leaking fuel cell drivers side
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Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2002
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From: Oldsmar FL
leaking fuel cell drivers side
Just pulled out the ole 98 C5 from a 6 month winter storage only to find a serious fuel leak on the drivers tank. I noticed there is a recall for the 97 C5's. Can anyone please advise how I can approach this problem and does anyone know how to remove the tank? 
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 27
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From: Oldsmar FL
I pulled the fuel tank retaining plate (5 bolts) and the tank slightly dropped while I supporting it. I then turned the key on and witnessed fuel coming down the side of the tank nearest the exhaust pipe (good location for a leak huh?). When I removed the filler cap then turned the key on the leak seemed to slow down drastically.
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Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2002
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From: Oldsmar FL
At the NHTSA campaign site I pulled a recall ID number "97V105000" that addresses '97 recall for a torn fuel cell seal (see the following site) http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/pr...ls/results.cfm
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Joined: Sep 1999
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From: CONCORD NC
You need to drain the fuel before removing the bottom panel, or the heavy tank will be hanging only by the rubber lines.
The only "seal" is at the bottom, where the fittings all go in. It is easy to take it off, and re-seal it. At the top, you have the fuel inlet (from the filler hose) and the crossover hose, as well as a vent in some years. It is really hard to disconnect those and drop the tank, unless the drivetrain is out of the car.
If that seal is the problem, I would suggest draining the fuel, taking the screws out, and pulling it just slightly out. If you take it completely out ( the pump/float/etc) you can damage the float if you aren't very carefull. If you pull it out just a bit, you can inspect the seal. You might get away with using silicone to correct the leak, or re-orienting the seal, as the only way to completely replace it is to pull everything out.
Good luck with it
The only "seal" is at the bottom, where the fittings all go in. It is easy to take it off, and re-seal it. At the top, you have the fuel inlet (from the filler hose) and the crossover hose, as well as a vent in some years. It is really hard to disconnect those and drop the tank, unless the drivetrain is out of the car.
If that seal is the problem, I would suggest draining the fuel, taking the screws out, and pulling it just slightly out. If you take it completely out ( the pump/float/etc) you can damage the float if you aren't very carefull. If you pull it out just a bit, you can inspect the seal. You might get away with using silicone to correct the leak, or re-orienting the seal, as the only way to completely replace it is to pull everything out.
Good luck with it
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 27
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From: Oldsmar FL
Thanks David,
I assume that the mentioned "seal at the bottom where the fittings go in" is the metal plate (best viewed after removing the left rear tire) with the two tubes and the wire connector? I have the factory manual but it's at my home in Florida. I am presently in Massachusetts at my dad's house where I had stored this beast for the winter. It's hard for me the analyse this without the manual. I would like to know where those two fuel lines go as they bend up the side of the tank. BTW, those two lines are high and dry. The fuel leaking does not appear on them
I assume that the mentioned "seal at the bottom where the fittings go in" is the metal plate (best viewed after removing the left rear tire) with the two tubes and the wire connector? I have the factory manual but it's at my home in Florida. I am presently in Massachusetts at my dad's house where I had stored this beast for the winter. It's hard for me the analyse this without the manual. I would like to know where those two fuel lines go as they bend up the side of the tank. BTW, those two lines are high and dry. The fuel leaking does not appear on them
