Strong fuel smell

Post by **britab1967** » Thu Jun 04, 2009 1:08 pm

Hi All

Since we bought Sky, there has always been a smell of fuel inside the car, which at times can get very strong.

There was a stain on the tie plate below the carb, but since I changed the fuel pump and filter this has gone. There are no visible leaks looking under the bonnet or car with the engine running.
The boot smells of fuel but there is no obvious sign of leaks in there, the channel around the boot fixing being dry and dusty. I havent taken the wooden floor sections out yet to check for obvious holes.

Its a 948 and running between 34-38 mpg averaging 55-60mph runs and the fuel level doesn't drop noticeably when standing.

Any advice on what I should be looking for to cure the smell. This is the first Moggy I've driven, so not sure what is the norm.

Alison will always open a window when driving, which is ok this weather, but not for our normal summers.

The car must be set-up to cater for this as the drivers window always slowly falls as you drive

Post by **StaffsMoggie** » Thu Jun 04, 2009 4:02 pm

Hi, my Minor saloon used to suffer from a very strong petrol smell inside.

It turned out to be coming from the petrol tank, the cork gasket under the fuel gauge sender unit was perished. It can be changed without taking the boot floorboards out but its a fiddle, its much easier to take the boards out.

If the smell isnt coming from there, have a look under the car at where the petrol pipe screws into the tank, I have known them to leak there.

Another possibility is that the tank itself may be perforated somewhere, hopefully not though.

Post by **taupe** » Thu Jun 04, 2009 4:15 pm

Hi

Also check the braided hose from the pump to carb.

With the ignition on - so the pressure is there flex the pipe along its length.

They can look great on the outside and be horribly perished/split underneath. Even when only a year or so old.

Post by **bmcecosse** » Thu Jun 04, 2009 9:45 pm

The top of the tan k can develop small rust holes - and the filler pipe connection can perish. Best to find the source - with petrol smells !
Sure it's not 'oily engine' smell - from breathers blowing out fume ?

Post by **tingo** » Thu Jun 04, 2009 9:53 pm

I had that problem. The screws on the fuel sender in the top of the tank had not been tightened. I was advised to use a brass screwdriver rather than steel near petrol to lessen the chance of sparks.

Tightening the screws solved the problem.

Post by **britab1967** » Thu Jun 04, 2009 10:34 pm

Thanks for all of your replies, I will try and have a look tomorrow.
BMC - I'm sure it is fuel, and from the replies, the tank sender seems a favourite, although I'm not convinced that the filler pipe is of the right material and maybe porous.

I'll try and get the boards out and have a look, I had a quick attempt during lunch at work, but the screw heads have been destroyed.

StaffsMoggie: are you by the old bridge to Lea Hall?

Post by **StaffsMoggie** » Fri Jun 05, 2009 11:28 am

britab1967 wrote:Thanks for all of your replies, I will try and have a look tomorrow.
BMC - I'm sure it is fuel, and from the replies, the tank sender seems a favourite, although I'm not convinced that the filler pipe is of the right material and maybe porous.

I'll try and get the boards out and have a look, I had a quick attempt during lunch at work, but the screw heads have been destroyed.

StaffsMoggie: are you by the old bridge to Lea Hall?

Yes thats me, with a random collection of old relics!

I had the same trouble with my boot boards, it took some doing to get the screws out as I didnt want to be using a drill with petrol fumes about!

Lee

Post by **britab1967** » Fri Jun 05, 2009 1:39 pm

Ha, thought so.

Often admired them as we cross to walk the dogs.

We're at the top of the hill in Ashtree Bank.

Post by **StaffsMoggie** » Sat Jun 06, 2009 12:07 am

britab1967 wrote:Ha, thought so. Often admired them as we cross to walk the dogs.

We're at the top of the hill in Ashtree Bank.

So thats who you are! We often admire yours when walking past to get a paper.

Hope you sort out your fuel smell problem, it is a common one, my money is on the sender unit seal.

If you need a hand with anything just come and knock the door, there is usually one of us in.

Lee.

Post by **AndrewSkinner** » Sun Jun 07, 2009 1:13 am

Hi britab1967

Havent been on here for ages so thought i would come on and see if I could help anyone

Had exactly the same problem, fuel stains under the carb obv means that there is a leak on or near the carb. mine turned out to be a faulty float in the chamber. although it looked ok, wasnt full of fuel and was adjusted properly, it still leaked, only a new float and valve fixed the problem!

hope this helps