Vacuum in fuel tank.
Posted: 03 Apr 2012, 16:11
I finally managed to get out for a few days in my van after nearly owning it for a year. Norwich to Derbyshire, couple of days potholing, then upto Snowdonia, walked the Snowdon Horseshoe, and then down the welsh coast to Aberwysworth (excuse my spelling!). Then the nice 250mile long drive home again!
Thankfully, after quite a run out, the van seemed to finally be behaving itself - no wheels falling off this time, no engine problems (well, only a small oil leak when warm to investigate)
The one problem that does seem to have developed, is a vacuum in the fuel tank. Fuel gauge is terribly erractic - can be reading 1/3 tank when turning engine off, and needle not even budging when starting up again. There's a clear vacuum when removing the filler cap after a run - and the fuel gauge increases again after releasing the vacuum! Also, when i try to fill up, i'm unable to get anymore than about 30lt in, even when i know that the tanks about empty. Am i correct in thinking that this could be caused by a blocked tank vent? And where is the tank vent positioned / any tips on how to tell if it's blocked. It's a 1.6TD van
Any help appreciated, would like to get this sorted before taking van to France in may
Ben
Thankfully, after quite a run out, the van seemed to finally be behaving itself - no wheels falling off this time, no engine problems (well, only a small oil leak when warm to investigate)

The one problem that does seem to have developed, is a vacuum in the fuel tank. Fuel gauge is terribly erractic - can be reading 1/3 tank when turning engine off, and needle not even budging when starting up again. There's a clear vacuum when removing the filler cap after a run - and the fuel gauge increases again after releasing the vacuum! Also, when i try to fill up, i'm unable to get anymore than about 30lt in, even when i know that the tanks about empty. Am i correct in thinking that this could be caused by a blocked tank vent? And where is the tank vent positioned / any tips on how to tell if it's blocked. It's a 1.6TD van
Any help appreciated, would like to get this sorted before taking van to France in may
Ben