Gasoline fumes in the trunk

[computerworks]

Originally Posted by olddog

I tried to up load pictures tonight but failed misserably. It keeps saying that the pictures were successfully uploaded. I keep searching for them and cannot find them.

More than likely, your pictures are too big for the Gallery.
Read this thread for some guidance...

ron
ClubCobra Moderator

[olddog]

Thanks computer works. I'll get them in tomorrow night.

[Rick Parker]

I once had a minute (very small) crack in the floor of my tank. It leaked enough occasionally to cause a fuel type odor too, once I located it I had it welded.

[olddog]

EFI Fuel pump - supply, return, and vent



Sending unit



Uderside of gas cap



Return line goes to fuel pump. Vent from fuel pump comes over and ties to original tank vent, then goes out to wheel well.



Another shot of fuel pump. Fuel line goes to left, then down through floor, where filter sets on frame under the trunk.



Fuel cap opened

[olddog]

Originally Posted by Rick Parker

I once had a minute (very small) crack in the floor of my tank. It leaked enough occasionally to cause a fuel type odor too, once I located it I had it welded.

Previous owner was very honest with me. He told me every flaw, before I saw the car. He said when he put the fuel pump in for the EFI, he pulled the tank - had it cleaned and pressure tested. I'm pretty sure the tank is good.

[olddog]

The carpet that goes up over the rear axel area seemed glued down and would require pulling lines or cutting around them. I shampoed that carpet and did not replace it. I tried getting my snout in there to smell it and thought it was ok. I'll try again. Maybe it had more fumes in it than I thought.

[vettestr]

Hey Dog,
If you are not using a cap inside the flip cap we have found SOME if not all your fumes. That is a vented cap, look for the little 1/8 hole in the top metal portion. It is designed to be vented and a fair amount of fumes can come out in a warm garage. I use a rubber expansion plug like I suggested you get to test with. The flip cap will close and seal over the expansion cap. Call me if you think you have a ? or 2. Hell call during biz hours on my 800 line 866 811 7461 Ask for jeff c

[MaSnaka]

It looks like you have a ground wire connected to your gas cap's underside. Is it necessary to ground the gas cap? Thanks

John

[vettestr]

Grounding the gas cap is a very good idea for static spark and fire reasons. The hose between the cap and cell/tank looks to be conductive gas filler hose also. A radiator hose or whatever may work as far as the hose part goes but true filler hose is conductive and has a specific fuel rating.

[GlynMeek]

You might also put some kind of sealant all around the underside of the fill vent in case there is a gap there. Mine was not a perfect fit, even with a tight rubber washer under the cap, and whenever I filled it up, a slight amount of gas would seep inside there!

Glyn

[olddog]

Putting a plug in the pipe bellow the gas cap stopped the fumes. I let it set for a while to be sure. Then I drove it. There is still a hint of smell in the carpet. I'll shampo it hopefully that will take care of it.

Glyn Meek mentioned the seal of the cap inside the trunk to the fender. I suspect this is not sealled well on my car and that was the path into the trunk. With the pipe itself sealed (plug added), that stops the leak. I would like to take this appart this winter and seal it up. What is the best method? RTV products up to gasoline? Rubber gaskets?

Thanks to all for the help.

[pgermond]

Originally Posted by pgermond

I used Permatex Aviation form-a-gasket on all areas of the tank and have never had an issue.

Good luck.

This stuff has worked for me - no problems at all.

[vettestr]

Hello Dog,
Glad the rubber expanding plug worked to seal the major fumes for you. An insert or new base adapter with a gas cap is the ultimate fix and is also available with a locking gas cap. Short of replacing the base adapter to accept the cap the plug does work and is a fix for 3 bucks.

The base does need to be sealed to the body, a gasket can be made from Buna sheet rubber and simply cut one out using the base as a pattern. RTV is the short cut fix and the Ultimate Grey is good with gas. RTV works but is tough on paint, it is under the cap so not seen I agree but buna gasket is a better fix I believe.

Try putting a drip pan full of charcoal briquettes in the trunk for a few days with plug installed. It may pull the fumes out enough to make OK as they absorb the fumes. Hope it works but shampoo carpet if not.
Jeff C

[Rick Parker]

OldDog: I was looking at your pictures. Are you sure that the large filler hose is fuel rated? And the small vent hose without the clamp or AN fitting too. The large hose will usually have a colored stripe on it as a visual cue. There are stains in the exterior of the hose that may have some indication of weeping or leakage. BTW RTV is not for use with fuel.

Correction: It has been pointed out through a PM to me that Gray RTV is Fuel Rated. My oversight....

[REAL 1]

A small tennis ball under the filler cap. Cuts down the fumes. Just remember to remove it before you drive.

[olddog]

Vettestr - thanks for the tips. I plan to pull it apart this winter and at least add a gasket.

Rick - I will add the hose clamps on the vent lines and I will look into the large fill hose, when I take it apart. The stripe you mention may be turned to the back. I'll see what a mirror and flashlight shows. Thanks for the input.

I'm not 100% sure I have found all the sources of the fumes. When the trunk lid is closed for a day the fumes are stronger than when it is open, but that may be coming from the carpet and padding.

[hey,littlecobra]

I've had a tennis ball under the gas cap for years, and Gary did before me. I just leave it there. What is the purpose of removing it before you drive??
I'm very interested in knowing if i'm doing something not correct.
thanks!
Kristen