Strong petrol smell after filling up

[warb21]

This morning my Traveller smelled quite strongly of petrol inside when I opened the car doors. Only thing different was that yesterday I filled up to the point of excess fuel spilling out of the pipe(mistake, I know).

I thoroughly cleaned the spilled petrol off the rear wing/panel straight away but could the fuel have gone somewhere else and hung around? Smell has lasted all day - might even still be there and I've just got used to it!

I'm only 8 days into ownership after a 20 year gap. I can't remember if this is normal, and if it's anything to worry about.

Any advice valued

[lambrettalad]

No it's not normal ,let it run down to three 1/4's full and see if smell persists ,have a look at the neck of the tank for little holes where the neck joins the tank ,or a loose clip

[ASL642]

Don't worry. The smell will go in a few days. This does happen if you overfill. The smell is especially noticeable in a Traveller as the boot compartment is open to the passenger area. I've done it! Just remember not to do it again!

BUT as above do check just in case there are any holes.

[bmcecosse]

All along the top of the fuel tank can be perforated with rust holes - from condensation on the roof of the tank, over the years. Lift the timber floor and inspect urgently.......and NO smoking! I would not want to use the vehicle at all like this......it's a potential bomb!

[warb21]

Thanks, will do that in the morning. I'm a non smoker!
Appreciate the replies.

[DAVIDMCCULLOUGH]

The gasket on the sender can also perish and petrol can seep out when it is filled right up as the petrol is sitting higher than the sender. I had to replace the one on my traveller last year. The floor boards can be fiddly to remove but the sender is is an easy job, just 6 screws. Always use some instant gasket the sealer along with the new gasket.

[dalebrignall]

do the sender gasket 1st , my tank used to leak at the join ,so i had a new one .