Fuel tank leak W124

[k langdon]

A colleague at work who also has a W124 is experiencing a small fuel leak from the tank.

He showed me and on closer inspection it looks as though there's a tiny leak from the pipe where it actually connects to the tank which is situated just behind the exhaust back box.

The pipe is a bit corroded and he says there's a small pool of fuel on the floor if the car's left parked for several hours . He took the car to the dealer who said the connecting pipe can't be replaced as it's part of the tank and he would need a new fuel tank (£450+vat+fitting!!!!).

I've said I'll check here on the forum to ask whether anyone else has also experienced this problem and if so whether it is repairable.

I said to him I would have thought there would be some type of sealent that could be used on the pipe after it's been cleaned up a bit.

I don't know. I'm no expert. I would appreciate any comments that could be passed on as he's worried about the safety impliations of fuel, albeit a very small amount, leaking out.

 

[Satch]

Hermetite Petrol Tank Repair Kit might do the trick. Two part putty like stuff you mix up and bung on the afflicted part. May work, may not, but worth a go for a few quid. Makers blurb:

HERMETITE PETROL TANK REPAIR KIT

Repairs easily and permanently.
Tank need not be removed.
Resists petrol,diesel,acid and water.
Can be drilled,sanded,moulded,machined,tapped,painted and treated with wax-based rustproofing materials.
Will mend body panels and metal parts.
Can be used to repair tanks,pipes,cisterns etc.Around the home.
Will also repair cracks,dents,holes,leaks and splits in metals,wood,glass,concrete,stone,china and many plastics

 

[Ian B Walker]

Would this be the infill pipe or the out feed to the filter pipe?

 

[k langdon]

Looking at my colleague's tank, it looks like the pipe that leads to the filler cap.

Looking at the tank from the rear of the car, it's the pipe which joins the tank on the rhs. It's located just to the left of the rear wheel on the driver's side.

I hope that helps.

Also, anyone had any experience of the Hammerite repair kit that's already been suggested???