Leaky gas cap...

CHA914 · 04-05-2001, 09:29 AM

I was wondering if any of you had an easy solution to a leaky gas cap. Whenever I take a sharp turn after I have filled up my car some gas will spill out from the gas cap and run down the side of the tank (not the most comforting thig). Once I have used up a little more than 1/4 tank it no longer happens.

I do have the small vent line connected that runs from the shoulder of the tank to the top part. However, the car does not have the separate canister that sits on the right side of the tank attached...so I just have that hole plugged up.

My car is a 74 and has the metal gas cap on it, unlike my dads 75 which has the screw on plastic cap (this seems like a better solution). Anyway, it seems like there should be an easy solution to this one.

Thanks for the help,

Tony

mejulihn · mejulihn's Garage

Tony,
Assuming the fuel is indeed coming from underneath the cap, check the flat washer that forms a seal. It may be gone or has lost its original thickness. I have a '76 with the plastic cap (I agree it is a better design) and found a replacement washer at Home Depot in the plumbing department.

JP Noonan · 04-06-2001, 10:07 PM

To keep the original cap go to a local VW shop, I would suggest against the Home Depot solution because it is unclear as to weather the gasket is gas proof or not. A New 411 or Thing 181, or similar Bettle cap should work but for sure take the old 914 cap with you.

Another possibility is the gasket between the overflow canister and the tank itself. The gasket ussaly dosen't decay but the seal does. I used "anti-seize" ( a lead paste) in-between the gasket and tank and the gasket and the overflow canister with no problems.

Read the anti-seize can, it should say use as a gas tank sealer, or at least look like lead and it should be hard to rub off of your hand.

Roland Kunz · 04-07-2001, 09:41 AM

Hello

914 Fuel cap is different to other VW caps.

Just renew the sealer and retrofit the original catch tank. Right now you generate over- or underpressure in the tank.

Maybe the ruber base gasket on the filler mount is blown allready.

Grüsse