gas leak..but where?

[4POINT0SOHC]

my dad has a 94 eddie bauer 4.0 ohv, and jst the other day said he smelled gas and when he parked there was a small puddle forming by the rear driver's side tire, he said he checked all the lines and nothing is leaking, but you can't see on top of the tank and he hasn't dropped it yet to check because he wants tp make sure that is it be4 he drops it. any suggestions or maybe anything that you can think of?

 

[geoph1986]

I've had metal tanks leak from rust. All it takes is a little pin hole. Also the seam where the top and bottom of the tank meet is a great place to leak. That's where all the road gunk sits and traps moisture. If you have a plastic tank, then I don't know.

 

[marragtop]

The fuel pump assemblies have 2 metal nipples on top of the tank. They can and do rust out and will give you the problem you are describing. You will need to drop the tank down to verify it, but I'd bet thats where your problems is. Make sure you use the disconnect tool to get the lines off.

 

[doonze]

Our tanks are plastic.....I think?

 

[marragtop]

The tanks may be plastic, but the fuel pump assembly has metal lines on it.

 

[geoph1986]

My tank is definitely not plastic, unless it has a plastic lining. On the exterior of the tank, it is all rusty and no I'm not talking about the skid plate.

 

[doonze]

I just went out and checked, my tank is plastic...interesting. Skid plate is metal but behind it is plastic....

But even so, you can get pin holes, also it is correct the fuel pump lines and the mounting hardware is all metal that likes to rust like crazy....

 

[geoph1986]

it is correct the fuel pump lines and the mounting hardware is all metal that likes to rust like crazy....

Especially if you live in an area that uses a lot of salt on the roads during winter.

 

[Tbars4]

...I would also check the fuel filler hose at the tank...It is common for them to crack...