What is the deal on the petrol overflow tank thing?
 

Having spent the last month or so trying to fix all the rust issues created by the crud that collects behind the screen washer bottle and the petrol overflow tank thing, I am looking for ways to keep the area under there more accessible and free from clutter. I am looking at replacing and relocating the washer bottle for a smaller one I can locate in the smugglers box. But what is the deal with the additional tank which connects to the petrol tank? What is it for and do I really need it? Are there any alternatives that will permit me replace and relocate it for something smaller etc??

Any good advice would be greatly appreciated, as I do not want to have to do this project again in 10 years time :(
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I'm not aware of any petrol overflow tank, but you should have two washer bottlesdown there - one for the screen and one for the lights.

I believe that is the charcoal evap canister, I believe it has to remain in an area that is at gas tank level. You would have to chase things down in some previous posts but I think they were located down in the smuggler box in later cars though I may be wrong.

There are two bottles in the wheel arch - one large one which serves as the reservoir for the headlight washers and the screen washers, and a smaller one above it which serves as the fuel tank expansion reservoir.

The carbon canister is in the opposite rear wheel arch.

I have heard of others replacing their large wash resrvoir with the smaller intensive wash reservoir.

Never knew that, learn something new everyday...

Thank you all. I will be replacing the washer reservoir with a smaller one and locating it in the smugglers box. I thought the carbon canister was only on the US cars and not on the ROW cars? The only thing in my rear arches is the oil tank. As for the fuel tank expansion reservoir (as I now know it is thanks to UK Carrera :) ), is there something I can do with it? Do I need it, and if I do is there a better solution for location and type? What do all the people with fuel cell do?

I believe you should keep it. It's not very big, weighs almost nothing and there is a distinct smell of gas from the hose that connects to it.

Thank you Chocaholic, but i am looking for a solution to clear out all the stuff that sits in the front arches. I am happy to replace it with something, but i would also like to relocate it to a better location, maybe even into the smugglers box. Anyone here have any experience with this??

You need it. Keep it the hell away from the front trunk & battery - it can vent gas fumes if it fails or leaks or the connection leaks. Do Not put it in the smuggler's box - think about the worst case failure from a spark in a trunk full of fumes - you'd be roast beef.

Do they do inspections for smog equipment? The Nordic countries are often pretty draconian on fines or even jail time, so that is another issue.

If you really want to get rid of it you can rig a dump tube with a ball check valve - legal on most race courses. There are old threads about this.

The charcoal canister is up front by battery in the early cars (up to '73.5 on US cars).

The problem is that the canister attaches to the top of the washer tank. If you relocate the washer tank then you will have to fab something up to hold the canister in place.

I thought the charcoal canister was in the engine bay just forward of the oil tank. In the front wheel well was an overflow/expansion tank for the fuel tank (along with the washer fluid reservoir).

FWIW, I have moved the washer fluid to a 1L aluminum tank in the smugglers box.

No - the expansion tank and washer reservoir are separate. Whilst the expansion tank sits above the washer reservoir it does not rely on the washer reservoir for location. The expansion tank locates on at its top via a shaped grommet that fits into a bracket on the body and at its underside shares the locating bolt that the washer tank uses. Sorry - hope that reads right!

Thank you all. I will have to keep it where it is then.

This thread should provide you with some useful information.

Thank you scottb