Petrol tank grommets

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captain Byrne
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Petrol tank grommets

Post by captain Byrne »

I've got a slight smell of petrol under both front wheel arches - more noticeable after I've filled the tank. I've had a really good look and can't find any signs of any leaks anywhere, so I'm assuming the breather grommets have perished. So, my question is; do I need to drop the tank to replace the breather pipe/grommets or is it doable leaving the tank in situ? Ta.
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multisi
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Re: Petrol tank grommets

Post by multisi »

May not be the breather grommets, is the filler neck rubber ok ?
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Dubworth
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Re: Petrol tank grommets

Post by Dubworth »

Not sure if accessible without dropping I'm sorry, but there are quite a few perishable items under there which could be the culprit:

https://www.brickwerks.co.uk/brickwerks ... -gubbings/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
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captain Byrne
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Re: Petrol tank grommets

Post by captain Byrne »

multisi wrote:May not be the breather grommets, is the filler neck rubber ok ?
Pretty sure the filler neck is ok, especially since the smell is coming from both sides.
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Titus A Duxass
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Re: Petrol tank grommets

Post by Titus A Duxass »

You have to drop the tank I'm afraid.

When I did mine for the same reason I found the grommets were okay but the seal on the level sender was the cause.
Last edited by Titus A Duxass on 23 Jul 2018, 10:48, edited 1 time in total.
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multisi
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Re: Petrol tank grommets

Post by multisi »

Can you see the rubber breather pipes , are they the original braded type, it would be easier to change those than doing the grommets.
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captain Byrne
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Re: Petrol tank grommets

Post by captain Byrne »

multisi wrote:Can you see the rubber breather pipes , are they the original braded type, it would be easier to change those than doing the grommets.
They are the original braded ones. Ok then, I'll replace those first & see how it goes. Cheers.
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itchyfeet
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Re: Petrol tank grommets

Post by itchyfeet »

on my van somebody drilled right through the body and vapour tank when they wanted to pop rivet something above.
worth dropping the vapout tanks off and having a look
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bigherb
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Re: Petrol tank grommets

Post by bigherb »

itchyfeet wrote:on my van somebody drilled right through the body and vapour tank when they wanted to pop rivet something above.
worth dropping the vapout tanks off and having a look
That's not that uncommon.

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captain Byrne
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Re: Petrol tank grommets

Post by captain Byrne »

Am I right to assume that if I disconnect the filler neck at the top, then the tank can be lowered just enough for me to get to the breather grommets?
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Re: Petrol tank grommets

Post by Titus A Duxass »

It's better if you remove the filler neck, it goes through the main chassis leg so limits how far you can drop the tank.
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diabolov
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Re: Petrol tank grommets

Post by diabolov »

Could it not just be the expansion tanks venting to atmosphere via the shreks ears?

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Re: Petrol tank grommets

Post by captain Byrne »

diabolov wrote:Could it not just be the expansion tanks venting to atmosphere via the shreks ears?
It could. However, it's started smelling more over recent months & I think it merits an investigation, just to be on the safe side!
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Re: Petrol tank grommets

Post by what2do »

captain Byrne wrote:
diabolov wrote:Could it not just be the expansion tanks venting to atmosphere via the shreks ears?
It could. However, it's started smelling more over recent months & I think it merits an investigation, just to be on the safe side!


I'd expect it to smell more in the hot weather, do you keep it fairly well topped up with petrol?
Why would the glass be anything other than half full?

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captain Byrne
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Re: Petrol tank grommets

Post by captain Byrne »

what2do wrote:I'd expect it to smell more in the hot weather, do you keep it fairly well topped up with petrol?
I usually don't let it go below a quarter full. It smells quite a bit as soon as I've filled it up, gradually reducing after I've driven it a while. Never had a problem before & have driven it in some very hot weather over the years.
1983 LHD Westfalia poptop 1.9 DG petrol.

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