[toaster]

A little while back, I started noticing the odor of gasoline both inside and outside my car. I foolishly filled the tank before taking it to a garage to have it checked. When I did, I noted that I had only had a range of 240 miles on the full tank, where my usual is around 300 miles.


So, I took it in. Diagnosis cost $50. Repair estimate is $776.
What the mechanic did: pulled the belly pan to take a look and showed me that the fuel tank was wet from a leak somethwhere on the top of the tank, out of view. He concluded it most likely is the fuel pump or its gasket which is causing the leak.

In either case, to effect repair, he said the tank would have to be pulled.


I've come here seeking views/opinions any of y'all might have on this. Diagnosis likely correct? How dangerous is the car to drive in the meantime? Repair estimate reasonable, and so on.

This seems to be a not uncommon problem with our smarts. There are two ports on the top of the fuel pump, one of which has been known to leak/break. Sounds like you currently have a leaker... which could easily turn into a gusher.

Don't park it in the garage!

Replacement fuel pumps for the smart run $200 - $500, the rest is labor.

http://www.smartcarofamerica.com/forums/f25/i-m-smelling-gasoline-fuel-pump-port-139449/

http://www.smartcarofamerica.com/forums/f353/fuel-leak-77546/#post921290

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[toaster]

I believe the fuel pump part number is 4514700294. Here's some internet pricing:

$225
https://www.mbpartsusa.com/oem-parts/smart-fuel-pump-4514700294

$481
https://www.amazon.com/Spectra-Premium-SP5129M-Module-Assembly/dp/B01AWCW8VE

$216 - $667
https://www.ebay.com/sch/pump+4514700294

$246 - $426
https://www.rockauto.com/en/partsearch/?partnum=4514700294

Quite a range. If you are having a shop replace it, it may be worthwhile asking what they are charging for the pump alone and procure it yourself.

~toaster

 

[toaster]

$257 to the door for a smart OEM pump. I'd bet a beer (or two) that's a couple hundred less than I'd get from the garage. I believe they were sourcing from Advance Auto Parts, but don't quote me on that.

That leaves about $500 from the repair estimate for labor. Around here, garage rates run about $100/hr. Replacing the fuel pump is not a 5-hour job.

~toaster