I put out the bucks for a professional installation of a fairly good stereo system. During the final dial in of the system the installer came diving in the passenger door and turned off the key accompanied by a string of muted expletives.

I ask him "what is it, smoke?"

"No gas!"

He had installed two amps on the rear of the passenger side back seat. This is a 97 Legacy Outback Wagon. Apparently when he drove a screw for the ground wire through the floor beneath the rear seat he punctured something. The screw he said was very short.

He had the key in the run position before that to run the power windows but didn't notice a leak until the engine was started.

The manager said they would make it right by taking it to a dealer, Walkers Renton, and get me a rental. This was late Saturday night and the local dealer service departments are closed today Sunday as are the rental car places. I caught a ride home with the installer. So here i sit with no car and wondering

My post here is to ask if how bad is this to repair, that is, is it a one day deal? Does it sound like the tank or a line? Advice? Empathy?

Also this post is a warning not to make this mistake.

Remaining Calm,

Mark

Sounds like he punctured a line. But, I'll be damned, they're near impossible to hit as they're so small, so he just happened to hit the right one and poked a hole in it for you. I bet, since it didn't leak until you started the engine that he hit a return line. It's probably going to be an expensive part.

If fuel was pouring out somewhere after the vehicle was started it sounds like maybe one of those rubber hoses from the fuel pump/sender dealy thing, either liquid supply or return, might have gotten punctured, then you'd see or smell lot's o gasoline depending on how bad a nick/cut the line got. Or everytime you switched key to run the fuel pump runs for a second and you'd get gasoline coming out then too.

 

I mean if he just drilled through so far that he went into the top of the tank, you'd smell gas maybe, and maybe a lot initially esp as the tank pressure releases but I don't think it would run out though really.

 

If the fuel line was punctured, I'd volley for them to replace that entire section of line, not just splice on a short new piece with a double hose barb or something, but who knows what they're willing to pay for.

 

If the fuel line was punctured, I'd volley for them to replace that entire section of line, not just splice on a short new piece with a double hose barb or something, but who knows what they're willing to pay for.

 

Thanks for the advice there, I would say that falls under the making it right deal. The more informed I get on this the better self advocate I can be.

I was thinking the same, that if it was the tank the engine would probably not need to be running to leak. The stereo manager kept sayin fuel cell but I was thinking fuel line. The tank was near full and better be at the end of this.

Still calm, irritation rising,

Mark

Any updates?

Any updates?

Yes.

I just got my car back last night. It turns out it was the tank that got the screw.

I looked under to see the location of the tank and wow it is right there tight under/behind the right rear seat.

The new tank took a few days to get so I was in the squirrel-mobile (Hyundai rental) for a week. That's squirrel handling and power. Granted it is an inexpensive car and there is a need for those... But it really made me appreciate how fine a car the Legacy is!

Tank, rental and gas, (they filled the tank) they're out just under $1800 US. I must say the stereo install place was really put to the test to make this right and they did! I still have some issues with the installation and will take it in for that at my convenience for that. It is arraigned through the regional service manager.

BTW If you want a good ground under the rear seat use the clip for the seat bottom latch, not a self-tapping screw!

The stereo is great! JVC with HD radio, two JL amps Infinity and Focal speakers

Next is adding a larger chassis ground wire to the battery, and a new battery as it is the ORIGINAL equipment circa 96. Still works but it's time.

 

Does anyone have a line on an upgrade for the alternator? Lots of load and winter will come. I would really appreciate any info on a rebuild kit or part outright. 97 OBW 2.5L

Still calm,

Mark

I'd say these guys deserve a plug by name. It's human to err but to stand up for your mistakes takes integrity.

Yes.

I just got my car back last night. It turns out it was the tank that got the screw.

I looked under to see the location of the tank and wow it is right there tight under/behind the right rear seat.

The new tank took a few days to get so I was in the squirrel-mobile (Hyundai rental) for a week. That's squirrel handling and power. Granted it is an inexpensive car and there is a need for those... But it really made me appreciate how fine a car the Legacy is!

Tank, rental and gas, (they filled the tank) they're out just under $1800 US. I must say the stereo install place was really put to the test to make this right and they did! I still have some issues with the installation and will take it in for that at my convenience for that. It is arraigned through the regional service manager.

BTW If you want a good ground under the rear seat use the clip for the seat bottom latch, not a self-tapping screw!

The stereo is great! JVC with HD radio, two JL amps Infinity and Focal speakers

Next is adding a larger chassis ground wire to the battery, and a new battery as it is the ORIGINAL equipment circa 96. Still works but it's time.

 

Does anyone have a line on an upgrade for the alternator? Lots of load and winter will come. I would really appreciate any info on a rebuild kit or part outright. 97 OBW 2.5L

Still calm,

Mark

You're right Brother, they deserve a plug. Took care of it beyond my expectation.

Car Toys.

Humm, now with that maybe they'll give me a deal on a optima battery!

I'm not holding my breath on that

Mark

BTW If you want a good ground under the rear seat use the clip for the seat bottom latch, not a self-tapping screw!

 

i used the seat back hinge for my ground though on my last install.

i've learn that sometimes it's better to do the work myself (unless it's gonna be a complete custom job)

Next is adding a larger chassis ground wire to the battery, and a new battery as it is the ORIGINAL equipment circa 96. Still works but it's time.

 

try monster cable..i have 0-2 guage.plus stinger battery terminals.pos terminal gives me the ability to hook up two amps (if i had two)

 

http://stingerelectronics.com/

 

http://www.monstercable.com/