leaky fuel tank

I have a 98 contour (4 cyl) with only 72k miles on it. I noticed a "fuel smell" in the garage for a couple of days about 3 weeks ago. It went away. Noticed it again last week - saw that fuel is just barely coming out of rear of the fuel tank at/near the fuel tank filler tube entry. I believe the problem is happening when the gas tank is between totally filled up and down to 3/4 or so full. There is just enough gas to make the bottom of the tank wet - but no or very few "drips" on the ground.

Anyone else had this happen? I'm surprised to have this problem at only 72k - no damage history on the car. The tank is plastic, so some of the traditional "patching" methods for metal tanks don't seem to apply. I can't actually tell where the exact leak is coming from - hard to squeeze my head into a 5 inch circular area.

Any ideas or similar problems happen to you out there?

The dealer would like me to part with $720 + 250 in labor for a new fuel tank. That's a bit tough to deal with. If I have to drop the tank/change it, how hard is that?

Any advice is appreciated. Thanks.

There was a recall on a rubber hose right at the fuel tank - It should hook from the filler tube to the tank. replaced it myself couldn't wait for the appointment. I believe that you have to drop the tank down - not totaly remove it. It wasn't too bad to do.