99 stratus es fuel leak?
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99 stratus es fuel leak?
Subject: 1999 Dodge Stratus - Strong Gas Smell & Potential Fuel Leak Near Gas Tank
Body:
"Hi everyone,
I'm experiencing a strong gasoline smell coming from my 1999 Dodge Stratus, and I'm concerned about a potential fuel leak. This has been happening for a while, and I know it's not safe.
I recently took my car for a vehicle inspection. The first shop quoted me hundreds of dollars for a suspension repair (which seemed suspicious). I got a second opinion, and they didn't find any suspension issues. However, they did find a fuel leak somewhere on top of the gas tank, quoting me nearly $2,000 to fix it.
I decided to investigate myself. I put the rear of the car on ramps and looked under the driver's side, near the gas tank. I could see the fuel filter and the opening for the fuel pump (Dodge replaced the fuel pump a few years ago). I reached up and felt the two fuel lines connected to the fuel filter. Both lines were damp to the touch with gasoline.
The gasoline I felt was also black. I'm not sure if it's just dirty gas, grease, or possibly deteriorating plastic fuel lines. I'm not sure if the leak is directly from the fuel lines at the filter or if it's coming from somewhere else on top of the tank and dripping onto the filter lines.
I'm a beginner/intermediate DIYer. I have basic hand tools and ramps.
Does anyone have any recommendations on how to proceed? Is this something I can potentially fix myself, or should I take it to a specialist? Any advice on diagnosing the exact location of the leak and the best way to repair it would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Body:
"Hi everyone,
I'm experiencing a strong gasoline smell coming from my 1999 Dodge Stratus, and I'm concerned about a potential fuel leak. This has been happening for a while, and I know it's not safe.
I recently took my car for a vehicle inspection. The first shop quoted me hundreds of dollars for a suspension repair (which seemed suspicious). I got a second opinion, and they didn't find any suspension issues. However, they did find a fuel leak somewhere on top of the gas tank, quoting me nearly $2,000 to fix it.
I decided to investigate myself. I put the rear of the car on ramps and looked under the driver's side, near the gas tank. I could see the fuel filter and the opening for the fuel pump (Dodge replaced the fuel pump a few years ago). I reached up and felt the two fuel lines connected to the fuel filter. Both lines were damp to the touch with gasoline.
The gasoline I felt was also black. I'm not sure if it's just dirty gas, grease, or possibly deteriorating plastic fuel lines. I'm not sure if the leak is directly from the fuel lines at the filter or if it's coming from somewhere else on top of the tank and dripping onto the filter lines.
I'm a beginner/intermediate DIYer. I have basic hand tools and ramps.
Does anyone have any recommendations on how to proceed? Is this something I can potentially fix myself, or should I take it to a specialist? Any advice on diagnosing the exact location of the leak and the best way to repair it would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
