Leaks!

[jnkt]

I've got a '99 2.2L Auto sunfire and it's been leaking in a few places. The first leak is a gas leak in the back of the car. It seems like when I first start the car or when I stop the car, it leaks a small puddle of gas. I'm not too sure if it leaks while I'm driving but I still seem to be getting really good gas millage. I've taken a look and it looks like the gas tank connects to a silver cylinder type thing and it seems to be leaking at the joint between the cylinder and the pipe going to the gas tank. Does anyone know what that cylinder is or whether this repair is something I can do myself?

The other leak comes from the front and is leaking oil. It seems to drip in random places and again it's just small puddles after the car's been running. I've tried putting cardboard under the car to try and see where it's coming from but it only happens sometimes. Any ideas on what I could do to try and find the source?

Thanks

[muff34]

The cylinder thing wouldn`t happen to be the fuel filter would it? If your not sure you are probably just as well off to find a mech/ friend who could check it out for you.

[jnkt]

You're right, it was the fuel filter. I realize this is a very basic thing for most people but does anyone know the steps I should take to replace it myself? Here's what I've got so far.
1. Pull the fuse for the fuel pump (don't know where it is)
2. Let the car run till it stalls or crank the engine a couple of times to release fuel pressure
3. Replace the fuel filter
So is that pretty much it? I've also heard that you need a special quickcoupling tool to remove the hose, is that true?

Thanks for your help!

[muff34]

Originally Posted by jnkt

You're right, it was the fuel filter. I realize this is a very basic thing for most people but does anyone know the steps I should take to replace it myself? Here's what I've got so far.
1. Pull the fuse for the fuel pump (don't know where it is)
2. Let the car run till it stalls or crank the engine a couple of times to release fuel pressure
3. Replace the fuel filter
So is that pretty much it? I've also heard that you need a special quickcoupling tool to remove the hose, is that true?

Thanks for your help!

there is a fuse box under dash driver side and also under hood by battery. I had mine changed while in for routine service. I watched ,The tech did not remove any fuse or disconnect battery, he did not relieve the pressure either . no special tool just a small screwdriver. . be sure to use two wrenches (Correct sizes, likely metric, and preferably flare nut wrench. ) when you undo the one end . one to hold filter and one to loosen nut . here is what book says about other end "use small screwdriver to pry retainer open ,remove the retainer. Then twist the quick connect fiitting 1/4 in each direction to loosen seal .Push the fuel line into the filter ,depress the plastic tabs and pull the fuel line from the fuel filter " If you do it yourself wear saftey glasses ,if you do not relieve pressure just go slow as it will spray abit. good luck

[gotbitbyamoose]

actually you have to relieve the pressure unless you want gas spraying all over and you don't have to remove any fuse, there should be a wire connector setup near the fuel filter area you can unplug that with disable the fuel pumps then you start the car till it dies by itself then you do what you need to do, and for the oil thing that may be a oil line or gasket relieving pressure after the car has run and it drips oil

[muff34]

Originally Posted by gotbitbyamoose

actually you have to relieve the pressure unless you want gas spraying all over and you don't have to remove any fuse, there should be a wire connector setup near the fuel filter area you can unplug that with disable the fuel pumps then you start the car till it dies by itself then you do what you need to do, and for the oil thing that may be a oil line or gasket relieving pressure after the car has run and it drips oil

Ya do it this way .the Licenced mech at local G.M. garage probably didn`t have a clue what he was doing ,didn`t pull any fuse or unplug any wires. likely his first filter change but hey he got it done ....LOL

[jnkt]

I ended up taking it to the mechanic because I noticed that the line going from the gas tank was leaking before it got to the filter. They said that the proper way to fix it was to replace the gas tank but they are just going to put some sort of tube overtop to seal the leak. Thanks for all your help.

[muff34]

[quote=jnkt]I ended up taking it to the mechanic because I noticed that the line going from the gas tank was leaking before it got to the filter. They said that the proper way to fix it was to replace the gas tank but they are just going to put some sort of tube overtop to seal the leak. Thanks for all your help.[/quote ] Good deal at least they did not peel you . Gives you time to explore other options.