Is it a hole in the petrol tank?

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Mal2500
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Is it a hole in the petrol tank?

Post by Mal2500 »

I filled up my new T25 for the first time and filled it till the hose clicked. Straight away the petrol started leaking out heavily from under the van. The forecourt was covered. I drove home and it continued to leak for a little while longer then stopped. There is still petrol in the tank as I’ve used it a few times but I don’t know how much because the petrol gauge is broke. A friend told me they thought it was because I’d filled it too much. They said it happens on some coaches/buses too, there is some sort of overflow. Is this correct or has my tank probably got a hole in it?
Volkswagen Transporter 1983

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Titus A Duxass
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Re: Is it a hole in the petrol tank?

Post by Titus A Duxass »

You need to drop the tank and take a look at the grommets and pipes.
They're probably perished and need replacing.

You also see if the fuel level sender it's connected.
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bigherb
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Re: Is it a hole in the petrol tank?

Post by bigherb »

As above and check the tank for corrosion usually in the centre well or where it rests along the chassis rails.

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Mal2500
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Re: Is it a hole in the petrol tank?

Post by Mal2500 »

Thanks guys :ok
Volkswagen Transporter 1983

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slowcoach
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Re: Is it a hole in the petrol tank?

Post by slowcoach »

Very common problem though, so don't be put off. It's not all doom and gloom from the off ;-)
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King Kenny
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Re: Is it a hole in the petrol tank?

Post by King Kenny »

slowcoach wrote:Very common problem though, so don't be put off. It's not all doom and gloom from the off ;-)
Mine does it now and then, especially in the summer. I did drop the tank after it did it the first time and replaced the tubes etc. I thought I had cured it but it did it again the last time I filled her up.
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adie89
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Re: Is it a hole in the petrol tank?

Post by adie89 »

Same has happened to me. It was all the vent pipes had perished, and there’s miles of them. Change with the best quality you can buy and avoid braided stuff, it traps dirt and hides cracks and failures. For the sake of four bolts and a bit of huffing and puffing, it’s a straight forward job.
Absolute worst case is the dirt has accumulated on the top of the tank and rotted it, but not particularly common.
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Mal2500
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Re: Is it a hole in the petrol tank?

Post by Mal2500 »

So yes it is the vent pipes perished. The mechanic said the tank looks ok but he is going to take it off and have a look. He also said iris badly rotting underneath.
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nesty
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Re: Is it a hole in the petrol tank?

Post by nesty »

Sometimes in these instances might be worth starting new again? IE new tank and fittings etc, as you mightbe re-visting the issue again soon in the future?
Mine is LPG so my petrol fuel tank is auxiliary, though I had a new tank and filler neck in S/S installed, as original neck was rotten and tank had seen better days!
Holdsworth Villa2 1983 1.9 DG, 4 Speed, LPG & Petrol+underslung leisure tank

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