Hello everybody,

I googled my problem and couldn’t fine an answer. I apologize if this question has already been addressed.

One cold morning i went to start my 93 volvo 240 190K miles. The car started as always, idling rough when cold. When i came back out some 20 minutes later, to go to work, the car was dead. When i tried to start the car back up it wouldn’t start. I noticed that the fuel gage displayed empty. So i grabbed a fuel can and tried to put a few gallons of gas in. Gas started poring out of the back by the fuel tank. It looked like the gas was leaking before it reached the fuel tank but i am not sure. It was coming out very fast. I haven’t noticed any leak before this. I climbed under the car and didn’t notice any obvious signs of damage.

Any suggestions?

Thanks,

Neil

 

Could be the fill pipe where it enters into the tank There is a lock clamp and huge rubber gasket there. Or the tank may have rusted out. With the pumps off, gas isn't going to pour out of a bad output hose. You could always crawl under the car when someone adds a small amount of gas and attempt to see the leak. Alternately, I would think there'd be a stain from the leak if you got down and looked immediately after adding a small amount. The poor running immediately prior was probably a result of sucking up all the crap in the bottom of the tank...yet another reason to not drop below a 1/4 tank.

 

Thanks for the advice. Didn’t know about the 1/4 rule. The car is virtually rust free. I am the second owner and the car has lived in Alabama the last 10 years. How do i check the lock clamp and rubber gasket? I don’t work on a car very often, that’s why i bought a 240.

 

Forgot to mention that the muffler was recently replaced

 

Well, I've never seen one work loose unless work had been done on it earlier and just wasn't reassembled correctly. The fill tube is metal, unlike many cars, so that isn't usually an issue. Really, if it were me, I'd have a friend pour a quart or so of gas in while I was under the car. A bit messy but a sure fire way to find the leak. Smoking not recommended!!