Strong Gas Smell

[boxster03]

I have developed a strong gas smell coming from the car. I do not see any type of leak either in the engine compartment from a gas line or anything in the trunk/ however the smell does seem to come from the front of the car. Any suggestions for trouble shoot? No leaks that I can find so it must be fumes. Best way to track down fume leak? Much stronger in the cold weather. Thanks

Yes the Gas lines are pretty much original 1970 stuff if that helps....

[911quest]

I would pull the front suspension cover and take a look at the fuel lines if the leak is small enough it can pool on the cover then evaporate.

[rick2]

It usually is the hard lines in the center tunnel. But I've had 2 cars that had signs of a leak in the seam of the tank only visible after the tank was out. I had a 73 that the black vent box that is behind the temp gauge come loose and a wicked gas smell persisted in the trunk till I chased it down. Once hooked up fumes went away. Hope this helps.
Rick

[jaudette3]

There's an easy thing to check that frequently is the cause of your problem. Check the "black box" that is mounted in the trunk on the driver side of the car. Remove it and pressure test with water or air -- sometimes they leak just enough to cause a smell, but it's not visible. If it does leak, you can repair it with glue.

Cheers,
JohnA

[Type911]

There's an easy thing to check that frequently is the cause of your problem. Check the "black box" that is mounted in the trunk on the driver side of the car. Remove it and pressure test with water or air -- sometimes they leak just enough to cause a smell, but it's not visible. If it does leak, you can repair it with glue.

Cheers,
JohnA

+1

Michael does it feel like you are sitting right on top of an open can of gas while sitting in the drivers seat? If so, as John pointed out it could be
the "black Box" located near the drivers side hood strut that is cracked, or as was the case with my car, a breather hose that had come loose to the box.

[boxster03]

thanks for the info guys. After some investigation it appears that the leak is coming from the front around the fuel pump. I did not remove the bottom protecto plate but can tell it has been dripping from that area where the fuel pump is mounted. Next thing is to take it to my local wrench to get it up on the lift and pull the plate and find out whats leaking. When it comes to gas leaks I am going to leave it to a more skilled bunch.

[racemor]

I know I'm a little late to this thread, but here's my $.02:

I used to have a similar situation, especially after filling up. It turned out to be the big rubber connector hose that goes between the filler neck and the tank. It did not leak, but was just dry rotted enough to leak fumes. Once I replaced it the car has been fuel-smell free and no more headaches while driving.

[rgrimm]

Don't know the exact layout of a '70, but I had a pretty strong gas smell after filling all the way up. Turned out to be the gasket around the gauge sender on the top of the tank...

[TEC69E]

Hey Boxster03,

Changing your fuel line is a piece of cake and definately a DIY. Paul at Stoddards has the fuel line and Wurth USA can provide the Nora clamps.

Here's a good thread on the subject including some great input from our recently lost guru Warren Hall aka. Early S Man.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/showt...ferrerid=16769

Took me about 2 hours on my 69E which included removing the pump and lots of cleaning. I have yet to complete the engine-side lines, but that should be pretty straight forward too.

Hope this helps.

Tom

[boxster03]

Thanks again for all the info. It actually was the fuel pump o ring that was leaking. a non "sanctioned" repair was made to replace it. we will see if it holds. If not I will replace. I will also monitor the fume smell as that could be a different problem.