Possible Fuel Leak After Service

[Willgoat]

Gents,

I had my 2000 avensis 1.6 serviced and mot's a couple of weeks ago. I remember when i took it back that a quarter of the fuel has gone. I usually only drive my car once a week for the tesco round. A week later on my next drive, i noticed the fuel gauge go down quite a bit and notice fuel smell around the car while in tesco, thought somebody unplug my fuel cap by accident but that wasn't it. didn't notice any leak on the ground. didn't drive the car for two weeks and drive it again today to kfc and my wife noticed a small wet patch on the ground near the back tyres driver side. It smells like patrol and poking underneath the body has patches of wet surface.

My question is whether the fuel tank or the piping has developed a leak and is that where the fuel tank is fitted? what could the servicing has done that could cause this since i don't have any problem before the service/mot? and am i looking at a huge bills to fix this?

thanks,any advice is appreciated. i am a complete novice when it comes to car!

[gazza1286]

Unless you get underneath and locate the leak it could be in a number of places. If you are loosing fuel to the extent you describe it may be a rupture on one of the engine feed or return lines. The tank itself may have rusted around one of the many breather hose connectors.

Rusting is unlikely as it's only 7 years old. I have had rust perforated fuel tanks in the past with two of my cars but they were a bit older than yours. Epoxy Resin (two-part putty) from Halfords gives a permanent repair to problems caused by rust in the tank. Otherwise the tank has to come out and that will be £200+ (repair + Labour)

[compressor mad]

is there not a re-call on the older avensis due to the fuel lines coming apart sure i seen that on here

[gazza1286]

is there not a re-call on the older avensis due to the fuel lines coming apart sure i seen that on here

I wasn't aware of that. But FYI the VOSA web site has details of all Manufacturer Vehicle Recalls:

http://www.vosa.gov.uk/vosa/apps/recalls/default.asp

It's listed on there.