thanks shocker. I agree i dont want to block a breather to a fuel tank and a repair is not worth it with the cost of a tank being £35 second hand.
but I dont believe this is a breather for the TD5 it part of the V8 system for emission and i dont see its needed for the TD5, however i would mind having this confirmed by some one.
see Rave image below
http://i1259.photobucket.com/albums/ii543/steve9112/fueltank.png
item 11 is the large diameter breather for the tank. see the small pipe from the tank to item number 8 ( liquide vapour seperator) this is the pipe that is broken and connects to the EVAP system on the V8 petrol model.
If I cant confirm that this can be blocked off then I agree a new tank will have to be bought
thanks for your help anyway some good ideas.