Page 1 of 1

chain link dropped into tank

Posted: Tue Aug 07, 2012 6:59 am
by Hubert
A peculiar mishap occured to me and my Moggie recently. When I filled petrol a few weeks ago, I noticed that the chain which connects the petrol filler cap to the tank had broken. Only one link was left at the cap, the rest at the pipe which leads to the tank. As it happens so often, I didn't have the time to fix it immediately - and forgot it.

Last Sunday I filled petrol next time, and to my surprise I had to notice that the one link which was left at the cap has obviously come loose and dropped into the tank.

Until now I haven't had the chance to look into the tank of a Morris Minor, so I am wondering whether a chain link in the tank might cause a problem. Can anyone give me some advice?

Thanks a lot for all your answers.

Best regards
Hubert[frame]Image[/frame]

Re: chain link dropped into tank

Posted: Tue Aug 07, 2012 7:37 am
by C6Dave
As the fuel pump is up in the engine bay it shouldn't really pull any bits of chain through and the links may well be to big to transit the fuel line anyway so all should be OK

Only real issue that I can see would be if a link did get lodged in the fuel line, then any crud from the tank got stuck behind it, then the line could block.

Check the fuel filter at the pump and see if it's clear.

If your really concerned then your going to have to drain, remove and flush the tank.

Re: chain link dropped into tank

Posted: Tue Aug 07, 2012 9:52 am
by RobThomas
Strong piece of string (non plastic) or a piece of wire from the gardening shop. Fit the magnet from your glove box lid securely and let it down into the tank. Loop the top end round the remnants of the filler chain. Drive about wildly for a week and the link will probably get stuck to the magnet.

Worth a try, anyhow. :D

Re: chain link dropped into tank

Posted: Tue Aug 07, 2012 9:27 pm
by les
I cant see a link interfering with the flow, certainly too big to get in the fuel line.

Re: chain link dropped into tank

Posted: Tue Aug 07, 2012 10:42 pm
by bmcecosse
How is a magnet going to get down into the tank - through a metal pipe - into a metal tank ????? :o Leave the link be -it won't do any harm! Maybe it will act as a 'catalyst' to convert petrol into leaded fuel! It's got as much chance as any of the ones on the market ...................

Re: chain link dropped into tank

Posted: Wed Aug 08, 2012 12:23 am
by DAVIDMCCULLOUGH
There is a filter in the tank as well on the bottom of the pick up pipe so it shouldnt cause a problem.

Re: chain link dropped into tank

Posted: Wed Aug 08, 2012 12:43 am
by mike.perry
No filter at the bottom of the filler pipe on my Series MM, I can touch the bottom with a dipstick. There is a bend in the pipe in the Traveller