Fuel Leak - Again

[mep12345]

Having sorted it a year ago by using the sealing ring and red hermatite the fuel tank level sender has just started to weep again. Unfortunately I can't do anything about it this weekend as I am about to leave for my new job in Swindon, so have jacked the back up to slope the car and get the fuel away from the sender. Cleaned up the small dribble and put a "firebox" of earth below the offending bit.

My main point of this thread is does anyone have a spare (or know where I can get a spare) rubber seal for this as when I fiddled last year the rubber was rather hard and should have been replaced, but I couldn't obtain a replacement. (TVR Car parts did, and do, list them but each time I have phoned they have not had any in (will still try during the week again this week though). Another alternative would be to make one, but am nervous of what material to use bearing in mind compatibility with petrol.

Any help appreciated

Mark

[trickjohn]

Hi Mark YHM

Regards Sean

[mep12345]

Thanks Sean, replied

[Gerald-TVR]

Mark

I have a similar problem (but only when the tank is full) Adrian Venn (Adrian@) is attepting to get new seals, perhaps you could tell him of your roblem and perhaps he could get some for you as well

[ketvrin]

not sure if these are the same size but you do see the locking rings and seals on ebay most days...

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/DEFENDER-90-110-130-FUEL-TAN...

hope that helps

K

[mep12345]

ketvrin said:

not sure if these are the same size but you do see the locking rings and seals on ebay most days...

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/DEFENDER-90-110-130-FUEL-TAN...

hope that helps

K

Thanks Kev, have just ordered one. Will see if it fits and add to alternative price list if it does. Only P7P to waste if wrong size

Mark

[mep12345]

TVR Car Parts have the seals (just arrived from supplier) and locking rings are being made (should be there in about a week so hopefully may get a new one of them on Friday as I pass)

Cheers to all

Mark

[mep12345]

Got the seals from TVR Car Parts (for Sean (Trickjohn) the sizes are ID 52mm OD 67mm thickness 3mm) tried to fit two of these as per some threads and the advice of Neil (TVRcarparts) but couldn't get the locking ring in with both so cut down a plumbing rubber seal (1mm thick) for the outer one (should not get in contact with the petrol) and used red hermatite again. Just have to wait and see if tight.

I really think these need two seals of 2mm thickness to do the job properly so sean if you decide to make them up I would go that way.

The landrover bits haven't arrived so can't comment on those yet, but if I have to take it off again I really need a new locking ring as 2 of the 3 lugs are now bent and looking slightly fragile (neil has promised me a call when they arrive).

Mark

[Barkychoc]

I haven't seen the sealing rings you are talking about - mine doesn't leak so I've left it alone - however reading between the lines would an appropriate sized O ring work??

Chris

[mep12345]

Barkychoc said:

I haven't seen the sealing rings you are talking about - mine doesn't leak so I've left it alone - however reading between the lines would an appropriate sized O ring work??

Chris

Not really. The sealing rings are a bit like the flat rubber sealing rings used on a plughole for a bath. The seal fits against a flange in the tank wall with the sender plastic plate against the seal then the locking ring rotates and compresses the lot together. Hence adding an extra rubber seal between the sender unit and the locking ring should help as it effectively gives more compression and a second seal for the fuel to pass before a leak is evident.

The real issue though is the stupid design of the locking ring, because it relies on an increasing size of lip being rotated againt a small bit of metal bent over for the locking ring to bear against and is very weak. A bolted arrangement would be far better as I believe was fitted to some of the early S1s.

Sorry didn't take any photos today due to speed of work to avoid the by rain

Mark

[mep12345]

The Landrover bit mentioned by KETVRIN above fits perfectly. The locking ring is the same as the TVR one and the gasket is 4mm thick therefore thicker than the one available at TVRcarparts and I suspect the same thickness as the one mentioned by Adrain@ as a plus one.

Adrian, as you are always keen to help us all out, I would suggest you look at this as an alternative supply. It fits perfectly.

I'll get this added to the alternative parts list in due course

Mark

[Elfit]

Yes the Landy seals fit.
I got a ring and seal from my local Landy supplier for £2.68.
Part numbers ARA 1501 and ARA 1502.

My fuel tank uses two ~ one for the sender unit and one for the blanking plate at the bottom.


Cheers
Tim