Fuel Tank repair, I would prefer to not disconnect battery.

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Jan 31, 2007 | 05:25 AM

albundy3670

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Fuel Tank repair, I would prefer to not disconnect battery.

My wifes 98 A8 has a fuel leak either at the filler neck or expansion tank, I'm pretty sure of this because the only time it leaks or smells is when we would fill up completely, so now we just put in about 15-16 gallons when we fuel up and that has eliminated the leak. I've looked in the Bentley manual to repair this leak and they say to disconnect the battery. Please give me feedback on disconnecting the battery, it scares me a little because I fear that after I reconnect the battery something that used to work won't. If diconnecting the battery is precautionary only to prevent spark, I would much rather take that chance than disconnect the battery and wish I didn't. Any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks, Mike.

Jan 31, 2007 | 06:07 AM

JimR

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Two things.

1) I'm pretty sure it's precautionary.

2) Are you sure it's not the sending unit seal, which is accessible through the trunk. This is a common failure, and generally causes the MIL to light up with a standard code, probably 16826 & 16839, EVAP Emission Control - Small Leak / Large Leak.

See Audipages for a procedure for 2).

Jan 31, 2007 | 06:57 AM

albundy3670

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Re: Two things.

Thanks Jim, nice car by the way, I have a 97 Pearl White A8 myself. I ran the Vag-com on the wifes car and did not come up with any codes, I will run it again to be sure. The leak is big enough that it stained the garage floor, not flowing by any means, the fumes are bad though and need to fix it because I have little kids. Thanks for your input, appreciate it, Mike.

Jan 31, 2007 | 07:05 AM

ex-a8drifter

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I would say its pretty common to have this. I also have a 97 pearl white. Same issues.

Jan 31, 2007 | 08:00 AM

Always Overcharged

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Dont cause any sparks or you wont need to worry about the repair-I dont think they have

A8's in heaven

Jan 31, 2007 | 08:55 AM

albundy3670

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Re: Dont cause any sparks or you wont need to worry about the repair-I dont think they have

Is it valid to be worried about disconnecting the battery cable? I am a novice at best on working on these cars, I really don't want to goof up the computer, especially on the wifes car. Thanks for the input guys.