I’m loosing a small amount of fuel from the fuel tank drain plug (was quite suprised to even see one!). Ran the tank down and drained off the last few litres and ordered a new washer for it from autolink (extremely helpful as always and sent the copper washer for free). Anyway, the old washer was crumbling away to nothing so no suprise it started leaking. However even with the new copper crush washer in place and the surface of the tank where the plug goes in clean and free from debris, it is still leaking? The old washer wasn’t copper and appears to be slightly thicker than the new one.
Wondering if I should use another washer as well as this copper one?
A dowty seal (metal with a rubber insert)would be another option or perhaps a bit of PTFE tape round the threads, I am fairly sure it is resistant to petrol but feel free to correct me if I am wrong.
Firstly the sealing face needs to be clean and true. Insert the plug without the washer and check if you can insert a thin feeler gauge under the head at any point. If it is not true it is possible to reface it with a tool from a plumbers merchant used to reface kitchen and bath taps. Secondly annealing the copper washer will soften it and make it seal better. Suspend the washer with a length of wire in a gas flame until it is cherry red then drop it into cold water.
Add me to the list… '94 1.8 - after the parents complained of “funny smell” when my car is on the driveway… ovbiously i like the smell of petrol so wouldnt notice it
Checked underside, and sure enough area around drain plug is wet… ive ordered a new washer from autolink… ill be disappointed if my car doesnt manage 40mpg after this is fixed
Stand by to be dissapointed, as unless you drive on a light throttle or do a long easy run I dont think that you will consistantly achieve 40mpg. And that is not the way to enjoy your 5.
Araldite is petrol sealant, as I had the filler part of the fuel tank on another make of car fixed using this method, by the garage that was doing its MOT.
