#1 CARB BANJO WASHERS/HEADER TANK
Posted: Thu Jul 16, 2026 7:57 pm
Hi all,
I have been speaking to Chris at Burlen re fuel leaks.
I fitted 6 new banjo washers (AUC 2141) which I purchased from SNGB. They leaked, I tightened them a bit, leak stopped. It's been too hot to go into the garage, but the last few days has been slightly cooler so I went in to do a bit. Started the car and the smell of fuel was strong, engine bay, Banjo bolts, again...
A bit more tightening, but felt like they were almost too tight...
Spoke to Burlen, thinking I will buy some washers from them instead of calling SNGB. His reply was "Oh they buy them from us".....
I asked him why it was leaking and he asked whether or not I had 'soaked' them prior to fitting? Apparently, after they are made they sit on a shelf, dry out, get sold to people like SNGB where they once again sit on a shelf, and dry out a bit more, you get the picture...
Chris suggested I soak them in light oil (3 in 1) overnight. So I did.
Problem cured.....
Second issue.
Ran the car for a while, up to temperature. Fan not cutting in. I kind of suspected this would be the case as I thought the otter switch would be faulty due to age and the fact they normally are... and was correct. Car reached about 90° and fan wouldn't cut in, removed wire and earthed it, fan came on, faulty otter...
I noticed a small leak on the header tank, so removed it tonight to take a closer look. More holes in it than a Swiss cheese once I started to poke around, so a new tank required.
I also tested the otter switch in the kettle, not working....So...
New otter switch required. I spoke to Burlen and they supply the long bulb one (mine had a short bulb otter in it, incorrect for my car) for £70 + VAT. I suspect I will get one from them.
Next thing is header tank.
I am going to be buying a new one, lots of options and suppliers, but what do you guys think? S/S? Standard steel? aluminium????
Any thoughts chaps??
Many thanks, Steve.
I have been speaking to Chris at Burlen re fuel leaks.
I fitted 6 new banjo washers (AUC 2141) which I purchased from SNGB. They leaked, I tightened them a bit, leak stopped. It's been too hot to go into the garage, but the last few days has been slightly cooler so I went in to do a bit. Started the car and the smell of fuel was strong, engine bay, Banjo bolts, again...
A bit more tightening, but felt like they were almost too tight...
Spoke to Burlen, thinking I will buy some washers from them instead of calling SNGB. His reply was "Oh they buy them from us".....
I asked him why it was leaking and he asked whether or not I had 'soaked' them prior to fitting? Apparently, after they are made they sit on a shelf, dry out, get sold to people like SNGB where they once again sit on a shelf, and dry out a bit more, you get the picture...
Chris suggested I soak them in light oil (3 in 1) overnight. So I did.
Problem cured.....
Second issue.
Ran the car for a while, up to temperature. Fan not cutting in. I kind of suspected this would be the case as I thought the otter switch would be faulty due to age and the fact they normally are... and was correct. Car reached about 90° and fan wouldn't cut in, removed wire and earthed it, fan came on, faulty otter...
I noticed a small leak on the header tank, so removed it tonight to take a closer look. More holes in it than a Swiss cheese once I started to poke around, so a new tank required.
I also tested the otter switch in the kettle, not working....So...
New otter switch required. I spoke to Burlen and they supply the long bulb one (mine had a short bulb otter in it, incorrect for my car) for £70 + VAT. I suspect I will get one from them.
Next thing is header tank.
I am going to be buying a new one, lots of options and suppliers, but what do you guys think? S/S? Standard steel? aluminium????
Any thoughts chaps??
Many thanks, Steve.