I have tried to brim the tank twice in a row this week, the fuel shows at the top of the filler, as its done since I have had the car and cannot get any more in, turn ignition on and gauge stops one mark before the full, removed filler cap no fuel showing.

What could be stopping me from filling it

If the tank is physically full (fuel is all the way up the filler pipe) then I have seen in VCDS the ability to adjust the accuracy of the fuel gauge, maybe it just needs the gauge calibrating this way?

Is the fuel expansion tank still present on the MKII Octavia? (this can be used by pressing the small plastic 'button' with the fuel pump nozzle to open up the expansion tank, to enable an extra gallon or so of fuel to be added)

Edited 26 February, 201115 yr by Gizmo68

What could be stopping me from filling it

The price? :'(

Being more serious it could be an airlock.

How low is the tank at refill?

How low is the tank at refill?

fuel light on normally takes around 45 to 47 litres, both times stopped at around 35 litres

Having just re-read your post it does seem that the breather pipe may be blocked?

Having just re-read your post it does seem that the breather pipe may be blocked?

+1

I have tried to brim the tank twice in a row this week

Please don't. That leads to diesel spills.

Fill it until the auto cut-out activates, like the manual says.

Please don't. That leads to diesel spills.

Fill it until the auto cut-out activates, like the manual says.

Its a taxi and the engine is nearly running all day so no chance of spills.

I am going to let the fuel light come on and try again as its done it before in the past possibly get an air line to the vent and give it a blow

Tank filled up OK last night got 52 litres in, then had to use the jack to close the gob when I saw the price Asda now 131.9

Asda now 131.9

For Derv? My last price, and that's the cheapest round here, was 135.9!!! Petrol is 129.9 at the same garage.