Hope someone can help.

 

I went to fill my 08 Octavia TDI, when the temperature was close to freezing. The woman in the booth came out and told me there was fuel running from beneath the car, sure enough there was diesel on the floor. I had filled the tank to the point where the pump had automatically cut out, just as it says in the handbook.

 

I called Green Flag out and he tightened the locking ring on top of the sender unit, the guy  reckons that was where the leak was from, but not so sure. I have filled the tank again to the point of pump cut out, but there was a smell of diesel afterwards.

 

Any ideas where else this could be leaking from?

 

Thanks in advance for your help.

I guess it could be the breathe pipe from the top of the tank to the small valve in the filler neck   search for ventectomy to get a better idea

I've had this happen on TWO occasions ........ both times the vent pipe had been chewed by a mouse/mice - honestly!  Had to have a new tank each time as the vent pipe is moulded in. On the second occasion I covered the top of the tank and vent pipe with expanded aluminium mesh and wire wool soaked in Waxoyl, all secured with Denso Tape.  This lot was then crushed between tank and car underside as the tank was offered up and secured. Haven't had any further trouble since - fingers crossed!!!!

 

Apparently the "leak back" fuel is warm and it is a tempting place for a cold mouse to seek comfort in cold weather.

 

Good luck,

 

Dave

Thanks for the info, just filled up again and there is a weep of diesel underneath. Checked the top of the tank from inside the car and that is dry, looks like the tank will have to come out to check for any damage to the breather pipe. Will let you know the outcome.

If you find the problem, due to it being diesel it may be permissible to have it plastic welded rather than buy a whole new tank.

Well, looks like the rodents have a taste for plastic and diesel. Couldn't just have chewed the pipe, decided to chew the right angled section that goes into the tank, which is also part of the tank itself. The local garage has used one of the sealing kits, so fingers crossed this will work.

Due to mice I've had to have a head skimmed and new gasket on a car and also had the leak off pipe replaced on a van after loosing a tank of diesel on a 90mile journey.

Well, looks like the rodents have a taste for plastic and diesel. Couldn't just have chewed the pipe, decided to chew the right angled section that goes into the tank, which is also part of the tank itself. The local garage has used one of the sealing kits, so fingers crossed this will work.

 

That's exactly where mine was attacked (twice!!!)!  I hope you took steps to prevent a recurrence.

 

All the best,

 

Dave

No more diesel leaks after filling all the way to the top. Now, just have to get the wife's Fabia tank repaired, the joys of living on the edge of a village.

 

Thanks to all.

 

Andy