Hi Scotty — you were so helpful advising about our accord, I have another question: We have a 2011 honda pilot, well maintained in excellent condition -- only 45,000 miles. The engine/emissiions light came on, after replacing the purge valve at the dealer, it went away but came back 12 days later. After performing a smoke test, the dealer determined that there’s a leak on the top of the fuel tank where the fuel line enters the tank. They recommend replacing the tank for about $1900 plus tax. The car is in excellent shape and needs nothing else — would you proceed with the repair?
(Evidently patching is not an option.)
Thanks!
An update (albeit late). Stuck with the dealer and their recommendation (they're one of the few honest honda dealers I've ever encountered) -- upon removal of the tank, the tech found a nest of some kind on top of the tank -- evidently, some kind of rodent had literally gnawed through the tank (didn't realize it was made of a composite). While horrified that a creature capable of eating through a gas tank is within yards of the house, I'm glad we had the repair done. Since it was rodent damage (thanks to pandemic inspired underuse), insurance covered most of it. Go figure.
Uhh. Where the fuel line enters the tank... I would imagine there be gaskets and such right? If it's directly where the line meets the fuel sender unit then unless the line is busted or something then you would just need to replace the line right? If it's to the sending unit then there is a gasket for it, if it's the line to then you would just have to make sure to get the right hardware, be it clips or clamps or other. If it's a hole that got punched in elsewhere that they are saying is a non reparable area then you would have to find out why there was a hole punched in there first. Get a second opinion first before just tossing the tank is my recommendation.
While horrified that a creature capable of eating through a gas tank is within yards of the house
Thank you for posting back with the diagnosis (and fix)!
Your first mistake was going to a dealer. Your second mistake was listening to what they said. Take it to an independent mechanic and get a real solution, not some overpriced "let's see if the sucker goes for it" quote from a dealer.
I would get a second opinion from a good independent mechanic. Even if the tank does need to be replaced it should be less expensive than what the stealership will charge.
It seems to me that dealers will always upset the more expensive solution rather than the cheap solution but quality solution.
Whats the CEL code? We have a car that leaks when the tank is full. It leaks some sort of black grease
Edit: most likely its an evap system code.
