FUEL SPILLAGE

Blister · Wed Dec 02, 2009 1:02 pm

Hi!

Just filled the monster of a tank and when I arrived home, I smelt the petrol (Is it correct to use UNLEADED Petrol?) and noticed drops on the garage floor. The following day drove 20km and again when I parked the same observation. Phoned mechanic and he said that its probably the petrol cap. Went to 4x4 Megaworld. They said it its probably the venting sysytem.

Got home, removed the cover (SEE PHOTOS) and the evidence suggested that the little pipe connected to a ONE WAY VALVE of sorts (PLEASE ADVISE WHAT THIS IS -SEE PHOTO) is spilling fuel. Because of the ONE WAY into the tank and the hose being full of gravel, I assumed that dirt probably got stuck in the "ONE WAY VALVE". I cleaned out the pipe first and then reconnected it. I used a hand pump and pressurised the pipe and "ONE WAY VALVE" into the tank. I also filled and extention plastic pipe onto the original hose

I filled the tank to the top and 25km later there was no smell or drips on the floor.

The Question still remain. What is this "ONE WAY VALVE" and its function. And is my solution a permanent or short term solution?

I await the knowlegable peoples response

Kind regards

4ePikanini · Fri Dec 04, 2009 11:11 am

I haven't had experience with this but my thought would be a one way valve to vent pressure. and not allow contaminants back in.

Fuel displacement vary a lot depending on the temperature and atmospheric pressure ( altitude ).

Don't fill your car past the first click of the pump ( Take a jerry can with you if you need max fuel range ). The fuel vapours build pressure which is released through that valve and the filler cap and with the overfilled tanking sploshing around it pushes the actual fuel through and you have that fuel line running from the tank filler cap eating at your paint and inevitably causing rust.

This is the only explanation I can think of. Maybe others can add or correct me.

Blister · Fri Dec 04, 2009 11:16 am

Thanks for your response Boet!

That's what I thought. But if it is a Non-returrn valve, then the direction of flow INTO the tank is wrong?

4ePikanini · Fri Dec 04, 2009 11:23 am

the venting should allow flow of vapours out of the tank. Not into the tank.

Blister · Fri Dec 04, 2009 11:28 am

That is exactly my point. I found it that way and did not want to change/modify it until I know what it was. I wonder if the previous owner did when the small tank was replaced with the big tank tank? Or if someone else has this "NON-RETURN-VALVE" and what the direction is?

4ePikanini · Fri Dec 04, 2009 11:34 am

Can you describe where it is? I'll have a look later today when I get home and post a pic of how mine is.

Blister · Fri Dec 04, 2009 11:42 am

See attached photo

Its located behind the plastic dust cover on the petrol inlet side

Thanks for offering to have a look?

Have a great day!

4ePikanini · Fri Dec 04, 2009 9:16 pm

It was raining here so can't get round to take the photo. Please remind me Monday as I'm away over the weekend at De Kraal trail grounds.

Blister · Sat Dec 05, 2009 1:34 pm

4ePikanini wrote:It was raining here so can't get round to take the photo. Please remind me Monday as I'm away over the weekend at De Kraal trail grounds.

Thanks, will do! Enjoy!

Blister · Mon Dec 07, 2009 10:23 pm

4ePikanini wrote:It was raining here so can't get round to take the photo. Please remind me Monday as I'm away over the weekend at De Kraal trail grounds.

Hi 4ePikanini!

Just a reminder to kindly check your "NON-RETURN-VALVE", setup adjacent to your fuel tank

Had one incident on Saturday where it spilled a small amount of fuel on the garage floor. I did however put an o-ring on the fuel cap afterwards, in case the cap is contributing factor. So far no spillage

I await your input, post viewing your setup

Regards

Aslam