4 1/2 Le Mans tank capacity & reserve

[LagondaV12]

After 2 1/2 weeks intensive recommissioning, my newly bought Bentley is running well. Test run fine, and I've now driven from Banstead to Sherborne (Dorset) with no problem. Except the first fill-up revealed the petrol tank leaks from the NS forward mounting (at least not from the bottom!).

It has a Le Mans type fuel tank fitted ... can anyone on here tell me its capacity, and the reserve capacity?

I will be driving it home to France next week and need to schedule my stops for fuel; this information will be a great help!

[John Murch]

Welcome to the forum,
I hope you have a lot of fun with your new toy.
Le Mans type tanks seem to come in a variety of sizes, and that the chances of your tank being an original one is slim!
However depending on where you read, the 4 1/2 supercharged cars had a 25 gallon tank as standard (but I doubt that was used first racing), other sources suggest that a LeMans tank was either 40 or 45 gallons, but even larger tanks are known. As for reserve capacity, it will depend totally on the tank builder. Sorry not to be able to be definitive.
John

[LagondaV12]

Hi John,

Many thanks for the welcome, and your reply. As you say, unlikely to be genuine, and I rather feared sizes might differ.

Annoyingly the speedometer doesn't work and has been sent to Speedy Cables for repair, so I'm having to estimate miles as well as mpg. I've now driven the car enough for the level to be below the leak, so will continue until it needs the reserve tap operated. At least I can see the (inside) bottom of the tank. Hopefully the reserve pipe picks up until practically empty.

Laurence

[John Murch]

Interesting that you have a reserve tap, does it operate in similar fashion to that on the 3ltr, ie a tap by the filler neck?

[LagondaV12]

Hi John.

Here is a photo from the restoration file, the taps are on a block near the O/S of the tank. Identical arrangement on the N/S, but in this case dummy pipework replicating those required for pressurising the tank. Electric pumps so no need for those pipes to be connected.

Couldn't add photos, have sent you an email.



Laurence

[Dan Suskin]

I know I'm late to this post

I recently had a new tank made for my 4 1/2. Lemans - but as previously mentioned, there were more than one size made.

Use a GPS for distance measurement, and by looking into the tank you'll get a v very good idea of your range.

Usually it is wise not to fill the tank - it is just too heavy when fully full and unless you've adjusted the rear springs accordingly, you'll bottom out over bumps.

It goes without saying - get the tank repaired or replaced.

[LagondaV12]

Hi Dan,
Frankly, I'm puzzled as to why the previous owner wanted a Le Mans tank fitted, when the car is a replica VdP tourer, not a Le Mans replica.
I always fill my cars' tanks, so as to accurately calculate mpg, a helpful guide to the car's health. Indeed, a major concern for me, pointlessly lugging around a vast quantity of fuel, with performance and handling, etc compromised as a result. The only benefit, being able to drive a long distance without filling / worrying where the next fuel station might appear. A bonus with the present fuel crisis, but perhaps we could have swapped tanks!
Laurence