Fuel Tank Leak

[Al Milton]

Went out and enjoyed the sunshine yesterday (hi if you are one of the 2 kits waved to along the A299 by the Roman Galley).

 

However, while putting the car in the garage, I noticed a smell of petrol.

Looking back on the drive there were a couple of wet patches where the rear of the car would have been while opening the garage.

 

So, a quick check under the rear confirmed a very strong smell of petrol coupled with a few wet patches.

 

Couldn't see anything obvious, but I do have a pump pre-filter which was wet as well, so am hoping the weep was from this or the pipe connection. I did a quick look after getting in from work this afternoon and it al appeared dry, but still had that aroma of petrol, but not as strong as yesterday.

 

I'm hoping for the easy fix but am expecting the worst, will have a good look and prod and poke next week-end.

[Guest stevenkirk]

Found this stuff to be brilliant.

 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/PR1422B-SEALANT-aircraft-boat-car-PRC-fuel-tank-repair-/130474718671?pt=UK_CPV_Aviation_SM&hash=item1e60e635cf

[Al Milton]

Thanks Steven, didn't know about stuff like this.

Have ordered some just in case, bit cheaper and less faffing than my worst option above!!

[Peter Bell]

Common leak is from where the fuel sender fits into the top of the tank, that only leaks when you are on the move of course.

[Al Milton]

Good point Peter, thanks.

[Al Milton]

Hada good root around today.

Nothing obvious from the bottom of the tank or any of the fuel pipe unions, only part of the tank I can't see is the top, so it could be the sender union as suggested by Peter.

 

Only way to check this fully is to strip the back of the car down

Ah well, should make it easier to fit the LSD

[Jez Morton]

What car do you have my 2B had a leek at the filler. Std cap and steel filler pipe, the seal on the cap did not compress onto the end of the pipe. The pipe was made so it just touches the rubber seal, really it needs to be one or two mm longer. To do this the flange needs to be cut off and welded back on 2mm down the pipe.

[Al Milton]

Car is a Superspec, but I have binned the supplied Fiesta tank and fitted the standard RH 20ltr tank.

It could be that the leak is comng from the sender, which is the opposite side of the tank to the filler, (filler is on the off side, sender is on the nearside).

[Al Milton]

Started the strip down yesterday. It appears the leak is coming from one of the vertical welded seams about 2 thirds up (it looks like it has rubbed on a rear chassis upright - I have foam wrap around the upright but this may have not been sufficient!).

 

So have decided to bite the bullet and fit a slightly smaller tank (20mm narrower), but have a rough drawing where I make better use of the space, increasing capacity to approx 36 litres with an internal swirl pot.

Just got to find a decent company to fabricate the tank.

On the plus side, at least fitting the LSD will be easier!

 

Ho Ho Ho Hum

[Snapperpaul]

I used a product called Petrolpatch works extremely well for a similar problem I had when the tank connected with the monocoque tub rear lip

[Al Milton]

Thanks for the heads up about Petrolpatch, I got some stuff in for a 'normal' tank leak (recommended above), but it will always be in the back of my mind that this could happen again.

If it was water it'll be an inconvenience, but being petrol I don't want to take that chance.

 

So eliminating the problem (slightly narrower tank) will put my mind at rest and is the best option I think.

[fry61]

One day,Al,one day these issues that have beset your car will be but a distant memory;& then Lana can drive!!

[Al Milton]

Trials and tribulations Bob.

One step forward and all that!

[Al Milton]

New tank is on order.

Specialist Fabrications (T&W Welding) based just outside Sittingbourne in Kent are making the tank.

They do all manner of bespoke racing fabrications, so seemed the obvious choice. Spoke to Tony.

 

Had a good chat with Tony this morning at the workshop, tank should be ready in 10 days' time.

Fabbed from 3mm aluminium, (as opposed to the 0.9mm stainless of the original tank), internal swirl pot with some side brackets for mounting and tank strap for good measure & additional security.

[fry61]

And earth tag???