Petrol smell

[pip]

There is a strong petrol smell coming in the car.Its an unleaded 1098 ,so I was told(how can you tell)It seams to be missing as well.Also the Missus says she can hear a clicking of the fuel pump loudly while still driving?????

Pip

[Gareth]

Hello there!

The fuel pump (especially if it is a new one, it seems) does tick rather loudly. I can only just about hear it when driving, but it's quite pronounced when idling.

For the petrol smell, check all fuel lines and joints - if there's a leak that could also be why the pump appears to be working harder than it should.

If the engine is missing, then an overhaul of the ignition system sounds in order - new plugs, points, leads &c. Unless, it's just starvation, at which point the carb', float chamber and those fuel pipe joints should be checked again!

As for finding out the engine size - have a look at the engine number. It's on the left hand side of the engine, as you stand looking from the front of the car. I think it should start with 10M... if it's a 1098. If not, it will be 9M which is the 948.

I'm sure someone will tell you if I'm wrong... Ask Willie - he knows everything!

Good luck and...

[newagetraveller]

Underneath the bonnet you should find the petrol pump connected to the float chamber of the carburettor by means of a flexible pipe. Some possible causes of trouble are:

1. The flexible tube is leaking at one of its ends.

2. The float chamber contains a float. This controls a valve which stops petrol coming into the chamber from the pump when the petrol in the chamber reaches a certain level.
If either the float in the chamber is leaking or the valve is faulty then the petrol in the float chamber will overflow. This will also cause the mixture to be too rich and may cause mis-firing.

3. A faulty petrol pump will continue to pump petrol out even though the valve at the entrance to the float chamber is closed. The petrol will escape all over the place.

In addition a smell of petrol inside the car can be caused by a leak in the petrol tank at the back of the car. This could be typically due to a leaking seam in the tank or a leaking filler tube.

This will be much more noticeable when the tank is full.

Unleaded petrol is more likely to leak from the tank than leaded petrol. It used to be possible to fix a leaking tank from the inside with a special sealant when only leaded petrol was used but this does not work with unleaded petrol.

[Gareth]

That's better - a proper technical reply!!

[newagetraveller]

Thanks for the complement!

[tuning72]

Hi
It would take pages to cover all causes. But here are two that people often overlook . The very hot weather does highlight one fault with the minor. has the engine an exhaust sheild fitted on the carb. flange? During hot weather and therefor hotter than normal running temperture, the fuel tends to vapourise very easily. The shield is essential in these conditions. Absense Causes miss-fire and smell of petrol fumes. The other has been mentioned. The float chamber "Needle Jet" The float level tends to be higher during hot summers. Check the float shut off height. Same symptoms. Both would cause the fuel pump to work hard..........................Ivor.....................

[pip]

New agetraveller,you get first prize.Checked it out in work this morn,dodgey pipe @ pump end.Cheers guys.

Pip

[pip]

I almost for got.The clicking is the tappets,only drove the car properly for the first time today.Going to check plugs etc too.

Pip