Fuel tank leaking problem

[foxxinabox at excite.com (Foxx (in a box))]

OK guys, my fuel tank appears to be leaking from the<br>underside.  I believe this may be the problem<br>addressed in a service bulletin long ago. (it's an 88<br>16V)  So, how much can I expect to pay to get it<br>fixed?  And do they just replace the tank or what?<br>Thanks all!



  actually, it's not that difficult. you can:



1) call the dealership. some will still replace it, though i know that many will charge you for any incidental parts that *they* might break (lines, etc.), some of which may no longer be available. :(  



2) replace it yourself which really isn't that bad. i did my on my '86 and it didn't take me more than a couple hours by myself.

a) empty the tank and disconnect the transfer pump in the tank (accessible under the back seat & cap)

b) place jack under rear axle and allow it to support your car. remove the rear wheels.

b) jack up the car via the rear axle as far as your jackstands will allow

c) drop the rear axle and move it as far as the rubber brake lines would allow (mine were newly replaced and flexible). you may simply wish to cut them and replace them.

d) undo all the hoses and place a jack in the center of the tank (a support board is good at the jack-tank intersection)

e) remove all the bolts holding the tank in place (5 total, iirc)

f) let the jack down slowly. you'll most likely have to pull it out from under the tank to remove the tank from the bottom of your car.

g) inspect, seal, paint, etc. the replacement tank.

h) transfer the transfer pump (heh!) to the replacement tank

i) installation of new tank is reverse.



  i did run across a couple things when i did the job. most notably, the fuel pump bracket decided to disentegrate (literally, no piece was larger than a quarter, u.s., canadian, or otherwise). also, the fuel pump would not run until i put a couple gallons of gas into the car. i presume that this was/is a feature  do that the pump doesn't burn itself out. i let the pump do its thing by turning the key on a couple times (to pressurize the system). let it crank for about five seconds and it caught. no leak now. :)

  on a scale of 1-10 (10 being worst), i'd give it a 5. not terribly difficult, but common sense is needed. goggles (to protect from falling rust) are a must. if you decide to do this yourself, good luck. the experience will do you good.



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