Date: Fri, 16 Apr 2010 10:59:22 -0500
Reply-To: John Rodgers <inua@CHARTER.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: John Rodgers <inua@CHARTER.NET>
Subject: Re: Gas Smell
In-Reply-To: <j2teccfedcc1004160542vf15faa08n89731f0c6df961c5@mail.gmail.com>
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Any gas smell is scarey!
Could be some of the rubber hoses and fittings on top of the fuel tank
have rotted out, thus venting the tank to the atmosphere from openings
where it shouldn't. If it is a fuel tank problem this usually occurs
after filling the tank full or partway.
If not the fuel tank, the you must check each fuel line. Check the
pressure line first, from the tank back to the engine. Yo do not have to
start the engine, just turn the ignition on, but not to the start
position. You should hear the pump run for a fe moments. Then look for
leaks AND seeps. One place in particular is dificult to look at but
extremely important and that is where the fuel line from the front
attaches to the front side to the firewall fuel fitting, There is a
short rubber howe about 6 inches long that connects the plastic fuel
line to the fitting. That line will rot and leak. It is difficult to
see, and may require some disassemble around the engine to get to it.
Even if it is not leaking - you should replace this and bypass the
fitting through the firewall (if you can call it that) - because sooner
or later IT IS GOING TO LEAK. Better now than fire later. I replaced
mine and simply ran the new hose under the firewall, slipped a larger
hose over it for chafing protection, and tied it off with a safety tie.
For the rest of the pressure lines and the return lines, give them a
good visual inspection. You can cycle the fuel pump to keep the pressure
up by simply turning the switch on and off. If you haven't checked the
fuel lines in a while, be sure you inspect them for chafing. This is
something you should do at least once a month. The fuel lines will rub
and can have a hole wear through - BTDT!!.
Good luck.
John Rodgers
Clayartist and Moldmaker
88'GL VW Bus Driver
Chelsea, AL
Http://www.moldhaus.com
On 4/16/2010 7:42 AM, Michael Sullivan wrote:
> Been noticing an odor of gasoline for the last couple of days. Gonna check
> all hoses and the filter tomorrow, but wondering if there is anything else
> that I may check? I replaced all fuel lines 1.5 years ago. Happens when
> full or empty. No leaks found, but definitely not all in my mind. Only
> smell it right after I turn it off. Seemed it was stronger from rear PS
> wheel well, but now not so sure. Thanks.
> P.S. Fire extinguisher at the ready.
> Michael in San Antonio
> 91GL Weekender AT 2.1L 'Gringo'
> 73 Beetle
>
>
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