Leaky fuel line

[nyik]

I think my fuel line is starting to leak. Yesterday I came outside to find stains running down my driveway originating from my gas tank area. Smelled like gas. A few weeks ago, I took the car to the mechanic and they said that the fuel line is rusted pretty bad. So I'm concluding that the holes are now large enough for a few drops here and there to start a leak.

It's a 95 nissan, so I'm not looking into fixing it. I'm more hanging on to it just incase that $3500 govt rebate comes into fruition within the next 5 months.

My question is, is it safe to keep driving it until it leaks more? Is there a way to temporarily fix it (and cheap) for a few more months?

Whether or not the 3500 rebate is happening, I still need to replace the car. But if I can keep driving the car until the winter or the 3500 rebate happens (whichever comes first), that'd be good.

If someone/party can definitely confirm the rebate won't happen this year, that'd be great too, because then I don't have to wait and can get a new car right now.

Suggestions?

Thanks,
Nelson

[craftsman]

Let's think about this...

- The gas line is rusted
- the stuff that is coming out smells like gas and seems to come of the gas tank
- gas burns

Anytime there is a flammable fluid around, all you need is a spark or an open flame for it to burn.

Drivable? Yes.

Safe? No (or it depends on how lucky you feel)

[moosehead]

...and if your driveway is asphalt the gas spill will wreck the asphalt

[Pete_Coach]

I think my fuel line is starting to leak. Yesterday I came outside to find stains running down my driveway originating from my gas tank area. Smelled like gas. A few weeks ago, I took the car to the mechanic and they said that the fuel line is rusted pretty bad. So I'm concluding that the holes are now large enough for a few drops here and there to start a leak.

It's a 95 nissan, so I'm not looking into fixing it. I'm more hanging on to it just incase that $3500 govt rebate comes into fruition within the next 5 months.

My question is, is it safe to keep driving it until it leaks more? Is there a way to temporarily fix it (and cheap) for a few more months?

Whether or not the 3500 rebate is happening, I still need to replace the car. But if I can keep driving the car until the winter or the 3500 rebate happens (whichever comes first), that'd be good.

If someone/party can definitely confirm the rebate won't happen this year, that'd be great too, because then I don't have to wait and can get a new car right now.

Suggestions?

Thanks,
Nelson
Gas smell is very strong and a few drops can smell really bad. Firstly, it helps to know where. Is it on the refill neck? Is it on the return line? Is it on the main fuel line? Is it the tank?
If it only leaks and smells just after you refuel, there may be a situation you can live with.
If it is the return line, well, it should be taken care of as it can hinder performance.
If it is in that main fuel line, the fuel pump pressure will eventually bvurst the line and then you will have raw fuel shooting put at fuel pump pressure, that can spell serious problems and a dangerous situation.
If it is the tank (happens all the time) it may be repairable buy some tank epoxy from the outside. Tanks always start to leak at the seams.
Bottom line is to find out exactly where the leak is, then decide how to proceed. Lines can be patched, tanks can be sealed or just never fill up tpo where the hole is. It does have to be fixed, for safety sake.