Gas Tank Leak on 850

[JimBee]

I have two '96 850's and a '93. Today, I called the local Volvo dealer to request the repair. The clerk checked the VIN's and told me two of them had been checked (by previous owners) and none of them are on the list for the recall. She explained that only certain series qualify due to known production glitches that only affected the series cars. Interestingly, the '96 wagon I bought in August appears to have new tank filler, fuel lines, etc., but it apparently wasn't on the recall list. Hopefully, the dealer is being honest. Curious.

[alexk243]

That is kinda weird. So lets say its not covered (going to call them soon to see). What is the issue and what do I need to do to fix it?

[Ozark Lee]

If you don't get a satisfactory answer from your dealer call (800) 458-1552 (Volvo North America). Clearly the heat shield mounts have cracked on Alexk243's car.

The service campaign was originally limited to "hot weather states" - whatever that is - but I think it was expanded geographically. I wouldn't accept a previous inspection as assurance that the tank has not cracked since or will not crack in the future.

...Lee

[alexk243]

If you don't get a satisfactory answer from your dealer call (800) 458-1552 (Volvo North America). Clearly the heat shield mounts have cracked on Alexk243's car.

The service campaign was originally limited to "hot weather states" - whatever that is - but I think it was expanded geographically. I wouldn't accept a previous inspection as assurance that the tank has not cracked since or will not crack in the future.

...Lee

Would that be located on the top of the gas tank? (sorry if I sound uneducated about this stuff)

[Ozark Lee]

The issue with the gas tank is the metal heat shield that is prominently shown in your picture. More specifically, the mounts where it bolts to the gas tank behind the rubber dampener.

The tank has a propensity to actually grow cracks in the plastic around those mounting points and the real cure is a new gas tank.

...Lee

[SUPERBRIK]

or just a ton of jb weld... it worked for me on a 64 galaxie that had a ton of pinholes on the bottom of the tank. You could remove the tank empty it of gas, fill it with water, weld it, empty the water, install it, fill it with gas and use seafoam (i think O'Reilly auto parts has it)

[alexk243]

So I called the local Volvo dealer today and they told me, after I gave them my VIN, that my car is not covered by any recall for the gas tank... Is there something else I need to do or am I stuck paying for this one out of pocket?

[SpeedyPete]

Oh Ship Alex ! I too am having a bit of a gas vapor/leakage problem but nothing like yours. Get the fuel level down in the tank. Siphon it out, go for a long drive, whatever you choose to do, but get it way down to the point of were you can replace the tank to filler spout gasket and clamp. You will be able to determine if as Lee says their are cracks in your tank. Hopefully not. Best Regards, SpeedyPete

[SpeedyPete]

Hey Alex Your problem may be the same as mine. Check out the I smell gas post. Best Regards, SpeedyPete

[Ozark Lee]

So I called the local Volvo dealer today and they told me, after I gave them my VIN, that my car is not covered by any recall for the gas tank... Is there something else I need to do or am I stuck paying for this one out of pocket?

My service campaign letters were specific to '94 to '97 cars but I think it is worth a call to Volvo Customer care at (800) 458-1552 - 8:30 to 5:00 Eastern Time. You can also try an email that is from the letter - likely a black hole - [email protected] . If you email I would CC http://www.nhtsa.gov/jsp/email/email_nhtsa.jsp and include your pictures which clearly show a giant crack in the tank from the heat shield. It might get their attention.

...Lee