Greetings folks, I believe this area would be useful since it's not a vehicle-specific issue, but a general one I believe. If not, maybe it can be moved to the L-Series category then...

Anywho as for the problem: Since a year about ago my beloved L200 has developed quite a leak; with the EVAP system entirely sealed, it seems to consistently dump raw fuel from somewhere on top of the tank straight on the ground when running/shut off after driving.
However, from removing the purge solenoid line running towards the firewall, the leak stops magically.

I assume(d) it is the fuel pump gasket (keyword: assume) which would be quite a job to do. It has it's crust from being a Wisconsin car for who knows how long although I would figure fuel staying in the tank and passing emissions simultaneously would be very nice to be able to do! Though this is just an estimate since I myself have not gone under the car to look at it in-depth yet.

As of writing this, in my state we have a VVRP (Voluntary Vehicle Repair Program) which means the state pays $900 for any repairs when I put $100 down, so I figured since I accidentally forgot to re-connect that evap purge line before getting the emissions done it failed and of course the nice people there guided me into doing a VVRP application so I can get this fixed without having holes in my wallet (at least hopefully not very big ones) afterwards. So, it's at a local shop getting inspected and I will update this on their findings of what exactly is the source of said fuel leak.

 

These cars leak fuel from a cracked fuel pump cartridge. This is a common failure on this model car. I own three plus a parts car at this time. I have had seven over the last 8 years. I have replaced three pumps on three different cars for this very issue. 2000 year cars take a different cartridge because they have a smaller tank. 2001-2005 take the same cartridge. What happens is the return connection on the pump cracks over time and fuel leaks off the passenger front corner of the tank. Sometimes the leak is small enough to only smell it without visually seeing the leak.

 

What state do you live in? I've never heard of such a program.

 

In most States, after spending x amount of dollars trying to fix an emissions issue, they will give you a waiver for the inspection for that year. I have also not heard of the state actually kicking money in to help fix your car.

 

AZ. Only a one-time thing per car, per person I believe and this is a very one-time case of course. Not sure if any other state has this sorta program so who knows...

Yes, they also give a one or two year failed emissions waiver but I don't think I've yet to get one of those, hopefully at least


It's only $900 since any emissions work usually falls under that price umbrella I imagine. Heck, now that I got the car back, it was a whopping $600+ for the following work:
Initial inspection: $80
replacing the OEM hose I took off and gave to them to re-install and do their test instead with a bulk hose + smoke test: $500??

Very lucky that came in, however if that actually fixed the problem I have yet to believe yet. Still saw and smelled some gas puddles on the ground outside the repair shop and on the bottom of the tank (maybe some leftover) so either the communication between me and the service writer fell into the void, or this could have actually resolved it (not entirely sold however)

I intentionally gave them the car almost on empty, so I will refuel it tomorrow to half a tank and drive it around, and if nothing shows then a full tank and I will see if it still leaks.

 

After some driving and refuelling, it appears this fabled fuel leak has ceased to exist. What they have done (whatever it may be besides what I stated previously) seemed to have fixed it
If this changes, I will update this...

 

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