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Fuel tank repair covers a leaking tank, a smell of gas around the car, rusted straps, a damaged filler neck, or a tank that was hit by road debris. Route 66 Auto Repair in Upland finds the exact leak point, then tells you honestly whether a repair will hold or a new tank is the safer call. A fuel leak is a fire risk, so we treat it as need-now and put every step on a written estimate before work.
What are the signs of a damaged fuel tank?
- Strong gas smell near the rear of the car, worst after filling up
- Drips or a wet stain under the tank
- Fuel spilling from the filler area when the tank is full
- A tank that sags or rattles over bumps
Can a fuel tank be repaired, or does it need replacing?
It depends on what failed. Rubber filler hoses, seals, straps and vent lines are replaceable parts, and fixing them is often all the car needs. A leaking seal at the fuel pump access cover is also a common, fixable leak.
A tank that is rusted through, cracked or punctured is a different story. Patches on a fuel tank are hard to trust, so we usually quote a replacement tank and explain why. You see the photos before you decide.
Our fuel tank repair process
Step 1: Locate the leak
We inspect the tank, seams, filler neck and lines with the car on a lift, and smoke test the evaporative system when the code points there.
Step 2: Photo and quote
We photograph the leak point and quote a repair or a replacement tank, with need-now labels.
Step 3: Drain and lower safely
Fuel is drained into approved containers and the tank is lowered with support, away from ignition sources.
Step 4: Repair and reinstall
Failed hoses, seals, straps or the tank itself are replaced, and all lines are reconnected.
Step 5: Leak test
We refill, pressurize, check every connection and road test.
What's included in fuel tank repair
Included on the work order
- 01Lift inspection of the tank, straps and filler neck
- 02Evaporative system smoke test when needed
- 03Photos of the leak source
- 04Safe fuel drain and tank removal
- 05Replacement of failed seals, hoses, straps or tank as quoted
- 06Leak check and road test
Need-now or need-later?
Need now: call
- Any liquid fuel leak or strong fuel smell
- A tank strap that is broken or rusted through
Need later: book
- Surface rust on straps with solid metal underneath
- A small evaporative leak code with no smell
How pricing and timing work
A filler hose or seal is a smaller job than a tank. Lowering a full tank is heavy work, so on some trucks a second technician helps, and we explain that before the clock starts. AAA members get 10% off parts and labor, up to $75. If the car is not safe to drive, we accept tow-ins.
Aftercare
Check under the car after your first fill-up. Any smell or drip means come straight back. If the tank held dirty fuel or rust, ask about our fuel tank service and a fuel filter replacement to clear what was left in the system.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to drive with a leaking gas tank?
No. Liquid fuel near a hot exhaust is a fire risk. Park it outside, away from buildings, and call us at (909) 608-7699. We accept tow-ins. Check for open recalls on the NHTSA recall lookup (opens in a new tab) too, since some tank and filler neck issues are covered.
Can you fix a fuel tank with epoxy?
Epoxy kits are sold, but they are not a lasting fix on a pressurized modern fuel system. We would rather replace the failed part or the tank and give you a repair we can stand behind on the invoice.
Why does my car smell like gas only after I fill up?
That usually points to the filler neck, its hose or the vent lines at the top of the tank. Those parts only get wet when the tank is full. They are often fixable without replacing the tank.