Seems like I have a fuel leak coming from the tank. When I top off the tank I can smell the fumes inside the car a little and more around the filler tube hours later. I looked underneath and the tank is wet. Mostly on the right side. I guess I'm going to 1st remove the fuel sender unit and check the gasket before taking down the tank.

Any ideas or tricks from others who have done it?

 

Call the dealer and see if the fuel tank recall has been done. If so, you likely have a return like leaking.

 

Thanks Rob, the car has always been dealer seviced so I would imagine so. I'll check the service history log I was given. The old man who had the car was not a car guy by any means so he wouldn't know.

The car is 19 years old, you think they would take it in?

 

On the gas tank recall I'm not sure that was an "active" one where they notify you to bring it in or check for it should it come in for something else.

It might have been one where they preform the service only if there is a complaint. You really do want to find out.

 

The fuel tank recall was "active" years ago when they sent out the initial notification letters. However, if the original owner ignored it, Volvo does not keep sending notices. The recall does still apply though (if this vehicle was eligible).

It also is not for fuel tank replacement, unless it was leaking from the mounts for the heat shield. If it was not leaking, new mounts were installed.

If you post the VIN, I can check to see if there are any recalls open, or you can call the dealer as mentioned above.

 

Thanks guys I checked the service logs and the car was taken in for the recall in 2009, but it doesn't say anything replaced. So I guess if it was not leaking back then they didn't change anything. I did some overnight research and my leak is the common leak coming out of the top vent hose. I see some guys using 2 different hoses and glue for the fix? The cost of 2 new hoses and JB weld is more than the new OE type hose! I'm putting an order into FCP now. I actually live 40 minutes away from them but my only day off are Sundays.


Thanks again for all your help!!!

 

I'm curious how this turned out for you. I am the original owner of a '97 850 GLT sedan, 187K miles. Started leaking the same way a few days ago.

 

after 9 nears, they've probably sold the car, fixed the leak or lost the car in a fire... start by checking the seals and lines on the top of the tank as if you were going to replace the fuel pump. Probably a RobertDIY vid on Youtube on how to replace the fuel pump on the 850s