Fuel Leak
 

I've searched these forums and the web and I've come across Fuel issues but nothing close to this. A couple of nights ago I filled up my gas tank, yesterday I did't drive the car but just now I was on my way out. I opened the garage door and I could smell a bit of gas, I looked under the car and I noticed what looked to be a small dry gas spot which wasn't very big. I started the car and backed out of the garage and could now see a small wet spot, as I backed further down my driveway I could see a drip line so got out and looked under the car and there was a gas dripping down the side of the tank. I drove the car back into the garage and turned it off and the drip practically stopped.

I took off my rear passenger seat and removed the plate cover for the tank and around the edge of the big white cap was filled with fuel. I soaked up all the fuel to try to locate the leak and it seems to be coming from the under edge of that whole cap. Even with the car off if I clean that area of gas you can see it slowly getting soaked. I suspect that there is a gasket around that big white cap that is no longer doing its job?

I don't want to drive it to the dealership which is 20 mins away risking blowing up the car or something since it's a pretty good leak and so close to the exhaust. I guess I'll be towing it but just wanted to get some insight from the experts here.

Thanks!

I don't think that the exhaust, at that point, is hot enough to ignite the fuel. Don't fill the car. That should be a temporary fix until you get it fixed.
It is possible to replace that gasket yourself. A special tool is recommended to remove the ring that holds the siphon in place. It can be removed with a flat tool and a hammer, but you risk breaking the teeth on the ring.

I filled up the car last about 2 weeks ago, I suppose the gasket broke sometime since then because it sprung a leak after I filled it the other night. I was hoping to replace the gasket myself but like you said you need that tool. I wonder if you can even replace the gasket, I wouldn't be surprised if you have to replace the whole cap.

I'll drive down to the dealership, just I had visions in my head going down the highway with the backend on fire, lol.

Make sure you leave the windows open.......and don't smoke!

That's the first time I've heard of one of those failing on its own (unless the pump had been previously replaced incorrectly, which would explain the leak).

do you have a insulating blank layer around the tank? ever let the car idle for an extended period?


https://www.rx8club.com/attachment.p...6&d=1121220223

My car was left idling longer than it should have a long time ago and I do have a problem with my gas gauge, I had both floats replaced and it still sticks in the winter time causing my fuel gauge to stop working until the weather warms up again. Looks like this fuel leak is a related issue then, does this mean Mazda should be covering the costs of these repairs? The issue with my gas gauge happened a month after my cars warranty expired.