Fuel Tank Leak

[MJWenrich]

I noticed a couple days ago, fuel leaking from the front, top of the tank, near the fuel lines. Seems I recall some mention of a problem with the some of the 4th gen trucks in that area but I may be thinking of another vehicle. I am about one month away from warranty expiration and need to figure this out before then. If there is a problem related to a recall I would like to be able to reference that when making the appointment. Anyone remember seeing something about a fuel leak?????

 

[sag2]

Some of the earlier trucks had a rubber cap on a vent tube that could deteriorate but your truck is probably too new to have that.

 

[Flash1034]

The first I've heard of that issue...would likely be covered under the emissions warranty...

 

[Bob4x4]

I noticed a couple days ago, fuel leaking from the front, top of the tank, near the fuel lines. Seems I recall some mention of a problem with the some of the 4th gen trucks in that area but I may be thinking of another vehicle. I am about one month away from warranty expiration and need to figure this out before then. If there is a problem related to a recall I would like to be able to reference that when making the appointment. Anyone remember seeing something about a fuel leak?????

I have not run into any 4th gen leaks at the tanks or lines.I have seen many that had stains from improper filling(pump nozzle not inserted far enough or attempted topping off)
I would recommend cleaning the area with brake cleaner and blow drying with air nozzle to find the leak source
avenot

 

[MJWenrich]

Thanks for the feedback. The area the fuel is dripping from is on top and cleaning would do no good. Besides that, the area is already fairly clean. A year ago, I had a set of camper tie downs installed on the frame rail. One of them is right next to the area. But....no leak until now and the pieces are a clam shell affair attaching to the top of the frame rail, that would not rub or otherwise affect the area. Still, the area could have been disturbed while installing these and just now is leaking. It also appears that as the fuel level has dropped, the leak has stopped. I think if it sloshed a bit, I would see fuel again. Since there does not appear to be an issue with the system, it's probably related to the install and I am certain they would deny any claim since it was almost a year ago. Looks like this repair will be on me. Still trying to decide whether to take it locally or make the longer drive to the dealer.

 

[Jwskj]

If the leaking you experienced was not as a result of topping-off the tank when refueling, I don't have a clue. If it happened when you were refueling, then I have shared your problem. I was surprised a year ago just after I bought my 2016 and stopped to fill-up the tank for the first time.
After I topped it off, I noticed fuel leaking onto the ground, and that had never occurred with any of my previous CTD trucks.

I brought it back to the dealer a few times before he finally contacted the factory and told me that the new trucks will do that if you top-off the tank. This was also discussed on this website, and the solution is simply not to top-off the tank. I've learned to live with that and I have no more fuel leaks. If you have the same problem as mine but get another solution, I would be interested in what you learn.

 

[MJWenrich]

Took the truck in for the rear window (third stop light leak) and the fuel leak. *Cost me $450 to drop the tank and find nothing according to them. *The service advisor believes it was water coming from a deep recess at the front of the tank. *I told them several times it was a fuel leak. *I put my finger in the poll and it was diesel, not water. *So unless it was a loose hose clamp, which should have been covered by warranty, I will still have a leak. *They said the tank was pressurized and "smoke tested". *If the leak is fixed, I will have to bite the bullet. *Have not refilled the tank and bounced it a little onto my cement slab *Also according to them, the fuel filling area, if overfilled, would not transfer fuel into the recessed area or leak down from there. *We shall see. *

 

[MJWenrich]

By the way. *I am getting those asterisks as well. *I have not changed fonts or anything else. *Must be some change in this forum. *Nothing noticed when I am typing, just when posting.*

 

[Bob4x4]

Thanks for the feedback. The area the fuel is dripping from is on top and cleaning would do no good. Besides that, the area is already fairly clean. A year ago, I had a set of camper tie downs installed on the frame rail. One of them is right next to the area. But....no leak until now and the pieces are a clam shell affair attaching to the top of the frame rail, that would not rub or otherwise affect the area. Still, the area could have been disturbed while installing these and just now is leaking. It also appears that as the fuel level has dropped, the leak has stopped. I think if it sloshed a bit, I would see fuel again. Since there does not appear to be an issue with the system, it's probably related to the install and I am certain they would deny any claim since it was almost a year ago. Looks like this repair will be on me. Still trying to decide whether to take it locally or make the longer drive to the dealer.

To attempt a repair one of the steps that will be helpful is to verify the concern.That is why I suggested cleaning the top of the tank.The next step would have been to try to duplicate the leak.In your case that step would be to fill the tank to the top maybe face the truck at different angles etc. If it leaked you would see a clear track and it would have led you to the source.If no leak was found you could have saved spending the $450 and still not feeling sure you are leak free.

 

[MJWenrich]

Point well taken but I did see the leak, where it came from and sampled the liquid to be certain it was diesel. *It was streaming down the front of the tank from the top, and dribbling off the bottom. *I tried crawling under with a mirror and light to see if maybe a hose was leaking but could not see anything of the top of the tank without dropping it. *At 74 years and 10 months old, dropping that tank by myself is now out of the picture. *So I am at the mercy of the mechanics. *The only thing different I could have done would be to take a video of the leak, which would only have proved my point where it is/was coming from. *I will be filling the tank tomorrow and see what gives. *I was hoping something in warranty would be found. *I am now, as of yesterday out of warranty. *But I was advised if the leak is still there, dropping the tank, if required, would not be a charge.

 

[Cummins12V98]

When I slowly fill mine to get the tank as full as possible I know it's full when it starts dripping on the ground. *I believe there is a vent it comes out of?

 

[Bob4x4]

When I slowly fill mine to get the tank as full as possible I know it's full when it starts dripping on the ground. *I believe there is a vent it comes out of?

That is correct there is a vent in the filler.It will cover the side of the bed and also track down the tube to the tank

 

[odinjunior]

So if You plug that vent while filling will it still leak?

 

[Bob4x4]

So if You plug that vent while filling will it still leak?

it will just force it out the top of the neck on your shoes or pants................

 

[MJWenrich]

Bob...is it possible the fuel could leak out that vent if the tank was 3/4 to 7/8 full? *Say, by bouncing over deep humps? *And then leak from the front rather than the side? *I drove mine in the same way after the repair??? and a full tank but have not seen a leak so far. *I too have seen the fuel from the overflow when trying to top off. *Only once. *Don't do that anymore.

 

[Bob4x4]

Bob...is it possible the fuel could leak out that vent if the tank was 3/4 to 7/8 full? *Say, by bouncing over deep humps? *And then leak from the front rather than the side? *I drove mine in the same way after the repair??? and a full tank but have not seen a leak so far. *I too have seen the fuel from the overflow when trying to top off. *Only once. *Don't do that anymore.

I don't think so.Maybe the dealer did find something and did not admit it.........your bill=+$ than FCA