Is there any parts supplier which sells the fuel tank cap (which sits on top of the tank where the fuel sender unit enters the tank) GASKET other than the local VW dealer?
Why do I ask? Well, because my local VW dealer parts person must be the evidence/victim of at least 7 generations of cousins having relations........and the DNA didn't swing toward the genus category!!!!!!!! Hey....it's like this for EVERY part I ever try to order from them. I usually have to go in there with my own diagram complete with red circles and highlights in order for him to focus for a couple of milliseconds and order the part. It's actually easier to go to the local zoo and teach the gorillas to cook a 5 course meal!!!!!! (and select the proper wine to complement the dinner.....)(while juggling switchblades....)
Just got off the phone with him (to request that he order a couple of these) and he can't find it on his computer (even though I bought a couple of these for rebuilder cars just last year! What's a mutha to do?
Now, I called them back (in an attempt to try this again) and I am now told that the large gasket for the fuel sender unit/in-tank fuel pump (gas cars) is NO LONGER AVAILABLE through VW?
??
Folks, seriously now...is this an attack of the "local militant in-breds" or am I being told straight? Can anyone help me to obtain a couple of these gaskets? The last ones I purchased were (as I recall) $17 each. I am having a very hard time believing that VW would discontinue this part. HELP!!!!!!!
I suppose there is a way to substitute something in there....anyone with ideas?
Edit: sorry, I guess I should be pointing out that I am talking MK. II stuff here.
what is the seal made of?
a rubber oring?
a rubber gasket?
fiber gasket?
cork gasket?
depending on the material you can make your own...
TRY EBAY SELLER MOOGIE298
Fine, I will try the Moogie character.
The gaskets are a very pliable rubbery substance (probably a plastic of some sort) and are pretty specialized.
They are about 1.25 or 1.5 inches tall, circular, with a top which overlaps the "threaded neck" (to provide a seal) on the plastic tanks of the Mk. II's. Eventually, they break down and fall apart when you open the top of the tank to clean the tank or replace the level sender or gasoline in-tank pump. They provide a seal to prevent leakage as the un-baffled fuel sloshes around in the tank.
I am in the process of putting an '85 Jetta back into service and I was going to open the tank and reach in and feel for grit and use a light to search for water....this is an old car with an unknown history.....with a "biodiesel" sticker on the window....need I say more? Plus, I was going to check the screen on the inlet. Hey, it's easier to do all of this *** initially when getting the car running, than to be sitting along the road wishing I had done it 500 miles later! If I find debris, I simply pull the tank and cleanse it.....the old "lather, rinse, repeat..." thing.
Every car this old which I have ever opened up the top cap has needed a new gasket.....that would be like 7 cars. Plus, I run a high degree of alcohol in the CIS cars (up to 75 %) and the booze is a little harder on the rubber stuff.
I was told that you can sub some from benz or anything else that had the CIS stuff as they all used the same sending stuff. I got one on my older GTI that was the good viton stuff.
You are right about replacing everyone. If you don't get it back together soon the rubber will swell and never seal right again. At least that is my experience if you get one off without it tearing.