Fuel Leak... maybe
 

Hey guys,
I just got my MY03 WRX 3 days ago and filled her up today for the first time.

I used to drive a Subaru Liberty and when i filled that up I used to fill untill the bowser pump stops, then pump a little more. I could actually add more fuel untill i could see the fuel was filled right to the nozzel.

I tried this with the WRX and it took me a while to notice that fuel was coming out of the bottom of the car and making a huge puddle. i was too busy watching for the fuel to fill to the brim, which it didnt do.

From then i drove around a bit, roughly 50km, then got home to find fuel dripping from just forward of the rear axle on the passenger side. not to mention the overpowering fuel smell all around the car.

Has anyone else overfilled their WRX? If so, did this happen to you?
Where does the excess fuel go?
And finally, do you think i have a fuel leak somewhere?

Andy

Check the seals on the top of the tank.

Open the boot and remove the carpeting.

You will see two panels just behind the rear seat. One is round and the other is oval.

Remove the round panel first and you will see the top of the fuel tank. There will be another panel underneath this with an electrical connector and some hoses running into it. Disconnect all that and un bolt the panel and lift it off the tank. There is supposed to be a seal between that panel and the tank. If it has ever been removed before it could have been installed incorrectly or it could have just deteriorated. Replace it if necessary and put every thing back together.

If you dont find the cause of the leak, check the other side with the oval panel. This side contains the fuel pump assembly. If the fuel pump has ever been upgraded, the seal may have not been re-installed correctly. If the seal is ok. NOW is a good time to replace the fuel pump with an upgraded Walbro fuel pump. A good increase in flow and insurance for future modifications.

Mate never a good thing filling all they way to the nozzle, it's actually strongly recommended not to do so in the manual. As far as I'm aware there is an over catch area that will drain overfilling of the fuel entry point. I typically fill until the litre is right (I take note how much my wrx has used and how much is needed at refill), typically the first or second click. Fuel on the servo floor makes me sad panda.

fuel on the servo floor makes your wallet a sad panda

Did you drive at 3kmh on a smooth billard road, or perhaps at higher speeds with bumps and corners?

You have sloshed the excess fuel out the side of the car and it runs all over the place.

I have checked under the plates in the boot, both seem bone dry. As far as i know the fuel pump has never been changed.

Fuel evaporates quickly. See if you can check them while having a friend fill the tank to the brim with a jerry can.

I blame the 50 goldfish you are carrying :)