most common reason for a fuel leak in a car?

Question

I have a great 93 chevy corisca... old but never ran better.... I smell a fuel leek in the car.... I'm a bit of a car mechanic myself but this one has me stumped. any ideas?

Answer 1

Jack the car up and look for moisture on the fuel lines. Or if your tank is under your rear seat take out the seat without damaging it and see if there is a access panel for the tank under the seat. You just have to look at your car and pinpoint where the leak is coming from, asking on a internet site isn't gonna help if the person can't see your car.

Answer 2

It is not likely that the fuel is actually leaking into the car. Nore likely there is a tiny hole in the fuel line somewhere near there is a hole in the floorboards. So it smells like it is fuel leaking into the car when that is not actually the case. Take it to a shop or get one of those 'sniffer' machines that can detect the fumes.

Also if it is enough you can smell it I suggest you attend to it. If you can smell it, it is entirely possible you vehicle is getting enough gasoline vapor to be explosive. Be careful and dont smoke either or you will be doing an entirely different kind of smoking in no time.

Answer 3

Have you checked the lines fron the tank to the intake...some of these lines (along the frame rail) can be metal and corroded or they have worn a small hole into them through wear and tear...if there is no visable leak on the pavement after sitting, this may be your problem...otherwise I would re-check the obvious areas.

Answer 4

Either a rusted fuel line,or cracked rubber fuel hose would be my first two guesses,possibly a rusted fuel tank,usually happens where the mounting straps contact the tank.

Answer 5

An ex -wife who's still on your life insurance policy is usually the culprit....I'd check the brakes too ;-)....

(sorry you sounded like you needed a laugh)