Other Fuel System Tank Mounting problems of the 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe

Fire hazard explosion hazard environmental hazard. While in motion pressurized fuel lines at the furl pump can unexpectedly fail due to corrosion resulting in fuel being pumped out of the vehicle onto the under surfaces of the vehicle and the roadway. As much as 25 gallons of fuel can be expelled from the vehicle while in motion with no warning to the driver other that a rapidly diminishing of amount of fuel remaining as shown by the fuel gage. The vehicle was being driven on an interstate highway when the fault occurred but it was not noticed until the vehicle exited the highway at which time a strong odor of gasoline was noticed. When the engine was shut off and the vehicle exited a pool of gasoline was observed under the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a repair facility. During the repair it was noted that the fuel pomp is located at the top of the tank and could be observed without removing the tank from the vehicle. Upon removal it was found the pump mounting lacation was in a well molded into the plastic fuel tank. The well was full of sand and dust which was cleaned out revealing a mass of rust on the steel fuel pump support and locking ring as well as the steel pressure and return lines. The leak was determined to be in the pressure line line inside the plastic fuel line quick connect both steel fuel lines disintegrated while attempting to disconnect the plastic lines from the tank. Repairs included the replacement of the fuel pump, both plastic fuel lines and quick connects. These components are identical. To those originally installed and will be subject to the same corrosion as the originals due the to the poor design of the pump placemen ton the tank and the failure to shield the components from being covered with sand an dust, particularly in areas where salt is used on the roads in winter.