Fuel leak

[Macc]

Had my mk2 for just over a couple of months and never really filled up past the half way mark, today however, feeling flush I decided to fill it up to the top, wished I hadnt now as theres half a tank on the forecourt trailing me home and on the drive! When I noticed it after getting home I did manage to catch a fair bit in a long pan and transfer it to a jerry can but that was frustrating to say the least! Anyway, looking from the back it was coming out on the right (drivers) side, quite freely too. Any initial thoughts guys?

[eefy]

Is it coming from the fuel tank? its a common problem of the tank rusting along the join top and bottom, this happened to mine.

[Macc]

it looks like it eefy, running along something else and then dripping down. Can the tanks be repaired or is it best to get a new one?

[GTXTRA]

Check if the fuel sender unit in the top of the tank has a gasket - it's not impossible that it's been fitted without one or it's split. Access via the inspection panel under rear seat.

Also - there is a breather hose that is attached to the right hand side of the fuel tank - these can come loose. You may have to drop the fuel tank to gain proper access to re-attach.

Both would only manifest themselves when the tank is above half full.

[Doug T]

I have the same issue with my MK2. I am looking for a new tank. The split in the tank is above the exhaust and the fuel runs down on to the heat shield and the muffler. I am not driving it until it is fixed.

[Macc]

Thanks for the pointers chaps, is it possible to "see" if the breather hose has come off without dropping the tank?

Doug T, theres some tanks on ebay but they aint cheap!
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/361155772412

Also has anyone had any experience with this stuff? http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/171658796513

[GTXTRA]

Lie down and check for the leak with engine running, if it's the breather it will be seeping down drivers side of tank from above the join.

[Macc]

Thats the side it was coming down yesterday, dont fancy lying under it with the engine running and fuel leaking out though! lol, got a few things that need sorting in the next few days so while its on the ramps we'll have a good look at that pipe, hopefully thats all it is!

[Doug T]

Thanks for the pointers chaps, is it possible to "see" if the breather hose has come off without dropping the tank?

Doug T, theres some tanks on ebay but they aint cheap!
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/361155772412

Also has anyone had any experience with this stuff? http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/171658796513

Thanks for the link. The price is not that bad. This is the tank I am looking for because I have a 16V with the small spare tire and larger tank.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MK1-GOLF-CABR ... 0948932144

Part ID 155201075
Description
Fuel Tank with galvanised finish.
To fit Carburettor and Injection models, 55 Litre tank
Fitting Info
Reproduction (not a factory so the internal baffle may not be the same)

Metrics
Weight: 10.5000 kg 55 Litre
For Vehicles
Golf Mk1 Cabrio 84-92 from chassis F 15 E 011 291-
Scirocco Mk2 84-91 from chassis 53 E 022 075

[Macc]

Actually Doug, the one you linked to IS the one I need and after just coming back from seeing my mate Dave down at End Lane Garage (he knows his onions when it comes to old VW's!), turns out it is the tank after all, split on the welded seal so looks like im ordering a new one then!

[Doug T]

Great!!!

[Macc]

I was shown the old tank today (new one is fitted), big bloody hole in the side on the seam!

[Doug T]

Did you get any pictures? I would love to see them.