Fuel leak between tank and filler - suggestions?

[jim290s]

Hi all, I used a UV leak detection kit this eve as my TVR has been stinking of fuel since I bought it at the start of summer. Turns out the leak appears to be at the top of the tank, where the fuel filler pipe meets the tank. The flexible tube appears to have been replaced at some point, and seems in good condition, but the seal between it and the tank obviously isn't working. Apart from cranking up the jubilee clips as far as they will go, are there any other tips to fix a leak in this area?

I'm imagining a fuel system equivalent to PTFE tape that you could wrap around the top of the tank neck before clamping on the flexi pipe? Anyone else had this issue or found a good fix?

[jim290s]

Thanks Tim and Phil for the suggestions. I'll bear both in mind when I take it all apart. I'm guessing i'll have to totally drop the tank out to inspect the tubes properly?

S2Andy said:

Are you sure the smell is coming from that joint? Some years ago my car stank of petrol. After much investigation I found that the metal filler tube was wrongly fitted and did not butt up to the filler cap but those 2 bits were fitted either side of the fibreglass skin of the wing. They should be joined up with a gasket. A bit left field but may be worth a check. Once sorted no more smell. Andy

Andy, see a photo of the join below. I think you could be right, as there is a gap where the tube does not butt up to the filler cap.
On closer inspection, the fuel is leaking both out of this gap (and onto the outside of the tube and therefore inside of the boot) but also around where the tube meets the tank as in the previous pic. I think there might be a couple of things to sort out. Extra jubilee clips required I think...