Fuel tank sender unit leaking, series 3 petrol

Hi,

I mentioned in another post that my series 3 stinks of petrol in the cab after driving a while. Took the seat up the other evening and the panel beneath and immediately saw the problem. Or so I thought. There was a large wet patch around the sender unit on the top of the tank so I assumed that the gasket had failed. Ordered a new gasket and fitted it today (after giving everything a good clean). After a shortish road test lifted the seat again and was very disappointed to see the wet patch was back but the top of the sender unit was also awash. Looks like petrol is leaking through the flange of the sender unit where the white plastic post that supports the sender's rheostat is attached. Is this a known or common problem with these? Was planning on just ordering up a new sender unit but if they all do it then I guess sealant of some sort is another option. Anyone else had this? Also, is it worth putting loctite or similar on the threads of the six screws to stop petrol seeping up the threads?

Use your fag end to burn away any leaks. It can solve future problems.

I overfilled my diesel tank the other week and it was spilling out on the forecourt , when I had a look mine wa coming out of gasket, one of the six screws would not tighten, I had to drive about 15 mile to get the level down a bit so it did not leak , so just filling now to an indicated 3/4 , but was going to seal around the sender unit with some good loctite sealer suitable for diesel, you could try sealer first , but are you overfilling it

Bobsticle said:

Use your fag end to burn away any leaks. It can solve future problems.

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Smoking is bad for your health in so many ways!

steve2286w said:

I overfilled my diesel tank the other week and it was spilling out on the forecourt , when I had a look mine wa coming out of gasket, one of the six screws would not tighten, I had to drive about 15 mile to get the level down a bit so it did not leak , so just filling now to an indicated 3/4 , but was going to seal around the sender unit with some good loctite sealer suitable for diesel, you could try sealer first , but are you overfilling it

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Not over filling, it’s under half full.

Most silicone based sealants wont seal for long if exposed to petrol. I would say just replace it.

Ironstrike said:

Most silicone based sealants wont seal for long if exposed to petrol. I would say just replace it.

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Yes, I think I’ll order a replacement today.