Fuel Leaking from top of gas tank

[micdwe]

First let me say I am not experienced what so ever at automotive repair. I am currently driving a 94 Ford Explorer XLT 4X4. Today I noticed gas leaking near the driver side rear tire. It appears as if though it leaks when it is running and when I stop and look a stream rolls off the top of the tank. It quits rather quickly when it is not running. What could be causing this? How much would it be to repair?

[mabulok]

Could be a leaking fuel line, fuel vent, crack in the tank, or leaking from where the float/pump assy is attached. Only way to tell exactly where it's coming from is to either locate it yourself or take it in to get repaired. Where I'm at (Texas) Ford gets 100 bucks an hour for labor, plus the cost of parts. There's no telling how much it's gonna cost until someone digs in and finds the problem. If it's a leaking line, it might not cost very much if that piece of line can be replaced easily. If not, it could get quite expensive. The worst case would be you needing a new fuel tank. No way to tell until it's looked at though. Any way you look at it, something should be done soon because of the danger to yourself and others due to leaking gas. Best to get it fixed soon. Good luck.

[srercrcr]

For a ten year old explorer, I'd guess it's probably the fuel line. Every car/truck I've owned had a flexible "rubber" hose that connects between the metal line on the vehicle and the metal line coming out of the fuel tank. This allows for some flexing. Perhaps the clamps are loose, but more than likely the rubber is getting old and cracked. Some chain repair shops won't even take a vehicle in for repair if theyre dripping gas. Good luck.

[vlaning]

Originally Posted by srercrcr

For a ten year old explorer, I'd guess it's probably the fuel line. Every car/truck I've owned had a flexible "rubber" hose that connects between the metal line on the vehicle and the metal line coming out of the fuel tank. This allows for some flexing. Perhaps the clamps are loose, but more than likely the rubber is getting old and cracked. Some chain repair shops won't even take a vehicle in for repair if theyre dripping gas. Good luck.

My '92 Explorer (244,000 miles...best rig I've ever had) seems to have this same problem. The rubber fuel line connection makes sense. Any advice on making the repair? Dropping the tank is a given, I assume. Rusted strap bolts, etc. may prove fun ---- suggestions? Thanx!