Just bought an MX5 and love the car, but it's trying to kill me!! It's developed a serious petrol leak from the tank. I can't see where it's coming from so the tank will have to come off! I looked under the car and it looks like a hell of a job to remove! Don't suppose you know anyone who has ever had to do this, who might be able to offer any advice or shortcuts? Does it come out throught the top or boot? (1/01)
The fuel tank is a major pain to remove. You have to strip out the exhaust, Power Plant Frame and the rear crossmember assembly - which includes the diff, driveshafts and rear suspension. It comes out from underneath. Not good news at all. But I would have thought it would be a hose or perhaps the pump/sender hatch. You should be able to get to whatever it is somehow. There are inspection hatches in the rear deck or by removing the shield in the boot. It's not the fuel filter is it? (1/01)
Or perhaps even the drain bolt in the bottom, mine started leaking all of a sudden - gave it a bit of a tweak and it's been fine ever since. (1/01)

Fuel tank goes down the way .. so from underneath;
Remove battery terminal
fuel
main silencer section
prop shaft (between diff and gearbox)
power plant frame (frame between rear axle and gearbox)
pipe from inside boot area including filler
brake pipes to rear axle assy/sub frame
earth strap
rear axle sub frame with all wheels attached = :-O

So .. make sure it is a leak as that is a major bit of work :-( (1/01)

Well, it's been a while since I posted anything to the list. Unfortunately, it's not a good posting. I've noticed over that last few months rust spreading inside the petrol tank hose (for want of a better phrase). It's not the outside around the filler cap, but actually inside the pipe you stick the nozell into . What can I do? Will I need to replace the fuel tank, or is this pipe a separate part. I don't really like the idea of rust falling into the petrol tank. I can only imagine that moisture has got into the tank. (6/01)
If I remember correctly there is a rubber hose between the fuel tank and the filler pipe.To check take out the guard panel in the nearside of the boot (4 or 5 x 10mm bolts) and all will become obvious, so probably only filler pipe needs to be changed. (6/01)
Both my last two Roadsters went like this. I pay it no heed; that's what the fuel filter is for.... The actual filler neck is a seperate bit; take off the boot petrol tank shield, and you'll see the hosing. (6/01)