Hey all,
I notice the smell of gas whenever I walk near my car. This started about 2-3 days ago. I figured that I could not let this go untouched, and started to look for the leak. I figured I would start where the fuel filter is, since I just replaced it a few weeks ago and it might have come loose. I look under the car (under the passenger rear door where the filter is), and there is another gas line that runs next to the line with the fuel filter in it, and it is slowly leaking! It appears that there are a total of three lines that run along the passenger rocker flange. I don't know what this particular line is for (evap canister/emissions control maybe??), and I can see where it is leaking from (right where a mounting bracket is located near the rear passenger suspension assembly). Can I cut this and slide a rubber tube over it and clamp it down and hope the leak stops? Or is this a high pressure line with pressures over 45 psi? Please advise what I should do about this. I dont want my car to blow up or get .5 mpg because I am leaking gas. Thanks.

You need to tell us what line it is. Not the filter line? That'* the high pressure line. The other two are the return from the Fuel Pressure Regulator, and the Evap purge line.

Yours doesn't sound like the purge line. It'* only active for a few seconds after startup.

Never bandaid a fuel line. Replace it.

Its not the pressurized line, thats the one with the filter on it. Its the one next to it, and it appears to be plastic. It is a very slow leak. I think its the middle one of the three. I apologize for not being more clear, I am trying to go by memory.

The line has a quick disconnect thats right next to the fuel filter where it locks into a hard line . This is definitely the plastic part. How hard is it to completely replace the line. Do I need to drop the tank? Of course this happens when it is 10 degrees outside for the entire week.

You'll need to PARTIALLY drop the tank on that side to get at the connectors. Should take a rookie about an hour. (8 beer job)

I suppose this goes without asking, do I need to drain the tank?

Empty would be good. 1/4 at the most. You'll need a jack to support the tank and let it down slowly, PREFERABLY a helper, and some minor tools. You cannot siphon the tank. There is an anti-siphon screen.

I think I found the problem. The FPR return line was getting sprayed with gas from the leaky quick disconnect of the fuel filter. I re-snapped the connection, and it seems that the leak has stopped. Everything else back there seems to be in top shape. Thanks for all of your help.

Excellent. That'* the best kind of news, especially when it comes to a fuel leak. Keep an eye on it for a week or so.