leaking fuel problems, smell and drips
 

well, the problems might be complicating a bit. i had a steering assist go out for 2-3 months, and driving thru it fixed it self it came back on. But the fuel is now leaking, and the fuel guage every now and then shows the wrong fuel level.

So, yes teh fuel is leaking. At first, it seemed to just be a fuel smell. It got tiresome and i havent had time to look into it. Each time we would park the car, when we would get out, we would smell fuel. The initial suspicion that it was some kind of breather, or overflow. It became much more potent of a smell to the point that i suspected that it had to be leaking somewhere.

Then one day last week i watched my wife back out the driveway onto the street towards downhill. When she hit her brakes, and put it in gear and proceeded uphill, a load of leaked gas spilled off. It was alot of fresh gas in the street. I then noticed all the other spots on the blacktop that must be ours. There is 20 foot trails, about 7 of them, on our street, all leading out, and up from our driveway.

We are talking atleast a cup or two of gas it appears from the warmup stage must be pooling up somewhere at the top of the tank.

Has anybody had this problem, and where should i start? pull the tank obviously, but does anybody have any insight on this?

I'd put it on a lift, and find where it is leaking.

im pretty sure that i would have to take the tank down, since it appears its dripping off the top of the tank once put in gear, or on a hill. so i would have to drop the tank wouldnt I? My gas tank is still half full, and i forgot to not fill it back up last time around.

Does any body have a good youtube link on this procedure, i havent been able to afford a manual. Any good links to the "REPAIR" manual purchase for the 2007 eq?

Can anybody provide any more feedback before i work on it?

Hopefully it is just the gasket leaking on the fuel pump. If you have a floor jack, use that to support the tank, unbolt the straps, drop the tank, then look for whats leaking. Good Luck! Woops unhook the fuel lines first/wireing

It's possible that it could be your fuel lines that are leaking. Fuel lines are fragile and rust easily.

If we assume the OP's vehicle has an early build date, the oldest it could be is six years old. I doubt the fuel lines are rusted through after only six years. The fuel lines are probably that stiff plastic anyways.

Wolfdogg, I've attached a guide for removing the fuel tank. This guide is for FWD models. For AWD models, the process is the same plus the propeller shaft must also be removed from the rear differential. The second PDF is just a document that contains enlarged images.

I've also attached instructions for removing/replacing both the Primary (passenger side) and Secondary (driver side) sending units/modules. The Secondary module must be removed first.

I'd bet the top seal for one of the modules is leaking.

Attachment 4643
Attachment 4644
Attachment 4646
Attachment 4647

Good morning wolfdogg

It looks like you've already gotten some great feedback from the members of the Chevrolet community on what you're looking to do. If you should, now or in the future, decide upon working with a dealership on any sort of vehicle concern we're available to assist. We can also check into recall and warranty information for you if you were to provide the last 8 digits of your VIN.

Sarah (Assisting Louis), Chevrolet Customer Service

im having the most difficult time finding a tool to remove the fuel lines. i believe the big fule line clips i need to remove are 5/8th. I went to auto zone and was only able to rent the 3/8th and 1/2, it is the long tool http://contentinfo.autozone.com/znet...27131/image/4/
and i purchased a smaller type removal tool package and they wont work
http://www.justanswer.com/uploads/Fi..._line_tool.jpg


even on the smaller fuel line. At first i tried various flatheads, i had 4 small ones wedged int here, and that didnt work. So im off to napa today, and possibly a few other places to find this tool. im wondering if the flat ring types are the ones i need
http://www.murley.org/pics/disconnect.JPG
also, there is little room for the long handle type to squeeze into these lines since the lines are so close to the fuel tank. Im betting i need the smaller ring types in the last pic.

ok, the tool that worked i had to get a 5/8 anodized aluminum from auto zone, pull out the snap ring, and split it apart, and wedge each one into each side, actually that was for the 2nd evap connector, the first evap connector i was able to just slip in the tool. and the actual fuel line connector i had to use a plastic ring, grey in color, also sold at auto zone in ta 5 pack of various sizes.

now i am pricing fuel pumps and rock auto is definetely the cheapest, but i expected auto zone to carry the part. at rock auto its $275 an ac delco M10090 i think its called, and at Auto zone they want 423.99 for an Airtek E3757M. Fuel Pumps > Mechanical > Electric > In-tank & line > Universal > Manual which would need to be shipped anyway because its not in stock at all around here.

The reason i need the whole assembly is because the fuel inlet line barbule was cracked (hariline) where the insert that it was connected to went into the top fo the tube on the assembly. Its wierd because two of the 3 connections at the top are actually form fitted connectors(i.ie part of the assembly) where as the fuel inlet one looks like its either pressed in there, or HOPEFULLY threaded.

So it broke off when i was inspecting it because it looks like fuel leaking through the crack has comprimised it. So now im staring at a hole with a cracked fitting in it. Im definetely going to get an easy out and see if i can spin it out, but beign plastic i doubt it will, unless its really threaded and is not too tight.

If it doesnt come out, im seriously considering drilling it, tapping it, and screwing a fitting in to it like a good little mechanic. Then i will hose clamp the nylon fuel line onto the fitting.


So im pressed for time, i

I just took our 2007 Equinox to the dealership to address this same issue. While our vehicle is not covered in the recall below, a few weeks ago we received a letter from GM saying our vehicle would receive special coverage if it exhibits this same problem. Sure enough it started smelling like gas and a small amount of fuel was dripping on the driveway. They replaced the entire fuel sending unit with a new one free of charge. The special coverage will also provide reimbursement for this repair if you've already paid to have it fixed.

Recall ID # 94154 - FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE; DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Recall Date:
SEP 19, 2012

Model Affected:
2007 Chevrolet Equinox

Summary:
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2007 Chevrolet Equinox and Pontiac Torrent vehicles originally sold or currently registered in Arizona, California, Nevada, and Texas; model year 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, Pontiac G5, and Saturn ION vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in, Arizona, California, Florida, Nevada, or Texas; model year 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt and Pontiac G5 vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in, Arizona; and model year 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt and Pontiac G5 vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Nevada, Oklahoma, or Texas. Some of these vehicles have a condition in which the plastic supply or return port on the fuel pump module may crack, which could cause a fuel leak.
Consequences:
Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
Remedy:
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Notification to owners began on on November 21, 2012. Owners were instructed to not bring their vehicles in for repair until January 2013. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-521-7300.
Potential Units Affected:
40859
Notes:
General Motors LLC

Read more: 2007 Chevrolet Equinox Recalls & Problems - Motor Trend Magazine

i wish i could get a recall, or free repair of this, but i wanted to mention my fix was successful. i took a 3/8 drill, then drill and tapped the fuel assembly. i threaded a brass barbule into their, and hose clamped on a fuel line, better than new. the only prbolem is i didnt want to spend the 400+ dollars on the fuel pump, so that baby is still in there post 210k miles on it. ill see if i can scrape up some images for this.

http://s16.postimg.org/67o2sumox/DSCF4929.jpghttp://s9.postimg.org/y20o2fvpn/DSCF4930.jpghttp://s8.postimg.org/71l4pdpjl/DSCF4931.jpghttp://s22.postimg.org/3ujyok565/DSCF4932.jpghttp://s21.postimg.org/6gc1ph1oj/DSCF4933.jpghttp://s22.postimg.org/p5histnal/DSCF4934.jpg
Attachment 18542

the crack was actually in a piece that was a LAME STUPID plastic insert that simply was pressed and maybe glued? into the assembly itself. it was the culprit for spraying the fuel. It was cracked from road vibrations where the fuel line was clamped on to it. it was half embedded into the assembly and half stickng out to accept the fuel line. it cracked along the point which it was meeting the assembly.

i yanked this piece off which it just immediately broke off. i was actually trying to extract it, but i didnt realize it was cracked until it broke. it was just a hairline. Then i grabbed the remainder of what i could from inside the hole with a pair of needle nose, then when i couldnt get the rest out (i presume this was the only part that was actually glued) i went ahead with the hairy job of trying to keep a drillbit straight into the hole. The drillbit to my dismay immediately got sucked into the hole, but as soon as it did this piece you see next to the screwdriver came flying out, and i thought my job was done(in a bad way). i was happy to see that after i ran a tap in the hole it went in clean and there was no tears on the mallable plastic housing. i got a clean new thread in there.

Note, I heated the fuel line piece carefully before slipping it over the barb, maybe even with a hair dryer, cant remember, but i think i actually used a blow torch. FUEL was NO WHERE NEAR< BE CAREFUL DOING THIS!!! i put a metal hose clamp on there and didnt overtighten it too tight so as not to cut into the plastic line, nor twist something else off the FRAGILE CHEAP ASS ASSEMBLY.

the brass piece you see i had to do alot of calling and running around for. i actually was looking for something a tad bigger, (cant remember the exact size but its the next size down from the drill bit i used. i believe i used a 3/8 drilbit, and was looking for a 5/16th thread. i wish i had written down the drillbit and thread size, but it was a mainstream size drillbit, so was either a 3/8th or 5/16th. im pretty darn sure it was a 3/8th but if you need to do it on yours you will be able to tell by placing the smallest bit in the hole that will work to clean it out enough to take threads.

i only carefully threaded the brass fitting in there with "fuel-resistant" thread tape, it went in there snugly and snugged right up just before running out of threads. PERFECT ENDING!!!!!!!!


I knew it was all downhill from there.

The real BITCH was getting the friggen tank lines disconnected, and tank down.

good luck to anyone that wants to do this, it is possible with mechanic experience, common sense, and a good dose of patience and set of tools.

Letter?
 

Did Chevy send the letter to you or did you reach out to them in order to check on the recall and then they sent the letter?

Coincidentally, they sent me the letter first and the problem surfaced on our 2007 Equinox about a month later. I would contact your local Chevy dealership if you are having this issue - even if you haven't received this letter. If you recently purchased your vehicle used there's a good chance you may not ever receive that letter. I didn't need to show the letter to them, I just described the problem, mentioned the letter, and it was promptly fixed, no questions asked.

thanks
 

I found the bulletin, 12191 and had my friend who works at the dealership check it out. He said it sounds like I might be covered, but obviously they won't know until they get it on the lift and drop the tank.... hoping upon hope it's covered for the special coverage

file:///I:/Documents/RDH%20Temp/RCMN-12V459-5432.pdf

got mine fixed in a recall about 3 months ago. yay! I thnk maybe it might not be as good as my fix, however i made sure they replaced the fuel pupm, so for that reason alone i wanted done! Man those are some awesome pics i took, and some awesome work i did. (patting myself on the back, lol) :-)

i thnik they had sent me the letter on their own.

How can I know? if is the tank or a line?

There is no way to tell without dropping the tank for a visual inspection. However, if you have a 2007 Equinox and it smells like gas, it is most likely the broken line that the Special Coverage campaign addresses.

i feel EXACTLY the same way! most likely! They made a bad decision on that fuel assembly. Word to the wise, if it looks like the one in my pics, dont buy it..


Extruded fuel lines, BLAH CHEVY!!

We had the same problem on our 07 Equinox. It was the fuel sending unit that was leaking. It would smell like gas and when I had the rear passenger tire changed, the mechanic saw where it had been leaking. Said he thought it was coming from the top of the tank. I researched forums online and found out it was under recall. Took it to dealer and they fixed it free of charge. No problems since!

Hi Everyone.
I am having a similar problem to the one described here in this thread on a 2007 Equinox LT2 AWD, last 8 of VIN 76235008.
I had the vehicle up on a lift, and I can clearly see the leak is coming from the top of the tank, right side of the tank.
The gasoline smell is getting progressively worse.
There seems to be some indication on this thread that even vehicles not covered under the "recall" were fixed by GM under the "extended warranty" stipulation, if the problem is related to the plastic fuel delivery lines on the primary pump.
**Update, checked with local Chevy Dealer, the VIN won't come up on any "recall" websites, but IS in the GM system for an extended warranty, and is covered, parts and labor for this particular issue. Scheduled to be looked at on Monday**

$450 for a fuel pump is no small chunk of change, so while I'm confident I could drop the tank and replace the fuel pump assembly myself, I'm wanting to explore all options before doing that and spending that kind of money, if there is any chance GM might help me out with this.

On another note, if I need to drop the tank myself, obviously the exhaust and rear driveshaft need to be disconnected, charcoal filter removed, etc, but I'm wondering from anyone on this forum about if the tank slides forward to clear the rear diff on AWD models, or if there is something more involved after making all the disconnects and removing the tank straps. If I need to do something with the rear diff itself, like disconnecting it, or dropping it, then it's definitely a dealer repair.
** Would still like feedback on this in case someone else on here has to drop the tank for another issue, or if the secondary pump would happen to go on mine!**

Thanks.

Matt Gehman

Gas smell coming from right passenger rear
 

I'm having the same problem as everyone else with my 2007 chevy equinox real bad gas smell coming from right rear passenger side read alot of bad reviews on this tried looking up my VIN on recall website but nothing has came up. I'm going to try to call tommorrow to see If there is anything they will do it's getting too bad to drive anymore I have 2 kids and I'm scared to have them in the car anymore. I have had the car for 4 years and it only has about 81000 miles on it.

Just a brief note on fuel line repair. The hose clamp on a press on nylon line( as pictured above) is not the correct way to repair that line. That fuel sender assembly comes with the lines attached for a reason. They want you to replace the assembly complete with new lines. If the OE part cost seems too high, search out a Delphi replacement from NAPA or most other aftermarket parts dealers. The Delphi is a good replacement part, while I do prefer the AC Delco original. The above pictured repair is now a potentially dangerous failure waiting to happen.

There is a recall for this issue with the 2007 Equinox/Torrent vehicles originally sold or currently registered in Arizona, California, Nevada, and Texas. However, any 2007 Equinox/Torrent not covered by that recall is covered by Special Coverage #12191 (link here) regardless of vehicle age or mileage. Do NOT replace anything yourself. Take your Equinox to a dealership to have the repair performed. All parts and labor costs are paid for by GM.