So this morning when I went near the garage I could smell fuel really strongly. I went inside it was even worse. I've been smelling fuel around the '96 slightly for over a year.

 

Today I looked underneath and it is dripping gasoline, about a drip ever 15 seconds. It looks like it's coming from the middle of the tank, like where it is pressed or welded together.

 

What's the options? Just drive with less than 1/2 tank all the time? Replacing the tank does not look like something I want to try myself. Many years ago I had an old Lincoln Town Car and the local shop bought and installed a 'southern rust free' tank for me for about $300...

It's a good chance that it's the filler pipe that's leaking, not the tank itself.

If you pop the tire off and remove the plastic shield around the filler pipe (I believe 3 screws), clean off the road dirt that's accumulated and look at it you'll be able to see if there is seapage.

If it is the filler pipe it costs about $100 at Subaru and is fairly easy to change out.

If your tank does have a hole in it, Seal-All does work to patch tanks. My 86 wagon started leaking 4 or 5 years ago, we cut a pair of old jeans, made some patches applied seal-all > denim > seal-all >denim > seal-all and it stopped leaking. That tanks seen a few big hits since we patched it and its still holding up.

 

With it being an EJ car in the year ranges that the filler pipe was know to rot out, im thinking thats most likely what is it. Have someone pour gas down the filler next and watch for the leak

Thanks for the info. I was looking at the Seal All, that might work, I have to see if I can pinpoint the exact source of the leak. It seems like it is the 'seam' on the tank but I can't tell for sure. The fuel filler pipe is new, I replaced that last winter. It seems to be dripping from roughly right above the exhaust.

I just pulled up on four ramps so I could get a better look at the source of the leak. I can't see the source exactly, but based on how wet it was in that area, I think it's coming from above the exhaust/propeller shaft. The tank seam is wet all the way around the front, I'm guessing as it leaks out it is streaming around the tank maybe.

Edited December 8, 201213 yr by porcupine73

I have a like new tank if you want it. Shipped from CO. Larry

Thanks Larry, I'll let you know. I'm going to see how far down I have to let the gas tank get before it stops dripping. I'm guess 1/2. I may just run it that way and not fill above 1/2 if that stops it. Else I have to take it in for inspection this month so I can ask my local shop how much to install a used tank.

 

Something in the exhaust in the rear just rusted through this morning and is a bit loud, I'm guessing where the muffler flange fits the rear pipe based on where it sounds like it's coming from. I've jbwelded those before with good results so hopefully that will work.