1) the vehicle is a 1997 Ford Ranger XLT extended cab pickup. A couple of years ago my wife complained about smelling gasoline when she filled the vehicle with gasoline. On more than one occasion gasoline was observed dripping from the area under the fuel tank after the vehicle was filled with gasoline. This would have been in the 2001-2002 time frame. 2) in late April of this year 2004, the check engine warning dashboard warning light came on, and I had the computer code checked to determine if I could make the repairs myself. The problem was the fuel filter, and when I replaced it I noticed a great deal of dirt and debris coming from the inlet side of the filter. This indicated to me that the fuel tank was probably contaminated, and I removed the tank Saturday, May 15, to clean the tank. Prior to reinstalling the tank, I examined the gasoline filler tube, and found three cracks in the vapor recovery tube that vents gasoline vapors to the filling station vapor recovery system. One of these cracks was quite large, and showed indications of gasoline leaking from this crack. Not only was the crack the source of the gasoline that leaked from the system, it was also the entry point for the debris and moisture I found in the tank. In addition, the gasoline that ran from the crack in the recovery tube accumulated in a plastic skid plate that is located under the tank. 3) I of course replace the tube assembly, at a cost of $262.29. I contacted Ford Motor Company about the problem and for reimbursement for the replacement parts. They didn't seem to be the least bit interest in the problem and refused to compensate the expenses. I have retained the old part, and have several photos of the defect.

- Keller, TX, USA