The other week, I went to drive this Brat, and promptly had to turn back home. The right rear axle shaft was rubbing against the gas tank. I couldn't figure out how it got that close, but it was. So I went home, parked it, and let it sit for about a week.

 

Went to drive it the other day, all was fine. Got under it, couldn't find any kind of problem. My best guess was that the tank expanded. Turns out I was right.

 

Went to drive it today, and it was rubbing again. So I had the bright idea of opening the tank to let any pressure out... and promptly got a shower of gasoline on me. But it did fix the axle rub issue.

 

The question now is, where is it not properly venting? Obviously, this can't be normal for it.

It may have something to do with the pvc valve(purge control valve) Dont take my word for it, need someone to verify, but i have been told that the pcv valve evacuates pressure in the tank?

Wow:eek:

 

I'm glad to hear it didn't turn into a much worse situation... ie. gas in the eyes, or worse yet, an explosion.

 

I just took a look at my '83 FSM and it shows Brats ('83s at least) also have a fuel vapor seperator on the passenger's side rear area by the tank. Other Brat members will be able to give you better advice...

 

But my guess would be an issue with the tank's air breather hose or tube, vapor seperator or vapor seperator hose. Clogged, kinked, bent, gunked-up...?

Wow:eek:

 

I'm glad to hear it didn't turn into a much worse situation... ie. gas in the eyes' date=' or worse yet, an explosion.

 

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Luckily, I was standing to the side while I opened the cap with my left hand. So I only got gas on the left side of my body, mostly on my hand and arm.

http://mshoup.us/docs/fsm/EA81/83/Chapter04-Fuel_System.pdf

 

If you read thru that section of the FSM, it may help you find the cause of the tank not venting.

 

I would suspect the 2-way valve. It's located near the fuel pump and is connected between the tank and that loop of line mounted on the backwall of the cab on BRATs.

 

In the meantime, I would leave the gas cap loose. Enough pressure can build up to rupture the tank. That would not be a good thing...

 

http://mshoup.us/docs/fsm/EA81/83/ Link to the entire FSM.

 

Section 5 has to do with emission systems and includes more on tank venting.

Awesome, thanx. I'll look into that.

Got this problem fixed! Someone removed the charcoal canister from the vehicle and plugged the vent line with a bolt. I snagged a new canister and piping from the junkyard yesterday. Much better now!