[s-cars] Unlocatable fuel-like smell

[Varon H. Fugman]

I had a fuel smell near the rear passenger-size door / fuel filler area that
turned out to be a crack in the round plastic plate that goes in the top of
the tank.  The plate is part of the fuel-sender assembly.  Mine had
apparently stress-fractured around where one of the fuel lines penetrates
the plate.

I would get a fuel smell after driving any time I had more than 1/2 a tank
(from fuel splashing inside the tank.)  With a full tank I would get a very
strong smell.

So far, no one else on the list has confirmed having this exact same leak.
I feel pretty special, having an Audi fuel leak all to myself.  (I have to
share the driver's-side underhood leak with a few other folks!)

To check, remove the metal plate in the forward part of the trunk and
inspect the top of the fuel sender assembly... should be all dry (and
dirty!).  Any wet spots indicate trouble (it doesn't take much gasoline to
get a strong smell!)

An easy fix.  $95 in parts and a few hours with my head and upper torso
stuck in the trunk smelling gasoline fumes.  (Hits: siphon the tank down to
1/3 or less before removing the sender assembly.  Use a fan for lots of
fresh air!)

Varon
'95 S6     100 degree temps outside + using A/C = very poor performance :-(

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