Practically Classics Forum

Difficulty in filling the fuel tank in the p4 any suggestions?

Hi,
That's not very much information to go on. What is happening when you try to fill the tank?

Its only takes about £6 and the tank is full but the gauge is reading empty. Could it be the reserve tank switch?

Faulty sender or gauge perhaps? If the float has leaked petrol and filled itself, that could sink, which would give you the empty reading or are you saying that there was less petrol in there before you added that gallon and a bit and that the top up shouldn't have filled it?

Is the car only using £6 worth of fuel then dying or is the tank genuinely full and working correctly just not reading on the gauge?
If it's the latter then as John suggests, my first point of call would be the sender. If you ground the wire running to it does the gauge does it read that you have a full tank? if so then you have found your problem. if not then the gauge itself, voltage regulator or wiring is what's causing your headache.
If the car is only using a gallon of fuel then conking out it will be the pickup in the tank.

Ive only had the car two weeks its a 1964 110 p4 still gettjng used to the car I know the main tank isnt full and the guage only moves as far as E. Could the tank be airlocked? Thanks!

Yes, it would move to the E position with potential applied to it, the sender changes the resistance from that point on out to show actual readings so if the float has sunk - which you'll check by removing it from the tank - the gauge would still move to the E position.
I don't think that length of ownership will change this. Unlike the things that can start to behave with use, such as tiny weeps from coolant hoses and those compression seals in the water pump, time won't seal up a hole if the float is already sitting at the bottom of the tank filled with fuel.

I know the main tank isnt full

OK, but if..

Its only takes about £6 and the tank is full

.. then at least you do know when it is.

Have you tried to dip the tank with a clean flexible pipe?

Removed float from tank this morning the float was seized cleaned it up drop of oil dried it refitted working well all good thanks all for your help.