Broken rollover valve on gas tank - $2500!
10-11-2013, 01:05 PM
#21
AudiWorld Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 1,155
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Epoxy on HDPE
This is an old post but I thought I'd update with the latest news in case someone else with a similar problem stumbles across this thread.
I had the epoxy patch done in March for a cost of $375. Earlier this week (October) I filled up the tank and the tell tale symptom of gas in the cabin is back. This is under warranty for 12 months or 12k miles so I took it to the dealership and they confirmed it is the same issue as last time but that they could not patch it again. To do so they'd need to get the old epoxy off and in doing so they say will rip the valve off causing a larger issue. They said the only resolution now is to replace the tank for $3,000. The statement that the patch was under warranty is really a snow job since they know that it can't be re-applied a second time.
My only two options left are put $3k into a 12 year old car with 172k miles or move on. Sadly I've decided to move on as that is too much money for a car this old IMO. I still claim that Audi isn't taking responsibility for this issue given that the 2001-2004 models have the EXACT same issue with the EXACT same parts but my 2000 model isn't included in the recall. I've put in all the complaints that I could and seem to have lost the good fight.
P.S. The dealership told me that I could keep driving it but to only fill up the tank to 1/2 way since the valve is at the top of the tank. While doing so seems to eliminate the smell of gas I'm thinking this is not a wise/safe option given that there is a crack in the valve allowing gas vapors to escape which are obviously flammable.
I had the epoxy patch done in March for a cost of $375. Earlier this week (October) I filled up the tank and the tell tale symptom of gas in the cabin is back. This is under warranty for 12 months or 12k miles so I took it to the dealership and they confirmed it is the same issue as last time but that they could not patch it again. To do so they'd need to get the old epoxy off and in doing so they say will rip the valve off causing a larger issue. They said the only resolution now is to replace the tank for $3,000. The statement that the patch was under warranty is really a snow job since they know that it can't be re-applied a second time.
My only two options left are put $3k into a 12 year old car with 172k miles or move on. Sadly I've decided to move on as that is too much money for a car this old IMO. I still claim that Audi isn't taking responsibility for this issue given that the 2001-2004 models have the EXACT same issue with the EXACT same parts but my 2000 model isn't included in the recall. I've put in all the complaints that I could and seem to have lost the good fight.
P.S. The dealership told me that I could keep driving it but to only fill up the tank to 1/2 way since the valve is at the top of the tank. While doing so seems to eliminate the smell of gas I'm thinking this is not a wise/safe option given that there is a crack in the valve allowing gas vapors to escape which are obviously flammable.
10-11-2013, 01:06 PM
#22
AudiWorld Super User
I still say take AoA to small claims court
This is an old post but I thought I'd update with the latest news in case someone else with a similar problem stumbles across this thread.
I had the epoxy patch done in March for a cost of $375. Earlier this week (October) I filled up the tank and the tell tale symptom of gas in the cabin is back. This is under warranty for 12 months or 12k miles so I took it to the dealership and they confirmed it is the same issue as last time but that they could not patch it again. To do so they'd need to get the old epoxy off and in doing so they say will rip the valve off causing a larger issue. They said the only resolution now is to replace the tank for $3,000. The statement that the patch was under warranty is really a snow job since they know that it can't be re-applied a second time.
My only two options left are put $3k into a 12 year old car with 172k miles or move on. Sadly I've decided to move on as that is too much money for a car this old IMO. I still claim that Audi isn't taking responsibility for this issue given that the 2001-2004 models have the EXACT same issue with the EXACT same parts but my 2000 model isn't included in the recall. I've put in all the complaints that I could and seem to have lost the good fight.
P.S. The dealership told me that I could keep driving it but to only fill up the tank to 1/2 way since the valve is at the top of the tank. While doing so seems to eliminate the smell of gas I'm thinking this is not a wise/safe option given that there is a crack in the valve allowing gas vapors to escape which are obviously flammable.
I had the epoxy patch done in March for a cost of $375. Earlier this week (October) I filled up the tank and the tell tale symptom of gas in the cabin is back. This is under warranty for 12 months or 12k miles so I took it to the dealership and they confirmed it is the same issue as last time but that they could not patch it again. To do so they'd need to get the old epoxy off and in doing so they say will rip the valve off causing a larger issue. They said the only resolution now is to replace the tank for $3,000. The statement that the patch was under warranty is really a snow job since they know that it can't be re-applied a second time.
My only two options left are put $3k into a 12 year old car with 172k miles or move on. Sadly I've decided to move on as that is too much money for a car this old IMO. I still claim that Audi isn't taking responsibility for this issue given that the 2001-2004 models have the EXACT same issue with the EXACT same parts but my 2000 model isn't included in the recall. I've put in all the complaints that I could and seem to have lost the good fight.
P.S. The dealership told me that I could keep driving it but to only fill up the tank to 1/2 way since the valve is at the top of the tank. While doing so seems to eliminate the smell of gas I'm thinking this is not a wise/safe option given that there is a crack in the valve allowing gas vapors to escape which are obviously flammable.
It's clearly a design defect, especially with a tank replacement.
11-25-2013, 06:05 AM
#24
AudiWorld Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2001
Posts: 268
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I haven't give up just yet! This weekend an access panel was cut to access the faulty rollover valve. The first thing I noticed was the black collar around the assembly. I didn't see this in any other posts from others who have attempted to repair on their own. My guess is that this was added by the dealership to act as a reservoir for the epoxy. The epoxy looks like black silly sting and has the consistency of hard rubber. This is where we stopped to give it more thought. The trick to repair is to get the first black epoxy out and then decide what other method/substance to use to seal the valve.
11-25-2013, 01:16 PM
#25
AudiWorld Super User
I haven't give up just yet! This weekend an access panel was cut to access the faulty rollover valve. The first thing I noticed was the black collar around the assembly. I didn't see this in any other posts from others who have attempted to repair on their own. My guess is that this was added by the dealership to act as a reservoir for the epoxy. The epoxy looks like black silly sting and has the consistency of hard rubber. This is where we stopped to give it more thought. The trick to repair is to get the first black epoxy out and then decide what other method/substance to use to seal the valve.
11-26-2013, 06:37 AM
#26
AudiWorld Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2001
Posts: 268
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I already put in a complaint with the NHTSA back when this all started in March claiming since my 2000 has the exact same issue, tank and parts as the 2001-2004 models that it Audi should fix it. I've also tried to talk to Audi USA (to no avail) and put in a complaint.
Where I'm at now is trying to fix it myself and asking the local dealership to refund my money from the failed patch. I've sent a letter to the dealership explaining my situation and told them that if I'm not refunded for the amount of the repair my first move will be to the State of Ohio Attorney General and my second will be small claims court. I am awaiting a response.
11-26-2013, 06:41 AM
#27
AudiWorld Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2001
Posts: 268
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If anyone knows the name of the 3M compound used in the picture above I would very much appreciate the input. I talked to the shop foreman who told me it was a 3m compound but that he didn't know the name or part number. How does the shop foreman not know that info?!
11-26-2013, 07:31 AM
#28
AudiWorld Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2001
Posts: 268
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
11-26-2013, 09:27 AM
#30
AudiWorld Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2001
Posts: 268
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I am. At this point I figure I have nothing to lose. I have the access panel cut under the rear seat so just need to figure out how to remove the previous attempt and apply another compound. Regardless of how it turns out I'll report back.