Fuel is leaking on my '99 accord with 220k from either the return or supply tubes that run from the fuel tank. Can those tubes be replaced without removing the tank? Any help is appreciated.

 

The pump can be accessed from the inside of the car so technically you could just cut lines and setup the proper fittings ect. to make it all work. But leaking fuel lines? That sounds kind of strange. Are you sure it is the lines (visually confirmed the leak) or could it possibly be something else leaking (connections emissions fumes ect.)?

 

I did visually check out the leak. It's dripping rapidly with a full tank at the quick connect fitting where the feed line connects to the metal tube - it's the white connector which is the supply/high pressure line. I was under the car last night and was just barely moving the connector and the leak would start. The metal tube is rusted of course, so the o-ring may have worn down from the rust. I haven't taken it apart yet but the guys at local dealer where I bought the car new said the job is a pain to drop the tank etc or I could try to lower suspension with the 4 bolts so the tank drops a few inches which would give a little more room to get to the tube.

 

Dropping the tank is no cake walk but if you have some jackstands and a floor jack its doable. I still had only 2 or so gallons but it made handling the tank really awkward. Another set of hands really helps. Try to get as much gas out as possible. Sounds like you have things nailed down on the leak, good luck!

 

Do you think the line can be replaced without dropping the tank? Any idea if
a patch on high pressure plastic to tube might work? Hoping to just replace the line from the pump and the metal tube will hold up otherwise I'm in way over my head.

 

I wouldn't do a patch job. Gas is really corrosive. See if you can clean the fittings and replace the O rings and see what that does. Or just order new fittings from Honda? Donor car from the junkyard? Im not exactly sure what fittings you are talking about (any pics?) but technically you could just run rubber fuel injection hoses with clamps to wherever you need. I would do that over a patch job myself.

This thread might be useful: https://honda-tech.com/forums/honda-accord-1990-2002-2/fixing-my-fuel-leak-2719955/

 

Here's a pic of the quick connect and the rusted line. I found two pin holes in the tube tonight. Dropping the fuel tank requires the rear suspension to be dropped - is that what you are referring to when you said it's a bear to do?

I was lucky the other day at the dealer when I went to visit my friendly service rep who has helped me out in the past. Mechanic was standing behind him who had just replaced all the fuel lines and he gave me some tips but it was a quick conversation and doubt I can push my luck by going back with more questions.

The metal line needs to be replaced and was told by mechanic that it's a bear too. Really all the lines should be replaced. The brake lines to the rear wheels are routed over the suspension frame. Drivers side brake line is attached to the suspension frame with a metal clamp bolted into the frame and there is no clearance to get to clamp. Looks to me like there is no way to get access to that clamp without dropping the frame. What engineer designed this mess?

Think it's possible to run a high pressure fuel hose from the rear to the front in place of a new metal fuel line? If that's a viable fix, how would I connect the hose to the fuel pump fitting which is plastic and male end of quick connect fitting. Since it's high pressure, I wonder how tight I could clamp the line without busting the plastic nipple on the pump? I think I can replace the flexible fuel lines without dropping the suspension/tank completely. Honda mechanic said I might try loosening 4 suspension frame bolts to get more clearance - extra 1-2 inches above the fuel tank. But not sure if that trick will work with brake lines which are badly rusted.

 

I would just get the parts from Honda or check out a donor car from a junkyard if it were me. If you have the proper tools and have to drop the suspension and take off the brake lines, should be able to make quick work of the leak.