Fuel smellIf

[carnut]

i,m getting a strong smell of petrol in my mk2 Stag. Had new tank about 7 years ago, never fill fuel to the top, can’t see anything wrong with visible pipe work? What is the best way to check the tank? Is there a sealer I could use? If so can you suggest a good make please. As you can gather I am not particularly mechanical!

[grumpy2]

there's a tank breather pipe thats almost hidden by the filler pipe. Open the book, remover the side trip on the right hand side and you'll see the filler pipe. its about 3 inches in diameter and connects the filler to the tank. Look or feel carefully behind the large pipe and there should be a thing pipe, about half an inch in diameter connected to the filler - it vents the petrol vapour to atmosphere via the filler. Sometimes comes adrift and makes the car stink of fuel. Big clue is a worse smell inside the boot.

[RobinLegin]

Also might be worth checking the return at the top of the fuel tank. It is meant to be a return for fuel injected cars. It should be blocked off. In my case the rubber had perished completely allowing the nut attached to stop fuel and odours leaking out, to roll freely around the boot. The smell was terrible inside the car, especially after a run out.

[Sarge66]

had the same problem as Robin when I bought the car 4 years ago. Blocking of this small pipe cured the problem.

Noel

[carnut]

Many thanks to Grumpy,Robin and Noel. The weather is a bit rough here at the moment so will leave it a few days before I check these ideas out.

[Markvh]

Hi, I hope it’s ok jumping in on somebody else’s topic. I too get a petrol vapour smell. The strongest vapour smell appears to come from around the fuel filler cap. I’m not convinced the seal presses down over the neck. The seal is a white hard plastic disc. Is this correct or should there be a black rubber pad flitted over the white plastic? Thanks.

[DJT]

No plastic disc. Should be a metal disc,over which sits a rubber seal: http://www.ldparts.co.uk/shop/shop.p...6860d6260ea912

Are you also sure that the vent/drain pipes are all there and fitted correctly?

[malc4d]

Black rubber seal.

https://rimmerbros.com/Item--i-725414

https://rimmerbros.com/Item--i-GRID005212

[022Dave]

Hi, I hope it’s ok jumping in on somebody else’s topic. I too get a petrol vapour smell. The strongest vapour smell appears to come from around the fuel filler cap. I’m not convinced the seal presses down over the neck. The seal is a white hard plastic disc. Is this correct or should there be a black rubber pad flitted over the white plastic? Thanks.

Hello Mark,

Have a look at this fuel cap seal:

http://www.ldpart.co.uk/shop/shop.php?c=viewproduct&pid=327&cat=75&maincat=5&start=0&sid=sidc6612f2d8f02f93b017662b8f4ec2a3a

It's important that it is fitted, and I believe it is also looked at as part of the MOT test.

Dave

[Markvh]

Thanks all, I’ll have another look at this ‘plastic, disc and get a seal on order.

[Goldstar]

I believe it is also looked at as part of the MOT test.

Dave

Assuming you put your car in for one....

[022Dave]

Assuming you put your car in for one....

Ah yes; I see your point! I will, but others might not.

Dave

[Ctwidle]

I seem to remember that there is also some sort of overflow pipe that goes through the floor in front of the tank. When I bought mine I found this pipe was too short and stopped inside the wheel well. I was able to gain sufficient access to it by loosening the fuel tank securing bolts and moving it aside. Can’t remember if I used new fuel hose to replace it or simply extended it. I do remember applying some sealer to the outside to stop it from retreating inside again.
chris

[Guerpillon]

A little bag of charcoal in the boot will attenuate the petrol smell always a little present

[Markvh]

A little bag of charcoal in the boot will attenuate the petrol smell always a little present

That's a good idea. Do you have more details of that and I'll try it. (amount of charcoal, powder, lumps, type of bag etc). Thanks.