side floor.Have seen them leak there.Another common thing is the fuel filler pipe.It is where you fill the tank,and it has a plastic shield over it behind pass rear wheel.The shield holds dirt and moisture against pipe and rusts it out.Any specific questions send me an email and Ill help as much as possible.I am a Subaru master Tech.

Answer 2

I believe the fuel lines go under the back seat in your car and maybe leaking there. Or the lines just need to be tightened up. Or the gas tank itself has been compromised as is leaking from a seem. These are the top 3 culprits usually in this situation.

Answer 3

i own a repair shop,and its possible that someone has put a fuel pump in it and did not put a new sending unit seal on it,this happens a lot,you need to have the tank dropped down ,and let the mechanic see whats wrong with it,its not safe to drive like that,everyday you drive it your taking a chance with your life,so have him drop it down and see if it is a seal it will only take a few minutes to repair it,good luck,,i hope this help,s,.

Answer 4

Subaru Impreza Gas Tank

Answer 5

drop the tank,most likely leaking seal or rusted tank