Petrol tank leak!!

Flesh Gorden

Hi

i had my car off the road up until a few weeks ago - It was off the road since January - as I didn't have the cash for tax insurance and other costs at the time


But Ive noticed something really serious in the last few days - I've a leak in my petrol tank!

Its not in an obvious position though - what i mean is there was no big puddle underneath when it was parked up - its only when i pull into a space that i see small droplets behind the car

and judging by the ridiculous mpg - (i averaged it at 13.75! mpg) it must be happening pretty seriously on hills


I mean that's M6 - Rolls Royce territory - even 40 year old Mustangs get better mileage then this -

the car's a 1.4 Escort - I should be getting 30 to 34 mpg


Anyone know who much it would cost to replace the tank ?

and should i run a mile from any garage that offers to weld it?

how long would that kind of repair take?

Seanieke

bung the hole with a plastic bung, loads of silicone around that & then a big patch of aluminium speedtape over that when its dry, good as new!

maidhc

Seanieke wrote: »

bung the hole with a plastic bung, loads of silicone around that & then a big patch of aluminium speedtape over that when its dry, good as new!

Petrol will dissolve silcone?

The last guy tried to patch the tank in my capri with some sort of aluminium tape. It didn't work, and I had to get a plate welded over the rust hole. (Cost €80, horrifying considering I took the tank off and put it back on.)

I would have thought the Escort would have a plastic tank though.

Hotwheels

best bet is to get one from a Scrappy, they are not that hard to fit if you take your time...

crosstownk

maidhc wrote: »

Petrol will dissolve silcone?

Yes - it will dissolve it, so a silicone repair may last a few days at best.

@OP - is the tank metal or plastic? If it's metal then a decent welding job may get you out of a hole (sorry ) but if it's plastic then your really into a new tank (or second hand as per Hotwheels post).

JackFrosty

Are you sure its the tank thats leaking? and not just a fuel pipe.
worth checking this out before you do anything.

Also i would,nt repair the tank, as said all ready its cheaper to get one second hand (and safer)

Flesh Gorden

JackFrosty wrote: »

Are you sure its the tank thats leaking? and not just a fuel pipe.
worth checking this out before you do anything.

Also i would,nt repair the tank, as said all ready its cheaper to get one second hand (and safer)

Could be the fuel pipe - it makes more sense considering the droplets of petrol only happen when the car is moving

If it is, are repairs expensive? - I get the feeling it could be one of those Parts: €2.30 Labour: €81.66 jobs

Im not going to go near the thing myself though

If it turns out to be the tank itself i'll go for a new one - has anyone ever had to get one replaced before?

what kind of money and timeframe is involved?

Buffman

I accidently holed my fuel filler pipe while beating out some panel damage.
I wasn't willing to spend any cash money to repair so fixed it with isopon. Did the trick, seems to be petrol resistent too...:D

Bangernomics in action:D

If your tank to engine fuel line is leaking it will most likely need to be replaced. Some of the rubber may have perished while it was lying up for those months.

If your tank was leaking you'd be getting around 0 MPG...!