Leaking fuel-sorry if it's been asked already

[Clayc84]

Hey everyone newb here. Forgive me if this post has been posted already I'm currently on my phone and don't feel like searching forever. Anyway I just purchased a like new condition 99 Eddie Bauer expedition- I've been a GMC guy for the last 2 yeArs and Jeep before that so I'm new to Fords. Anyway i had over half a tank when I got it. Filled up the other day and after the pump clicked I didn't pump anymore and heard some dripping. Thought maybe I overfilled it but when it clicked I stopped. Drove a mile down the road and didn't see a leak anywhere. Earlier tonight I had about half a tank and decided to fill it up. Same issue. I got underneath and saw the top of the tank was a little wet and had some gas on it. The smell is also heavy under the spare tire. Are there lines up there? Some things I've read said it could be a vent tube or filler hose fuel pump etc. any thoughts?? Truck runs great smooth as can be i paid 3k with 100,263 miles so either way I still think I got a good deal. Granted I know its a used car and it's going to have its issues. Is this something to be very worried about? I plan on getting it fixed as a fuel leak needs to be taken care of but if I'm not gushing fuel out can it wait a week or so?

 

[bedrck46]

could be a bad hose or at the worst the tank is leaking Don't fill it all the way and see if you see wet spots also in case you have to drop the tank you won't have to much weight to contend with Unless you have a garage to work in you may not want to wait to long Getting a little bit cold back here to be working under the Expy Not all that bad of a job to drop the tank Just time consuming and a little rough getting to the top of the tank

 

[Clayc84]

Ok cool I will try and do that this weekend. Thanks for the help! Much appreciated

 

[1997SCEBFEX]

sometimes you will get splash back leakage if the nozzle is only partially inserted into the fill tube, or an erratic pump i.e. multiple fill-ups on 87 octane for instance. Had this happen once a while back, did the crawl-under with the mag light and put some strategically placed paper towels here/there to ascertain if it was really leaking.

to date, for me anyway, nada, and an isolated incident.

Good luck & let us know how it goes.

PanHandler.