EVIL petrol smell..........

J

jakone

Well-Known Forum User
Okay, so I bought my dream car (check my other thread for eBay silliness) and it's fantastic!
BUT..........(there's always at least 45 of those..)

It really hums of petrol.....badly. Is it..
a) the triple Dell'ortos are runing super rich? (at leat 1100 at idle)
b) the heater matrix is missing and I'm getting pure engine fumes into the cabin?
c) I should stop pouring petrol over myself before I drive it?
d) None of the above?

Any knowledge would be received with pleasure. I know nothing and am in your power.....

Thanks :)
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Get it sorted ! Jackone & quick! ( I can smell it from here.) Get it looked at,the
last thing you want is an under bonnet fire.
Regards DJZ 60.:rolleyes:
 
Are you sure it's not coming from the tank?

I had that problem when my tank vent was perished, is it worse when the tank is filled?

If it's definitely fuel and not exhaust fumes then I would expect to see fuel leaking somewhere e.g. carbs, fuel lines, tank etc.

Tickover is too fast but if it was running very rich (lots of fuel) then it would probably hesitate and stall.

If you are not mechanically minded then a car like this (old and non-standard)will be a problem.

I think advice from a local member would be the best option to start with, go along to a local meet if poss.

Whatever you decide the fuel issue needs sorting quickly for safety reasons. If it's that bad a local reputable garage should be able to diagnose the problem fairly easily (even if they can't fix it so easily).
 
Take it off the road until you can check the fuel system. Don't take any chances.

If it goes up in flames you'll regret not doing it. Especially if you're in it at the time...
 
Will take it into a local tomorrow....Rob-thanks for that. It's definately petrol and not exhaust fumes-it smells like it when just sitting there!
No loss of fuel that I can gather from anywhere-nothing on the garage floor before I take it out and nothing when it's sitting on the drive idling. Does seem to be coming from the engine though....rather than the tank...will get it sorted. Thanks for your help one and all!
 
I have a petrol smell on my 300 Z31 and am not driving it till it's found don't take any chances, get it sorted. My Webers on my 240z smell of fuel abit but there are no leaks but the smell should not be overpowering.

Nick.
 
Right....so I think I might have been a bit thick-I've just realised that it doesn't have a proper fuel filler cap-just one of those crappy tempory ones, and having just looked at it it doesn't appear to fit very well....where on earth am I going to get one of those? I think that's a good place to start at any rate..I'll not be driving it until I've got one. Does that make sense of the smell?
 
Well, it won't help, and it's true that the tailgates draw in fumes (make sure all seals and plugs are in good nick) and the cars often do pong a little bit of fuel, but if you've got a strong whiff that smells like petrol rather than exhaust I'd have a damn good look at it.
 
Okay.so it's off to be sorted/checked on friday. Not too far away but will be buying a fire extinguisher before I leave. Thanks for all your words of help. Found a fuel cap as well..
 
I wouldn't mind betting that fumes from the filler are coming in due to a poor hatchback seal (common). Drive it with the windows shut and the fan on, and top heater control in the 'Vent' position, that way you pressurize the cabin. Also on my 240 there are push/pull levers under each side of the dash to allow fresh air into the footwells. You may have these on your 260, if so pull them towards you.

It will all help I think.
 
Funnily enough, after a couple of "petrol onto headers" moments over the years I carry two extinguishers. One in the boot, and one grabbable from the drivers seat!

Crispy Lamb? I don't think so...
 
Ah ha!

Always check all the jubilee clips........found one that was less jubilee and more christening....still taking it in tomorrow in my fire suit with a bucket of water for a passenger!

Promise to get some pics up as soon as as well....
 
Hi had this one before in my samuri and bloody drove me mad. Carbs were running rich and the fumes were drawn back into the car at the rear lights rubber seal mine was all pershied bought some new ones and stoped the smell.
 
Not Water !!

Assuming your jokin Jakone ! PLEASE don't even think about throwing water on a fuel fire,,,,,you will be crispy ! :-( (happened to a friend in panic) CO2 or Halon or other "fuel friendly extinguishers" I realize I may be being a bit OTT but I'd rather be called that than watch someone go through that agony again ! :D :D
 
Sorted!

Ahhhh...thanks! I was joking but the fact that you care is enough for me ;)

Drove it back from being sorted and it's a million times better. Fuel smell was the loose clip. I shall be checking them everytime I go out. Twice. Maybe even three times...does that make me a lady then??? :D

It's all working nicely now, got it's little tail out today for the first time as well. Think I might need some driving lessons on how to do that..:eek: before I wrap it 'round a tree like a dork....mmmmmmmmmmdorky....
 
Great news Jak ! Good to hear you didn't take offence at my reminder,,,,it wasn't meant as such :) Aint it nice to fix a niggly problem like that though ? Put's a nice warm feelin in the tummy !! Take care. Reid. :S30: (hopefully soon):)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top