If the top of the tank is stained with fuel it isn't the tank. Gas doesn't spill upwards.

Its more likely a fuel line from your tank or a return line to your tank, or the filler neck is leaking and when you pump fuel it spills some out onto the tank. You'll need to drop the tank down to see what's going on, but from your description it most likely is not the tank leaking.

 

I'm having the same problem. There is a service bulletin I found on kiatechinfo.com that mentions a service campaign for the fuel tank.
http://www.kiatechinfo.com/TechInfo/Campaign/board_view.asp?docu_no=240&page=

The dealership is trying to sell me a fuel pump. The pump works fine, i think they're trying to screw me.

 

I think I saw a post a while back where someone was having the same problem and it was from a cracked elbow fitting on the top of the tank that is part of the sender unit and pump. Hope this is of some help.

 

fuel leak !!



Hey Michael . According with my experience with the kia sportage 2001, my first guess is the gasket between the tank and the pump holder ( flange type ) and second any seal or gasket around the tubes that go thru this flange. The accsess to the pump is located underneath the back seat , there is an overlap carpet opening , and under this you can spot the fuel pump assembly.
It's happen to me ( after the removal of the pump) a strong smell to gas.
problem: I install careless one of the clamps for the gas line, .
check the hoses if they have any cracks , replace it ! inmediatly.
Also you can spot the top of the tank looking in between the rear rigth tire ,top rigth part and the body, also you can reach with the arm , the hoses, .
Do not over fill your tank! is a must in this car.
Another concern is: did the smell comes every time you fill the tank? , or smells all the time?
1st.: if smells only when you fill the tank the problem could be the intake hose or the gaskets and seals named before,.
2nd: if smells all the time , your problem is the faulty o'rings & hoses of the injection system , it happend on my last vacation tripp to nc I spend one entire day fixing it! but i save a lot of money! REMIND ALLWAYS TO CARRY SOME TOOLS LIKE A METRIC SET OF WRENChES , FROM 10 TO 19MM AND METRIC SOCKET WRENCHES TO. of course if you know how to dealwith mechanics!:
Any questions feel free to reply or e-m me at: losfeher@yahoo.com ok
have a nice week end
Luis f.

 

Gas indicator on front panel doesn't working

I Have A Problem With The Readig Of The Gas Level , Was Working Randomly Or Not At All.

Problem : The Plug On The Top Of The Gas Tank Was Not Plugged Totally In.
To Fix The Problem Follow The Next Procedure:
The One Plug With 4 Small Wires Facing The Back Door Is The One With The Signals For The Gas Level And The Low Level Alarm.
The Other One Is The Fuel Pump Power Supply.

After Remove The Lead That Gives You Accsess To The Fuel Pump ( Located Under The Back Seat Rigth Side ) With The Help Of A Small Flat Scerw Driver , Release The The Lock On Ears On Each Side Of The Plug An Pull It Out , Make Shure " Do Not Damage The Quad Ring That Goes Around The Plug ( If You Cant See It Probably Stays Inside The Female Housing ) Remove It. Clean The Iside Contacts And The Contacts On The Plug With A Good Contact Cleaner Spray, Let It Dry, Smear The Quad Ring With Vaseline , And Install On The Male Plug ,( Making Shure It Is " Not " Twisted) Install The Plug , Check For The Lock Ears Click In,
Repeat The Procedure With The Second Plug ( The Gas Pump Power Supply).
And The Failure Must Be Gone At This Time .
If After All This The Problem Continues, The Cause Could Be A Damaged Wire Between The Tank And The Panel ( Smashed By A Stone Or Any Debries From The Road), Or The Panel Gauge Itself.
I Hope This Can Help Any One To Save A Lot Of Money!
Have A Nice Day
Luis Feher.