oh noes! freelander fuel leak, pretty bad one

i went to the garage the other day and (unusually for me) i filled it up to the top. when i went to pay, on the way back i noticed that said fuel was pouring out of the bottom of the tank.

i was driving down to the south of england, so i got a bit worried. after a few minutes the fuel gauge dropped down to about 3/4 and it stopped leaking out.

upon inspection of the fuel pump itself (i couldnt find any holes in the tank) it seems that its been leaking onto the top of the tank. theres still residue on the top of the tank, and around the collar that holds the fuel pump in.

i also notice theres no return line from the pump is this usual? its a 1.8 petrol.

in all honesty im expecting that the fuel pump seal is knackered. can anyone give me any more pointers of anywhere else i should be looking?

thanks
paul

Sounds like the pump seal, either that or the fuel line or connection. Might be worth removing the pump and checking that the seal is seated properly. When re-fitting or fitting a new seal, dont slide the seal up the body of the pump or you will be there all day trying to get the pump retaining collar to fit, you need to place the seal in first then fit the pump.