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Fuel smell

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Perezoso Commited Dubber

59 posts · joined Oct 2012 ·

#983247
I get a very strong smell of fuel for about 70 k's after filling up, though when I check around the engine and battery tray it's all dry. I checked the fuel cap and have noticed that the fuel seems to be splashing back up against the fuel cap.
Is this the norm or is there something that can stop this happening.
I really don't want to catch fire!!!!

Dan
72 super beetle
74 rat panel van

Bizarre Moderator The artist formerly known as blue74l

12,789 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·

#983253
Is this in your bug or beetle?

Have you checked the seal around the fuel cap?
Futue te ipsum!!!

Camo Custom Title Time!

1,936 posts · joined Oct 2007 ·

#983256
I have had similar in my 61 Beetle. I found if I overfill (up near the cap) the fuel sloshes around and comes out of the breather hose just under fuel cap. It then blows backwards as driving and have the smell of fuel in the car.

Just my 2c.

Kev
I thought rebuilding a VW would be cheap - Shit I was wrong, just don't let the wife know !!!!

Click here for my (slowy) modded 1961 Beetle build.

hellbugged 48's and straight cuts

5,080 posts · joined Apr 2003 ·

#983260
Also check gasket area under the fuel level sender

Perezoso Commited Dubber

59 posts · joined Oct 2012 ·

#983287
Got too look at it today and all fuel lines are dry, no leaks. The fuel cap is a lockable plastic one and has a far amount of movement, ( locked but can spin an inch each way) I think it is to do with having a full tank and it splashing up to tge cap, problem is its near empty now so no smell, will fill her up tomorrow and try the process again.
Thanks for all your tips

Dan
72 super beetle
74 rat panel van

Bizarre Moderator The artist formerly known as blue74l

12,789 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·

#983307
I could fill mine right up and no smell.
That was a 75L so similar.

Lockable plastic doesn't sound standard.
I would be starting with getting an original steel one
Sound like a generic one size fits nothing.
Futue te ipsum!!!

beetleboyjeff Custom Title Time!

1,790 posts · joined Feb 2009 ·

#983322
The one on my 75 L bug is a lockable plastic one, and it doesn't leak. when I have had leaks (and only on a fullish tank), they have been the big hose between the cap & the tank, and the smaller hose off the T piece off this big hose. I would check these first.
From your ole' mate Jeff

Lucky Phil Wolfsburg Wizard

480 posts · joined Aug 2010 ·

#985265
All the rubber hoses around the tank can allow enough fuel out to make a stink, and still look dry.
Best bet is to pull the tank and replace them all in one hit.
That's what I wish I did, instead of replacing them one at a time.
The smell only went away after they were all replaced.

All new hose clamps are a good idea while you are at it.
And make sure the tank vent hose is replaced as well, and goes outside the car.

vduboy Insano Dub Head

702 posts · joined Oct 2012 ·

#985300
Lucky Phil wrote:All the rubber hoses around the tank can allow enough fuel out to make a stink, and still look dry.
Best bet is to pull the tank and replace them all in one hit.
That's what I wish I did, instead of replacing them one at a time.
The smell only went away after they were all replaced.

All new hose clamps are a good idea while you are at it.
And make sure the tank vent hose is replaced as well, and goes outside the car.
X2 I had a similar thing in my old s bug, had the crappy cloth covered hoses which hide all sorts of splits and cracks..
It will all be OK in the end, if it's not OK it's not the end!