Fuel Pump hose leaking / replacement

sd-mk2 · Post by **sd-mk2** » Mon Jul 25, 2011 12:46 pm

Hey guys,

So on my way to work today i noticed a gasoline smell and rapid loss of gas while i was on the freeway.

Ive made it to my destination just barley, the light came on as soon as i parked the car.

So I looked under the car where the fuel pump is and it looks like the rubber hose coming out of the fuel pump is leaking because of a small gash on the side... the gash is located on the vertical end of the hose that connects to a fuel line thats metal.

Like ive mentioned before im not very mechanically inclined but im sure this is just a hose swap right? I don't have my maintenance manual on me so im not sure if there's anything i should know or do before i attempt this...

im guessing I need go to auto zone and get a replacement hose and swap it? what should i do about the remaining fuel?

thank you guys for any help! I apologize for my mechanical ignorance.

Keith · Post by **Keith** » Mon Jul 25, 2011 1:52 pm

You're going to want to get actual BMW hose for this one. A lot of the other stuff out there is just not up to spec. If it's the smaller hose, it's a 8mm inner diameter, and 13mm outer diameter. Everything but the feed hose from the tank to the exterior pump is this diameter. I would just buy 1-2 meters worth and replace everything under there including the 90 degree sections.
The larger diameter hose is 12mm inner and 18mm outer, and you'll need a few feet worth. To change this one, just loosen the bolts on the tank strap to lower the tank a bit. Tape your new hose to your old hose and fish it through. Don't worry about the fuel you lose here, it will just be what's in the line. You should probably change the fuel filter while you're there as well. You will probably need some new hose clamps as well.

sd-mk2 · Post by **sd-mk2** » Mon Jul 25, 2011 2:27 pm

gotcha, right now I just need to get the car home so i can check out the rest of the stuff and replace... I work in an office and i have no tools, except a leatherman and a flash light

i went to autozone and got a replacement hose... I can use that for tonight but should I order a BMW one for later?

thank you for the help!

Keith · Post by **Keith** » Mon Jul 25, 2011 2:43 pm

Yeah, I would just consider what you bought to be a temporary fix. It should get you home with no problem, though.

alotawatts · Post by **alotawatts** » Mon Jul 25, 2011 5:30 pm

If the clamps are new/good shape as well as the hose/fuel line .....and no more leaking ....I would not worry about it.

Keith · Post by **Keith** » Mon Jul 25, 2011 7:44 pm

Well 'good shape' is kind of subjective. The reality is that if one line burst, the other are probably on their way unless someone piecemeal replaced them in that past. Do yourself a favor, spend the 20 bucks for the hose and do it all before you get stranded again.

sd-mk2 · Post by **sd-mk2** » Mon Jul 25, 2011 8:20 pm

Cool thank you! Im about to get started, i gave it a look during lunch and I think the hose was rubbing on a metal edge... i think over time it finally punctured it or wore the side out...

but yes i will look at the rest of the lines and see about replacing them.

thanks again for the advice!