A bunch of owners and I were chatting about how the 95-octane (E10) fuel degrades rubber hoses, seals and gaskets. And we all agreed it is a concern. However, as a significant number of us use 97-99; ESSO, SHELL or BP being our preferred 'super juice' of choice because of their extra detergents and cleaning agents, the concern is less.
The conversation then came around to potential leaks in the boot area and the effect on the GRP and carpets etc. To which I said a big concern of mine was a leak at the fuel sensor… Five bolts, a gasket, and the sensor sitting below the level of the fuel line when the tank was full.
So to minimise the risk of fuel silently running down the sides of the tank and stinking the boot out, I showed them how I’ve minimised the risk with a simple mod.
The sensor sits 4 cm below the top of the tank. Volume-wise [worst case scenario], that’s ~7 ltrs of fuel dribbling and wicking its way into things. So to prevent this situation, I made a ‘leak-proof barrier-plate’ to raise the height of the two open sides to stop any leakage in its tracks. I.e., if I get a leak around the sensor area, that small area will fill up with fuel or just get a bit damp. But most importantly, nothing will run down the back or sides of the tank and contaminate things.
The solution is simply a scrap piece of aluminium bent to cover the two open sides at the top of the tank, and stuck in place. So if I get a major or a minor leak, it’ll only fill the small 9x9x4 cm containment area to the height of the fuel line in the tank.
Admittedly, the chances of the fuel line staying above the sensor line is small, because, when I fill up I’m usually out and about, but any leak running down the back of the tank will be a nightmare to deal with… So the mod is a small, but I think, a significant one.
The before and after photos
