I have an 05 RX8. It leaks a little gas only when filled up more than 2/3rds. It was leaking below the passenger side tank so I took it to the shop. They lifted it up and said there was a crack 2/3rds of the way up the tank. I asked about patching and he said no way, the shop doesn't do that, it would be a brand new tank plus labor to replace. I asked if he could just show me where the leak was so I could patch it myself and he said he couldn't do that for liability (bs, probably wanted to sell me the fix?) So I took it home and jacked it up but couldn't see anything. I then removed the back seats and the cover for the fuel pump and I think I can just glimpse it that way. How can I access the crack to fix it if it is near the top like that? Do I have to remove the tank or is there a way I can get at it through the back seats?

 

You would have to drop the tank and you are crazy and irresponsible if you are thinking about patching it. Just one from a salvage yard and replace it.

 

Mazda RX 8 RX8 13B Rotary Engine 04 08 Fuel Gas Tank | eBay

 

thanks but that's for the assembly. I need the actual tank. And even if I did get a replacement tank i have no idea how to put it on. The shop said 1000 bucks to put one on

 

Thats the tank... $90 is a great price if you can get it anywhere near that. The labour to do the re-re will be about 2 hrs...so about $180-200

You really can't patch the tank. You could likely get it plastic welded...but it would cost more than the used tank.

You might want to have a look around at why it failed...did the car get undercarriage damage from running over something

 

$90 is the buy-it-now price.

rue - the seller is Rotary Resurrection, a really expert and helpful member here. As long as the tank itself is intact, you can transfer the missing parts from your existing tank. You're facing the cost of removing and replacing the tank no matter what. This will cut your parts cost to $90, and you won't have to screw around with a risky repair.

And your mechanic would probably be willing to work with this one.

Ken

 

The cost of shipping is more than the item itself. I think I can beat that from a junkyard if I pick it up. As far as where the damage came from, the car took a swipe from something on the rear passenger side. There was some shotty body work done so I can tell even though carfax doesn't have an accident report. I'm sure that's where it happened. I called the dealer and they told me not to worry about it and just keep filling up halfway so it doesn't spill out. That's just stupid right? the crack could get bigger or fumes could escape and catch fire?

 

The dealer is trying to get you killed... How long have you had the car? If a recent purchase, take it back and give them hell.

 

Update: took it to a different shop for a second opinion. Paid 25 bucks to have them look it over. The crack is actually superficial. It appears to be leaking at first glance but it's actually just gas pouring over coming from the pump. I guess I need to replace the gaskets. As usual they gave me some astronomical quote for the parts, but I can't justify paying 250 bucks for a couple of plastic rings. So I guess I'm going shopping. I'm not going to bother with the dealer or junkyards so can anyone help me out with a link online?

 

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There is a special tool that is used to get the ring off that secures the fuel pump.

 

Most common failure is a crack in the pump assembly where the fuel line attaches....

 

ok. My buddy says it's "stupid easy to change those rings don't pay someone 85 bucks to do it" Agree? If so, then what is the tool I would need?

 

Dannabre should I order the whole assembly then not just the rings, just in case?

 

The fuel pump assembly is held in place by a ring. This ring has ribs on it. The tool grips these ribs so you can turn this ring and remove it.

There is an inspection plate under the rear seat, drivers side. It's held in place by 4 philips screws. Pull up that plate and you can see the top of the fuel pump assembly. You don't need to drop the tank to make your repair.

 

Sorry...didn't notice it was passenger side till I re-read the thread...there is no pressure fitting on that side...so it must be the seal. Very strange that it would leak though...unless it has been removed in the past for some reason.

The ring removal tool is like a spider...it sits over the ring and catches on the ridges in the ring and allows you to turn it. Most shops will have an adjustable one...a lot of cars use the same ring type retainer

 

no it's not the passenger side it's the driver side. It's just leaking over to the passenger side for some reason. I get how to make the repair it doesn't seem like rocket science I just need to know if I should order the entire assembly or just the rings? I'm thinking the assembly right?

 

You really don't know until you do an inspection of the problem.

 

pull the cover and start the car...then check the nipple where the fuel line attaches.....if leaking get a new pump assembly.....

if not...keep looking .

dont open with more than 1/2 tank of gas

 

++ on the half a tank of gas... If it only leaks if the tank is full, then likely one of the seals... You can get the ring off, clean everything, I think there is a seal, and then put it back together.

You can get a complete assembly from Advance Auto for under $250. That is what I did, but then mine died at the track, in another state... Car ran a hell of a lot better afterwards, OEM pump was tired.