fuel tank air lock - 1800 wagon (1983)

[scubaal]

I have a 1983 4WD wagon which seems to have a really annoying vapour
lock problem in the fuel tank.

When I go to fill up at the servo it takes about 10 mins(!) to fill
the tank because the fuel backs up and stops the pumps every 10 secs
or so. Very frustrating!
Now I know there is a breather hose behind the rear wheel that goes
from the top of the fuel tank to the inlet tube. So I pulled off the
wheel and disconnected the rubber bit of the hose. Put an air line on
the metal pipe and blew into the tank - no obstruction (well I could
hear the air going in).
Checked the line the other way - no obstruction....hmm.
So I still have the problem and the next thing is to pull out the fule
tank - but that seems to be a big job according to the manual so I
dont want to do it unless I think it will fix it.

Question- is this a known issue? Has anyone else some up against this
problem with the 1800 4WD wagon? Is it something I have to live with?
Is there any sort of valve in the tank that could be stuffed and
causing this prolem? Any help/ideas appreciated.

Al.

 

[johninKY]

Sounds more like there is some sort of obstruction in the filler tube.
Thinking the tube can be fairly easy to remove and inspect.Got to b
easier then dropping the tank.

 

[S]

Hi Al!

I have a 1983 4WD wagon which seems to have a really annoying vapour
lock problem in the fuel tank.

When I go to fill up at the servo it takes about 10 mins(!) to fill
the tank because the fuel backs up and stops the pumps every 10 secs
or so. Very frustrating!
Now I know there is a breather hose behind the rear wheel that goes
from the top of the fuel tank to the inlet tube. So I pulled off the
wheel and disconnected the rubber bit of the hose. Put an air line on
the metal pipe and blew into the tank - no obstruction (well I could
hear the air going in).
Checked the line the other way - no obstruction....hmm.
So I still have the problem and the next thing is to pull out the fule
tank - but that seems to be a big job according to the manual so I
dont want to do it unless I think it will fix it.

Question- is this a known issue? Has anyone else some up against this
problem with the 1800 4WD wagon? Is it something I have to live with?
Is there any sort of valve in the tank that could be stuffed and
causing this prolem? Any help/ideas appreciated.

Al.

I've had a bunch of the early '80s GLs, but never had a problem with
the fuel tank. Pumps, oh yes, but never a tank issue.

You should be able to stuff an ~ 1/2 inch OD hose all of the way into
the tank without major problems (don't ask me how I know this ;-), you
might try that, Also, try to put in gas from a gas can; see if that
works.

Sometimes the shutoff on modern gas pumps are set too sensitive; didja
try another filling station?

Really does sound like a vent problem, tho. Sounds like you've done
everything short of replacing the tank; probably that would be the
next thing to try. Shouldn't be too bad unless there is a lot of rust.
Plan on replacing all of the rubber tubing, as cutting the hard old
stuff during removal will simplify life. Probably you'll have to drop
the rear diff. carrier (two large nuts IIRC), but that should be about
it as far as the chassis goes. Easier if you run the tank mostly dry,
the steel tank is pretty light, but most any quantity of gas in one
makes it messy and unwieldy (and dangerous). Come to think of it,
there's probably a drain plug in the tank.

Hope this helps. Write back and let us know what you find.

ByeBye! S.
Steve Jernigan KG0MB
Laboratory Manager
Microelectronics Research
University of Colorado
(719) 262-3101