The mk2 has a plastic one piece moulded fuel tank and filler neck. It will not be plagued with rust in the tank like a mk1 as there are no metal parts. However, the lift pump and fuel level sender assembly are inside the tank. There are metal parts there that can rust and rubber parts that can deteriorate, especially with modern fuel.
Inspection of this assembly is recommended when you pick up a new golf as it’s one of those areas out of sight out of mind.
Access is gained from under the boot carpet. You’ll see a black metal disc with 3 screws. Remove this and then unscrew the big plastic collar.
Fuel filter should not be overlooked at time of service.
Removal and fitting:
The tank is hung under the car with a combination of 3 straps. 2 of the straps share a mounting point so don’t get confused when it looks like you don’t have enough bolts.
The straps are prone to rust. But replacements are available including aftermarket stainless steel.
The tank is also secured at the filler by 2 bolts in the wheel well. The mounting bracket is prone to rust so you may find these don’t need to be undone on removal. But the bracket will need to be replaced.
If you find your filler flap doesn’t close properly it’s probably because this bracket has rotted away and allowed the filler neck to protrude.
The filler opening has a rubber boot, there is a wire ring which holds this in place.
There is a drain hole at the bottom of this boot so make sure you keep it clean and free flowing.
Removal of the rubber seal can give you a view of the bracket, you’ll need a torch and possibly spray a power washer up there to remove the 30+ years of road grime.
A mk3 tank is often required when an engine swap is done. This allows for a different in-tank fuel pump. The tanks differ across modes and depending on your set up you may be able to do away with the under car pump.
The mk3 tank is almost a direct swap. But you may find the filler doesn’t line up in the same position meaning the rubber boot may not fit as well. If so you may find the mk3 boot helps so make sure you get that when you get the tank.
Also worth pointing out the Corrado tank DOES NOT FIT.
Learnt that one the hard way...