Fuel Tank Leak - Do I Have to Drop the Tank?

[Lex4TDI4Life]

So I am getting a fuel tank leak when I fill up to the top. I checked the seal for the fuel level sender, and it is not leaking from there. My understanding is that the most likely spot after that is the breather tube. I'd really like to avoid dropping the tank, if possible. What's helpful here is that, because I have converted to a Smythe Ute, I have ample access to everything on top of the tank.

Is there an access hole I can cut to get to the breather tube? Some other magical way of getting to it without dropping the tank? Creative solutions welcome!

 

[oilhammer]

The tank is not hard to drop out, really. You just have to hang the beam down enough to clear it... BUT... that does mean removing the hydraulic brake lines, so you'll have to bleed the system when done, but if you cap everything off, it'll be minimal trouble.

 

[Lex4TDI4Life]

Thanks! If I DO drop the tank, I will replace the mounting straps as they saw northeast winters for more than 20 years. Is it likely I will need to replace the breather tube itself? Any other bits I should have on hand to replace?

 

[dadsdiesel]

I have the same issue for a few years now. Turns out while getting the state inspection the guy caught it since I had just filled up with fuel before going there.

He showed me - and also showed me the remnants of a mouse nest on top of the tank.

So I also believe it's the breather tube.

A tough job for me doing it laying on the barn floor.

I've just been calculating how much fuel I need for 7/8 of a tank when I fill up and has been fine. I know it's not the right way to do it but almost impossible for me to do the job myself.

Because of my age and 3 types of arthritis I was down and out for 3 days after changing out the starter on my F150 last week which was really easy to access - but working over my head laying on the floor just kills me now.

 

[Lex4TDI4Life]

I have the same issue for a few years now. Turns out while getting the state inspection the guy caught it since I had just filled up with fuel before going there.

He showed me - and also showed me the remnants of a mouse nest on top of the tank.

So I also believe it's the breather tube.

A tough job for me doing it laying on the barn floor.

I've just been calculating how much fuel I need for 7/8 of a tank when I fill up and has been fine. I know it's not the right way to do it but almost impossible for me to do the job myself.

Because of my age and 3 types of arthritis I was down and out for 3 days after changing out the starter on my F150 last week which was really easy to access - but working over my head laying on the floor just kills me now.

Yeah, mine has been in that state for a couple years now. Just finally getting around to doing something about it. I'd rather not wriggle under the car on Jack stands to get it sorted out. I think there is a "rent a garage bay" type of place not too far from me that could be the answer.

 

[SandyTwose]

Oh Crap
I have the same issue... I leave a long trail of Diesel behind me when I fill the car up above 3/4 tank.
I was hoping it was the Breather vent ( ventectomy) but from these descriptions it might be the breather hose....
Does anyone know where to source the gas tank straps ?
I just had to drop the gas tank on the 2000 Forester ( to get at the rear brake line that run above the gas tank and rear subframe ... thanks Subaru) and everything was rusted and had to be replaced... I am guessing that the 20 year old Golf will be much the same.
I have to do the rear axle bushings so I guess the gas tank would be the sort of thing to deal with at the same time ... Sigh...

 

[Lex4TDI4Life]

The straps are still available as OEM parts. I usually order through https://www.oemvwpartshaus.com/ because their prices are good for a dealership. Your local VW dealership may be faster and just as cheap though.