REPLACING BREATHER HOSE ON FUEL TANK 83' E21

[groove groce]

I've noticed fuel odor and even leaking fuel occassionaly under car when I FILL the tank. Removed the back seat and access cover to fuel pump after filling and could see that one of the hoses was soaked. It looks like a hose that is probably a breather hose connecting the 2 tanks on top. The visible end is connected to a T connector and then it passes into an abyss that I can't see but probably connects to the other tank. Question: Does the tank have to be dropped to replace this hose ? If so, both tanks ? Also, The fuel hoses use what look like "PEX" style clamps similar to modern home plumbing applications. What's the easiest way to remove those ?

[nas80]

the other end you cant see goes to the filling point - you will see it in the boot, it goes up through a conduit hidden by the rear door card. I didn't know you could even get the fuel tank to fill that high.

You do have to drop the tanks to change this hose, its an absolute pain in the behind I can tell you.

advice...

If you have filled your tank that high you will need to drain it cos it will be pretty heavy,
the rubber hose will be pretty much welded to the outlets (usually)
use violence to take the hose clamps off.
you will quickly find out that when your under your car you will get dirt in your eyes which only adds to the pain.
take the rear wheels off so you can get your hand to the top most bolts which hold the tank on.
Don't lose the nuts that hold the tanks on cos they are a bit weird and you wont be able to find anything else suitable.
while your at it you might want to check the condition of your fuel lines, if they are rusty or look bad NOW is the time to change them.


Nas

[groove groce]

Hi NAS80, Well that's encouraging.....not. Not sure if we're talking about the same hose because this one appears to head in the direction of the fuel tank that is opposit the fuel filler. I can see the one end connected to a plastic T fitting in the fuel pump access area. irregardless, Your description, while not pretty, is probably accurate. I was just hoping there may be some trick to where it could be done without tank removal....like another access in the floor over the other tank under the insulation ? I suppose not, so I'll get prepared for the "violence" Thanks brother.

[Jeroen]

From our own FAQ section:

There's only one breather hose on top of the left side tank half that requires that half to be removed. Piece of cake though, only three bolts and the large connecting hose. Make sure it's empty though and disconnect it on top of the other tank half before you start.

Did it myself and it wasn't too hard in my opinion, unless stuff is corroded heavily. Oh and better replace the rest of the hoses as well, its all 35 years old and you don't want a huge leak near your exhaust I guess?

[groove groce]

Thanks Jeroen...sounds good. Any thoughts on removing those crimp hose connectors ? I had a heck of a time with those when I replaced my fuel pump

[Jeroen]

There are special pliers for those and otherwise just clip 'm in half with sharp pinchers and replace by screw type

[groove groce]

Thanks again Jeroen....I'll give her a whirl when the tank is empty !

[Jeroen]

good luck and let us know if you ran into any issues. Even though I'm not that fond of laying underneath the car breathing fuel fumes I didn't find it too hard. Did the job on the floor of my garage and I only jacked up the car a bit (from the rear from underneath the diff so nothing was in the way).

Really need to expand well eh translate the story in the FAQ. One day...

[mcjjordan]

Did mine in summer wasnt too bad