Filling up..

[mac76]

evening all,

not sure whether its just my car (2009 leon fr tdi) or the same for everyone, but when I go to put fuel in my car I have to turn the nozzle/pump upside down to be able to put fuel in the car.. if I do it the normal way it keeps cutting in and out and can barely get more than 2 litres in to the tank. is this common for all leons? just seems a bit strange that I have to do this so thought I would check on here!

many thanks

 

[Speed-FReek]

I don't have access to check the workshop manuals right now but there should be an air bleed pipe somewhere in the tank that allows air out as the fuel goes in. Yours is most likely blocked up which is why you will be having trouble putting fuel in through the filler. No air getting out means no room to put fuel in.

 

[mac76]

thanks for the reply, will I be able to do this myself or is it going to require taking it to a garage? the car is still under warranty from the dealer I bought it off so will just take it back and get them to sort I think, just wasn't sure whether it was normal to have to turn the nozzle upside down to fill up!

 

[Speed-FReek]

No it's not normal to have to turn the fuel pump nozzle upside down.

I've just found the relevant parts diagram for the fuel tank components (click the header of the picture to enlarge it)...

It will most likely either be a blockage in the breather pipe (part #14), or a faulty gravity valve (part #13).

If the car is still under warranty then yes, without a doubt take it back and get them to sort the problem out.

 

[G4reth]

I have this issue on my car. Takes ages to fill up and have to move the nozzle to get fuel in. Mines an 08 TDI FR.

 

[Speed-FReek]

I have this issue on my car. Takes ages to fill up and have to move the nozzle to get fuel in. Mines an 08 TDI FR.

Same applies as above. I would probably suspect a faulty gravity valve (part #13 above) more than a blocked pipe. This has a ball in it and is designed to stop fuel leaking out if the car rolls upside down in an accident. If it's stuck closed then it won't be allowing any air out through the bleed pipe (part #14 above) as you try and fill the tank.

Wiggling the fuel pump nozzle about or turning it upside down will be allowing some air to escape up the filler pipe which can't normally happen when a full flow of fuel is being pumped down it, thus the need for the air bleed tube.

 

[G4reth]

Yeah I thought as much, will see what needs to be done to replace it etc. Cheers.