Fuel Overflow????

[iambiggles]

Does anyone else have problems with fuel pee'ing out of the overflow when first (and for a good few miles after) fill-up?

I filled the coupe up on Saturday and we noticed when we got back that fuel was dripping quite fast from teh overflow pipe in behind the rear, nearside wheel. Looking the the fuel filler cap I can see where it feeds this pipe, so I didn't worry too much as I assumed I'd just filled it too much.

Its still doing it now though even though I've done a few miles and I noticed that there had been fuel coming out of the cap too.

Is this a common problem? I do live in Brighon, which is lots of steep hills, so this may be a factor, but if its a common fault I'll simply not full fully in future.

Cheers

[Peter Mueller]

Dear Biggles

I have had the same problem. Reasons such as blocked tank vent, old seal, etc. were suggested but none (checked and if necessary rectified) seemed to have been the actual culprit. As there has been no other obvious solution, all I am doing now is not fill it up as much as I did before, especially in summer.

Peter

[Grant]

Thanks Peter.

This was my thinking too as each time I use it (and lower the tank fule volume) its gets a bit better - strange though as the feed pipe is very vertical and pretty long - certainly more so than my Morris Minor and I don't get this problem on him - and he's driven VERY spritedly

[richard eglinton]

This is a common problem and easily rectified .
It is most noticeable when turning right as the fuel surges to the left and back up the filler pipe
There is a seal recessed into a lip around the top of the filler pipe.It becomes hard and compressed after 30 years and does not properly seat on the sprung disc which closes with the filler cap.The simple solution is to get a new seal (they used to be available through the club) dig out the old one,clean the recess and fit the new seal.
I had this problem a few years back and the new seal cured the leakage completely.
Richard

[Allan NZ P5b]

I had same problem and bought a new seal from either Scotts in Aussi or Wadhams can't remember which. cured the problem totally.

[biggles grant]

Thanks chappies - I was thinking I would have to look at putting in a one-way valve like on modern cars - this sounds MUCH easier

Wadhams tomorrow it is...... i wonder where my LAST order from them is??? hmmmm

[richard eglinton]

Sounds a lot more complicated to me ???and isn't really needed.The new seal usually cures the problem instantly and it doen't take long to fit
Richard

[grant]

richard said:

Sounds a lot more complicated to me ???and isn't really needed.The new seal usually cures the problem instantly and it doen't take long to fit
Richard

Well if the seal works its saves me a lot of mucking about - all ordered from the owners club - here's hoping

[Peter Mueller]

I have read the replies with much interest. A new seal was the first thing I did but it did not cure the problem in my case. Perhaps I need to try another one, as I hate those nasty stains on white paint.

Peter

[richard eglinton]

The new seal needs to be fairly proud of the recess and I thoroughly cleaned the disc surface which bears down on the seal.
You should be able to feel resistance from the spring so that needs to be in good shape as well.
If there is still a leak then the top end of the filler hose might be at fault.
Richard