1999 V70 xc fuel leak from top of tank

ElGeorgito · Post by **ElGeorgito** » 24 Feb 2014, 14:26

Hi,

I have a V70xc with 381000 km's on it. A few months ago I began to smell a slight fuel leak. Because I could not locate any drips decided to keep an eye on it. Yesterday, I noticed the leak had become significantly worse. The fuel runs down the side of the tank just in front of the drivers side rear wheel. I see from some of the parts schematics show that there are a few hoses in that region, but the fuel could just be leaking from anywhere and following the path of least resistance. The leak does not seem to be from the drivers side axillary fuel pump that would be situated behind the rear passenger's feet. A local mechanic said he'd solved a very similar problem cutting into the area under the left side seat cushion. I don't want to hit anything structural etc. I've drawn in blue sharpie a proposed target area. Is this a good area to cut? Need confirmation before I begin ventilating my car.

Also, the car has recently been very difficult to fill with gas, like some sort of vent is blocked. Probably has something to do with this.
Thanks!

Post by **xHeart** » 24 Feb 2014, 16:44

Would this help https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/fix-s70-fuel-vent-hose-wo-dropping-gas-tank.html

ElGeorgito · Post by **ElGeorgito** » 28 Feb 2014, 21:06

Managed to fix it. A rotten fuel line from driver side pump over the top of the tank was the problem. Seems like a lot of road dirt & such gathered on the top of the tank causing the line to rust. Cut a hole in the floor just to the left of the indicated area & riveted it shut.

pmamagona1 · Post by **pmamagona1** » 27 Jun 2016, 09:56

How hard was it to replace the hose?

Post by **scot850** » 27 Jun 2016, 11:33

This may give you an idea for what you are looking at. Not a fun job. If you are lucky it may be the cross fuel pipe has split as this may just be accessible with dropping the front of the fuel tank without having to drop the whole rear suspension and fuel tank to get access. The problem with cutting a hole in the back is A) You have a fuel leak in the area!! B) The hole may only let you know what is busted but be able to fix it.

https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... hilit=V70R

The emissions systems should be the same.

As to the slow filling there are usually 3 suspects:

1) You are a 'top-up' filler of fuel and have possibly flooded the carbon canister (requires the rear axle to be dropped to replace)

2) It may be the roll-over valve is stuck preventing the system allowing air to escape when filling the tank.

3) There is an fair filter in the fuel system up near the filler cap that can get clogged with age. This again lets air escape when filling. This comes off a pipe from the roll-over valve.

Most of the fuel pipes are available but expensive from Volvo. The exception is the 'vent-pipe' on the top of the fuel tank which is no longer available. It has flexible step up rubber ends on it and is hard to replicate. If you need that one let me know as I may have a good used spare I would be willing to part with.

I wish you the best of luck!

Neil.

pmamagona1 · Post by **pmamagona1** » 27 Jun 2016, 11:56

Neil! Thanks for the great link. I am guessing it is the black pipe connecting the two in the front of the tank. That is 200.00?? I can lower the tank and get to this without removing driveshaft? What about universal fuel line? Oh man this is going to suck...

Post by **scot850** » 27 Jun 2016, 13:17

It depends on where the break/leak is. The connectors can be a PITA to get loose even with the special tool. I found on my car it was the end connectors that rotten as they are mild steel and not well coated so they rusted. If the pipe is broken somewhere between the ends then you could replace the pipe but remember this is a pressure pipe and make sure you don't trap the pipe when putting the tank back up.

I think you may have to drop the prop-shaft to be able to drop the front support for the VC casing to give more room, but not done it that way, but I recall reading someone managed it that way.

Good luck!

Neil.

pmamagona1 · Post by **pmamagona1** » 28 Jun 2016, 07:44

@Scot850 it is the line connecting the two in the front. What special tool do I need and why can I not find where to buy this line any where on the net? Do I need Tor and have to search the dark net for it hahaha???? Or even worse do I have to go into VOLVO???

Post by **scot850** » 28 Jun 2016, 08:28

Volvo are the only suppliers of the fuel lines unfortunately that I could find.

As for the tool, again a Volvo special. Maybe ask if someone has made up a tool to release the pipe. I was sure I took photos of the tool when I borrowed it from the dealer but can't find them.

Neil.

pmamagona1 · Post by **pmamagona1** » 01 Jul 2016, 11:54

I have an identical problem as the Original poster. I am reading through and his last posted said riveted shut? I s he referring to the opening he cut open?