Gas Tank Leak?

[jordantk]

I have a 1998 Pathfinder Auto 4x4 that has developed a gas leak near driver's side wheel well. The leak is very minor, but has just recently developed. I am not hard on my vehicle, so it can't think of anything that could have caused this. I'd like to know if anyone has had trouble with a leaking gas tank and if this is an issue with the Pathfinder gas tank, etc. Can the gas tank rust or is it coated somehow to prevent this? Since I have not been able to look at it closely, it could also be a loose gasket on the fuel line connecting to the tank. I'd like to investigate it more closely, but I don't have access to a garage or even ramps.

[dagwoodzz]

On my WD there is an access to fuel pump from the cargo area. It is kind of in the middle, but more to the passenger side. I would think if that were your problem you would see gas on the that side rather than driver side. Not sure where fuel pump is on the R50.

 

Removing gas tank is not too difficult, I do remember the bolts (19mm if Iremember) had rusted/seized and the heads broke off removing them. If this happens you will need self-tapping screws or studs & nuts to re-install. A four-way is very useful for removing bolts.

 

Here's a link that might be helpful to avoid a replacement.

 

Linky

Edited February 28, 2007 by dagwoodzz

[88pathoffroad]

Hmmm. Dunno about the leak, but I'd get it taken care of before someone stoops down to avoid wind and lights a cigarette next to your wheelwell...heh. Anyone know if the cargo area in the rear of a R50 has a fuel pump access hatch like on the WD21's?

[jordantk]

Thanks for the help, I will look for that access panel.

I have another development...I started noticing the smell and leaking after I filled up the tank. Now that it is down below 3/4 there is no more leaking. Does that mean that it would have to be a crack in the tank and does it effectively rule out any other issue?

[mws]

BINGO! Those symptoms are THE classic symptoms for a rotted/cracked or slipped sending unit/fuel pump gasket!

 

So what dag and '88 suggested is even MORE likely to be the culprit. Pretty common problem these days in just about every vehicle ever made.

Today's gasolines have all kinds of additives that are rather harsh to rubber (oxygenates, alcohols) and the gaskets are rotting out faster than they should.

 

Now we just need to find out how easy it is to access the sending unit assembly and its gasket. It should be on the top of the tank, most likely near the front. Hopefully the R50 has an easy access plate in the floor of the cargo area like the WD21.... If not, you will have to hope Nissan designed the tank for relatively easy access (I'll wager they did, Nissan is pretty good for design.) Worst case, you'll have to drop the tank.

[jordantk]

I put it up on a lift and found the problem. The filler tube is rusted all to hell near where it connects to the rubber tube that connects into the fuel tank assembly. That plastic cover that protects it from rocks and dirt may have gotten some dirt/water in it that may have caused it to rust. Its looks pretty straight forward to replace so I'll try to replace it myself. Does anyone have a recommendation for a place to order parts online?

[NismoSkyZ]

I have the same problem. Are you sure it is a leak? Can you see actual gas on the ground or just smell it? If you are just getting the smell I might just replace the filler like you did.

 

 

Order from Rock Auto - They are usually the cheapest.

Edited March 4, 2007 by NismoSkyZ

[jordantk]

Pretty sure, I haven't actually see the leak coming out of the filler pipe, but I can see residue left behind that shows the gas is coming from the bottom part of the filler pipe where it connects into that short rubber hose that goes to the tank. I always fill the tank up when I stop at the gas station. I think over time the gas that is backed up into the filler pipe has corroded the pipe and now it seeps through the rusted section. I noticed that when I fill it up at the gas station, nothing is leaking, its only if I fill up that it will eventually start dripping. I only fill it up to 3/4 of a tank and no more leaking

 

Thanks for the site recommendation, I hope they have these parts, I've looked everywhere for them on the Internet.