[mgdeez]

Looking for some advice before I take my 99 WJ to the mechanic to fix this problem. About a month ago I got the check engine light and checked the code, it came up P0420, small emissions leak. Searching these boards yielded the problem maybe not tightening the fuel cap. So, after tightening the cap I reset the code by disconnecting negative battery terminal, but the code came back on. I then replaced the gas cap with a locking one just to make sure that wasn't the problem, and it wasn't. About 3 weeks ago I filled up my WJ with a full tank of gas and drove about 2.5 miles home. When I came back out an hour later to get some stuff from the jeep I noticed a strong smell of gasoline and there was a 2 foot radius of wet concrete under the rear where the gas tank is located and a steady drip drip drip of fuel. This has happened pretty regularly after each fillup since. I'd say it leaks about a cup to 2 cups (baking cups) of gas onto the ground. It doesn't seem to leak any other time except for after a fillup and I'm not trying to overfill the tank.

Anybody have any advice or something I can check? I'm thinking that maybe the fuel filler tube is causing the problem since I only have the leak after gassing up. I know this is a long post but thanks in advance for anybody's help.

[jane8888]

Originally Posted by mgdeez

Looking for some advice before I take my 99 WJ to the mechanic to fix this problem. About a month ago I got the check engine light and checked the code, it came up P0420, small emissions leak. Searching these boards yielded the problem maybe not tightening the fuel cap. So, after tightening the cap I reset the code by disconnecting negative battery terminal, but the code came back on. I then replaced the gas cap with a locking one just to make sure that wasn't the problem, and it wasn't. About 3 weeks ago I filled up my WJ with a full tank of gas and drove about 2.5 miles home. When I came back out an hour later to get some stuff from the jeep I noticed a strong smell of gasoline and there was a 2 foot radius of wet concrete under the rear where the gas tank is located and a steady drip drip drip of fuel. This has happened pretty regularly after each fillup since. I'd say it leaks about a cup to 2 cups (baking cups) of gas onto the ground. It doesn't seem to leak any other time except for after a fillup and I'm not trying to overfill the tank.

Anybody have any advice or something I can check? I'm thinking that maybe the fuel filler tube is causing the problem since I only have the leak after gassing up. I know this is a long post but thanks in advance for anybody's help.

Wasn't there a recall concerning that problem? You might want to check.

[mgdeez]

Originally Posted by jane8888

Wasn't there a recall concerning that problem? You might want to check.

FUEL TANK VENT TUBE WELDS

Recall Date: 07/20/2000


NHTSA Campaign ID number: 00V195000
Potential number of units affected: 1,500
Manufactured: 06/2000 - 06/2000
Model year(s): 2000
Owner notification start date: N/A
Defect: Some of these vehicles may have been built with fuel tanks with suspect vent tube welds.

Consequence: Separation of the vent tube weld could result in a fuel leak. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.

Solution: Dealers will replace any fuel tanks built in the suspect time period. The vehicle will be inspected and if the bar code on the fuel tank indicates that the tank was built during the suspect period, it will be replaced


Never thought about a recall....however, my WJ was built in 98 so it doesn't fall into the time frame above. Thanks for the reply though. I'll post what the problem is after I get it fixed.

[acitydweller]

alldata has it listed as a service recall

[NBS4555]

I have the exact same problem you are describing except I have a 2001 XJ. My check engine light came on, I had the codes scanned, and it came up with small evaporation leak. They said 99% percent of time, it's loose gas cap or cap just needs replacing. I replaced cap and reset my codes, same as you. Three days later, check engine light is back on again. I'm not sure what to do from here since it looks like that recall only concerns 2000 models.

[Scotty73]

I have the same problem. 1999 GC limited. Hope it is covered.

[RufftyTuffty]

Currently dealing with the same problem on my 97....i dropped the tank repaced the tank lock ring seal...as the lock ring was loose....but after reinstalling the tank it still leaked

I had read some posts about this problem is troublesome to solve...so as mines an offroad rig i cut a hole in the floor right above the sending unit.

So i refilled the tank....now it's leaking from the pump seal...you can't get these separate...so my rig is currently in the shop getting a whole new sending unit (hopefully under extended warranty).

PS-I wouldn't drive it until it's fixed...extremely dangerous IMO.

[Scotty73]

Update:

I took car to dealership and was told that my 99 was not covered by recall. They checked it out and said I had a bad fuel pump gasket ($15); however, I was charged $195 for labor (3hrs) because they said they had to drop the tank.

The really bad thing is the fuel pump was replaced about 12 months ago by them and they should have replaced the gasket at the same time (imo).

Any thoughts on how I should go about trying to report the dealership? (or if I even have a case)

Thanks

[greasefingers]

When you buy an aftermarket pump from a local parts store, they come with a gasket. At least mine did.

[davew0670]

They checked it out and said I had a bad fuel pump gasket ($15); however, I was charged $195 for labor (3hrs) because they said they had to drop the tank.


thats bullshiat. should have taken 2 hrs max according to the manual and my mechanic. I dropped the tank,changed the pump and put it back up in an hour and thirty minutes.

[mgdeez]

I'll give an update on my initial post since I started this thread....

Took my 99 Limited WJ to the mechanic (not dealership) and had them figure out the problem. I got a call from them later on in the day with the guy saying "I've got good news and bad news...." The good news was they knew what the problem was; fuel filler tube had 1.5 inch crack down it leaking gas when I filled the tank. Bad news was they had to drop the tank and the high pressure fuel lines evidently have a one time only disconnect on them, and the lines would have to be replaced. So, after replacing the filler tube and the fuel lines to the engine, I took the jeep home.

My problem now is the new lines won't keep pressure after the jeep sits for more than an hour I'd say. Real hard starting, engine spins for about 7-9 seconds before it fires. Turn it off and let it sit 5 mins.....starts like a champ. That tells me there is a problem keeping the pressure in the fuel lines. I have another appointment with the mechanic for next week...we'll see what happens.

[Myrtle Beach]

Sounds like your fuel pump is losing pressure when it sits. These fuel pumps are pieces of $hit. I have had mine replaced twice (99 WJ). You may want to see if you can replace the in tank fuel pump with a pump outside the tank. This way you won't have to drop the tank to replace it next time. Good Luck!