Weird rear end oil leak

[rob.043]

Went to take the car out today, it had been left for 4 days after just being filled with fuel, and there was a small pool of what looked like oil below the fuel tank, and a slightly hydro carbon like smell in the garage too. Had to do a 160 mile round trip, which it did with no problems.

On return I jacked the rear drivers side wheel for a better look, and it seemed to be coming around from the top of the fuel tank. The fuel neck under the wheel arch seemed a tad damp too. Took out the spare wheel and there was a little of the 'oil' in the bottom of the well too, around the small hole at the bottom. Nothing in the boot to leak, its been totally empty. No sign of anything coming from engine or gearbox, and the leak is certainly not pure petrol.

Any ideas on a source?   

[theclash]

have a closer look at your rear shockers that would be my guess most are oil filled

[rob.043]

I had a look around the shocks, and did suspect they might be responsible. I could get some suspension movement in the raised rear wheel, which was accompanied by a hydraulicly damped squelchy noise from the shock- so it has some oil in it. It didnt feel like a pogo stick on the road either, but thats not to say they havenet dropped some of there oil.

Its just such an odd place for it to drip from, how would it get from a shock to the underside of the fuel tank?!

Its out again on thursday for another 160miles, so i'll see how it goes!

[rob.043]

found the problem. removed the pump/tank cover in the boot to find a pool of fuel around the screw cap. its been leaking with a full tank, as its not been re seated properly following a failed fuel pump investigation....

so working theory for the 'oil' on the floor is general body wax and filth washed off by the petrol.

[theclash]

  glad you got sorted nice when someone posts back with a result