From digest.v7.n433 Tue Oct 14 00:36:18 1997
From: Alfred Sutlick <asutlick_at_adnc.com>
Date: Mon, 13 Oct 1997 22:18:12 -0700
Subject: Re: <E30> '87 325es leaking gas tank

Christopher,

Personally, I wouldn't bother attempting to have a leaking gas tank repaired by use of a sealer, or any other method. When my 6er's tank started leaking, I asked my good friends at La Jolla Independent BMW if they recommended any of the sealer kits, or professional repairs. They said that if the sealer for some reason doesn't fully adhere to the inner surface of the tank, that it will eventually get sucked up by the gas pickup assembly and deposit itself around the exterior of the filter screen. This results in little, or no fuel being pumped.

The $800 to replace a seal, quoted by your repair center, is way out of line. You can buy three new tanks (less associated hardware) for that price.

My 6er's tank developed a leak on the vertical surface at the rear of the tank, right side, right in the ninety degree bend from vertical to horizontal (another favorite spot is at the base of the filler neck). I replaced it with a used tank which started leaking in the exact same spot within 3 months or so.

I obtained a new tank for something less than $270 as I recall, from Maximillian Importing. Shipping didn't amount to much. If you get a new tank, make sure that you also order a new gasket to fit between the tank and the suction (pickup) device; also the insert that fits in the filler neck for unleaded gas only.

Also - like Jim Cash mentioned in his letter to you - you may as well replace the rubber gas lines that attach to the suction device, at the same time. With the tank down, they're fully exposed.

With a new tank, the filler neck may not align exactly in the center of the area behind the filler door; you'll be able to tell when you replace the rubber collar around the neck. If it doesn't center just right, insert a broom handle in the filler neck and GENTLY give it a nudge in the direction you want it to go. Don't insert the reducer for unleaded gas in the filler neck, until you're certain the neck lines up properly.

Al Sutlick
BMWCCA #367
San Diego Chapter

'79 635 CSi Euro ('88 535i long block w/L-Jetronic) '84 528e (wife's)
'91 325i (son's)

Member - U.S. Naval Cryptologic Veterans Association. "In God we trust, all others we monitor."