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Hello All,
I have a question about the eternal problem of a leaking fuel tank!
Mine is a little different in that it only leaks for about an hour or so after filling the tank until the nozzle clicks off, return home (about 3 miles), straight in the garage and wait for a minute or two when it starts dripping slowly.
It drips onto 2 or 3 separate places, presumably as the petrol runs around the contours of the tank. Once the dripping has stopped I can use the car with no recurrence until I fill it to the nozzle click again.
I am assuming that the leak is in the upper area of the tank or filler but the filler cap compartment is bone dry.
Has anyone any suggestion? I would greatly appreciate any help.
Regards,
Barry153

Is the tank original or repaired at any time, Barry?

Sounds to me as though there could be a hole where the filler tube meets the tank itself, but out of sight underneath the filler compartment. Some petrol may be leaking as you're filling it and may continue to do so, splashing up through the hole as fuel sloshes around near the top of the full tank when you drive away.

Have you tried filling it half full and three quarters full to see what difference that makes?

If it's nothing obvious it would be best to inspect the tank properly, though. Dropping and removing it (once drained) isn't that bad a job - the main hassle is getting the exhaust out of the way.

Cheers,

What Car ? . Russ

Neil,
As far as I know the tank is original although I bought the car in 2007. I have not filled it to half full etc but I feel. That it would not leak but I will try it.
I think you are probably right about a small hole in the filler pipe where it meets the tank. I suppose the tank will have to come out!
Thanks for your thoughts.
Barry.

Russ,
I am sorry I did not mention which car, I rather foolishly assumed as I was posting on the Mk2 section there would not be any confusion, sorry.
Barry

Hi Barry

It could also be the cork gasket between the level gauge and tank which is leaking. Either way you need to drop the tank to make the fix.

Thanks for all the help, I have now dropped the tank and lo and behold John H you were correct. The cork gasket on the sender unit aperture was in a bad state.
New gasket, coat tank in waxoil and refit. aren't I the lucky one?
Barry.

That's great news, Barry, a comparatively easy and cheap fix.