Hi guys My local Kwik Fit discovered a fuel leak when checking out my exhaust (which now is about to be replaced- that's the second new exhaust... boo ). The thing is it's not a typical leak per se (as in leaving puddles of fuel everywhere) but there's definitely leaking from somewhere. It's not really known if it's coming from the fuel line or the top of the tank itself and Kwik Fit apparently can't fix it for me (something about not being allowed to work with fuel, don't know if this just applies to my local ?) Anyway I was hoping anyone would give me ideas on where to get possible parts to fix this as the new exhaust needs fitted but I'm concerned about getting this fuel prob sorted first Thanks in advance
I can't help with your problem but if I can give you some advice, don't go to kwikfit. Go to a local garage you trust or an ex daihatsu garage.
can you smell fuel in the boot? the top of the fuel tank is accessible there under the lining on the left side. The filler neck and sender unit is there under a metal cover. It mat leak from the rubber seal between sender unit and tank, or if any pipe damage or lose. Does it only leak when you are full? that would suggest a top side leak. Have you looked or KF said the tank is rusty and a hole developed or seam split. I assume copen tank has a seam as I've not had chance to look over mine yet. Any damage to the fuel line running under the car? Is the leak near the back left side or under the engine?
No, not from the boot but it can be quite overpowering in the cabin, only when the tank's full. Yes but only until it reaches 3/4 full. then nothing after that. The fuel smell disappears also. It's hard to see, although I did feel some leaked fuel sitting on top of the tank near the line itself. KW had let me see this for myself (I've always insisted on seeing the undercarriage of any car I drive nowadays thanks to all the trouble I had from another garage (that wasn't a KW) when I first got the car- something I don't wish to get into, and I'm still mad about to this day ) and it feels like it's coming from the join between the fuel line and the tank, but which of the two that's causing it is the puzzle. I think it does, but it doesn't seem to be leaking from that vicinity Oh, and the exhaust was about £400 ish for a full unit fully fitted, which I suppose is quite expensive still but at least it was cheaper than the last exhaust
It's too late now, but you could've had a full stainless exhaust system for that price. Possibly even £50 cheaper. http://www.roarpower.co.uk/daihatsu_copen_stainless_steel_exhaust.htm For your fuel leak, get it to your usual mechanic to locate the source of the leak.
They are probably more than 350 now Adam, I believe they have sold out of that batch they made and as it was a batch they were a bit less than single builds. One near me quoted 450.
Yes I realize that now I remember being quoted over £650 for a new exhaust at one point, and to add insult to injury it wasn't even for a new unit
As all the fuel goes through the fuel line where it joins the tank it woud leak and smell even if the tank was almost empty. Because it only leaks when nearly full and you can see fuel on top of the tank it must be slopping out of the top of the tank. Cornering, braking, etc on a fullish tank the fuel will be pushed against the top of the tank. A lower fuel level this won't happen as much which is probably why you don't smell it when the tank is lower. I reckon the leak is where the fuel pump joins the tank. The pump has a rubber seal on its base which may have perished and that is the first thing I'd replace. You can see the pump with the fuel line connected in this picture. The other opening in the corner is where fuel goes in it could also be leaking from there.
Now that I think about it again it's coming from that area precisely! Seeing that piccy cleared it up for me- I was seeing it all the wrong way at first, haha. DaG you wonderful person you, thank you for helping
Just a little update The local ex-Daihatsu garage has had a look and recommended I get a new tank. I had considered getting a second hand one but even buying it and then getting it rustproofed would have cost the same as getting a brand new one from Daihatsu themselves So now I just have to sit tight and wait the few weeks while its imported from Japan, but at least that will be it all sorted. Then I can get back on track with my planned mods
wow mods, like the sound of that. How much was the tank? Have there been any aftermarket tanks with large capacity, if even just a gallon. just a though.
The tank itself was £300ish... quite a lot I know, but at least with it being a new one I should still get a 3 year warranty- much better than the one month warranties being handed out with the second hand tanks Not that I'm aware the only tanks I saw were on ebay and they all appeared to have the standard capacity Trustafox, why do you ask? Were you hoping to increase your MPG?
Bad luck about the tank it's a shame it wasn't just a gasket. Personally I'd have dropped the tank and checked it over myself. Main dealers love to replace rather than repair, its easier and usually gives them more profit. Then again as I get older I can't be bothered to mess with cars, I can always think of something better to do. Anyway, make sure you tell us about the mods you are planning rocketgirl. Hopefully no petrol cap stickers.
Hi RG given the rarity of Copen bits it may be worth asking the garage for the old tank when they replace it. Check where the leak is and selling it on via ebay with an honest description. look forward to seeing the mods. I have a Q re mods but will start new thread instead of digressing this one
Hi Binz just missed you there Yeah I was just thinking about asking them, great minds think alike eh? The mods will be a while yet, seeing as I need to get this tank (and exhaust) replaced first. Just gives me more time to compile a massive list of all the mods I want to do
Like the last comment there DaG, made me laugh. Rocketgirl, not for improved mpg as it wouldn't change that, but a greater range.
if you're eccentric enough you could go for a mooneyes tank, mounted externally, rod style. Not sure how that would sit with health and safety though: http://www.mooneyesusa.com/shop/product.php?products_id=544
