Hi Guys,
My car's MoT expires in a few days and I need to know if it will fail due to a missing locking flap - ripped off by SWMBO a week ago when filling up from the 'wrong' side of the pump.
The (non-lockable) fller cap itself is in perfect condition, and seals correctly.
A search seems to indicate that 'lockability' is not a requirement, just that the cap and seal operate correctly. However, one site did imply that the filler needs to be lockable.
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"However, one site did imply that the filler needs to be lockable." - desirable, but can't see it being a legal requirement.
The MoT regs are there to protect you and other road users from unsafe cars. A non-locking, but sealed cap is safe, even if it's at risk from theft.
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Requirement at law is as follows:
This regulation applies to every fuel tank which is fitted to a wheeled vehicle for the purpose of supplying fuel to the propulsion unit or to an ancillary engine or to any other equipment forming part of the vehicle.
Every fuel tank to which this regulation applies -
(a) shall be constructed and maintained so that the leakage of any liquid from the tank is adequately prevented;
(b) shall be constructed and maintained so that the leakage of vapour from the tank is adequately prevented.
A dicky fuel cap does not conform and is a reanson for failing a MOT.
See www.motuk.co.uk and read testers Manual on fuel tank.
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Law: Regulation 39 Motor Vehicles (Con and Use) Regs 1986
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So does the absence of a locking device constitute being 'dicky'?
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I can't imagine the flap that covers the filler cap is a requirement - there are quite a few cars which don't have one! However, if the cap itself is sloppy, or doesn't fit or seal properly, that is likely to fail - IME.
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dvd, as I read it the OP is referring to a missing flap that covers the fuel cap, not the cap itself.
Not a reason for failure IMO.
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Reasons for failure related to filler cap:
2.
a. Fuel tank cap does not fasten securely
. by a positive means, and
. such that pressure is not maintained on the sealing arrangement
b. fuel cap sealing washer torn, deteriorated or missing, or a mounting flange/sealing method defective such that the leakage of fuel is possible.
Nothing about it needing to be lockable.
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It's the cap that counts. That's why the tester (should) opens any flap to make sure the cap is there/complies.
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If you are concerned, why not hedge your bet and buy a locking fuel cap - if you can get one that fits?
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Many an old style mini (and many more older cars I could mention) had a simple "put it on, turn it a little and walk away" fuel cap and this fully complied with the regs. No regs state that the cap must be lockable, only that it must prevent any fuel or fumes escaping.
Edited by grumpyscot on 21/02/2008 at 06:44
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Kith
. taken
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Garages sell non-lockable green fuel filler caps that conform to MOT requirements.
The absence of an additional lockable flap shouldn't be a reason for failure.
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As others have said.
If fuel cap is correct and secure it will not fail, regardless of covering flap and/or locking device(s).
However, it may fail, if the flap has been broken off and left sharp edges that may cause injury if a person was to catch themselves on it (even when vehicle is parked etc)
So, just check there are no sharp edges; if there are cure them and you will be ok. But a new/2nd hand flap is not expensive or difficult to fit so that may be the best course of action anyway.
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so fuel caps with the tiny pinhole in the centre on old cars i seem to remember would fail an mot then?
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No, the pin prick is there to stop the tank from collapsing as fuel is pumped out. A pinprick will only allow the tiniest amount of petrol out if the car were upsidedown. A failed rubber seal on the other hand...
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No the pin prick is there to stop the tank from collapsing as fuel is pumped out.
A large number of old cars and motorcycles (as well as newer ones!) do not have fuel pumps. The hole in the filler cap is to prevent excessive pressure building up in the tank - on a hot day, for example.
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"so fuel caps with the tiny pinhole in the centre on old cars i seem to remember would fail an mot then?"
The old fuel caps with a pin hole actually have a valve mechanism built in, which theoretically allows air in but not fuel out. So permissible for mot.
The problem with these was that the valve would get stuck and cause fuel starvation, so people would drill them through!
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The old fuel caps with a pin hole actually have a valve mechanism built in
Really? The ones that I've taken apart have had no such thing. A cork washer, a dished baffle plate with a hole in it, and the cap (sometimes a spring) - and that's all.
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Good point zookeeper, but as long as filler cap seals and is secure that's all that matters. Breather systems aren't a testable item. It would take very diligent tester to tip a car upside down to check for fuel leaks.
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