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Fuel Fumes

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Sbug 71 Seriously Crusin Dubber

123 posts · joined Jul 2011 ·

#856214
Here's another one for the experienced Dubber,

I'm getting strong petrol fumes from the fuel tank of the super beetle. I suspect it could be to do with the fuel tank vent system. Has anybody had similar experience or could shed some light on the subject? Open to all suggestions.

Regards.

waveman1500 Also rides a Honda

1,346 posts · joined Dec 2009 ·

#856232
My advice is the following:
First, replace the seal around your fuel cap.
Second, replace ALL of the breather hoses. Don't bother checking them for cracks, replace everything.
Third, after you have done all of this it will probably still smell of fuel. Buy 98 octane fuel, it smells better. I have a slight preference for V-Power over Ultimate but they both smell better than 95! 😀
1972 VW S-Bug - For Sale!
1968-onwards Beetle panels and glass for sale

SebastienPeek Custom Title Time!

1,657 posts · joined May 2011 ·

#856234
Premium in anything, V-Power is the best!

I have read somewhere that anything above 1966, the valve seats and heads were able to utilise unleaded petrol without massive corrosion. Read it somewhere...
But regardless, I will forever use 98 octane in Zelda and whatever aircooled VW I will own from hereon in.

🙂
The sold one, '73 VW 1303 - Zelda
The project, '74 VW 1303 - Gretl

Sbug 71 Seriously Crusin Dubber

123 posts · joined Jul 2011 ·

#856354
I've always used Ultimate but that is about to change because I'm sick of waiting for a pump while the person in front pays for his fuel and orders a latte and foot long sub instead of moving his car to a parking bay.

I'll go ahead and replace hoses first and see how that goes.

Thanks yet again for the help.

Cheers.

68AutoBug Beetle Restorer - Experience over 138\% - YIKES --

11,654 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·

#856375
waveman1500 wrote:My advice is the following:
First, replace the seal around your fuel cap.
Second, replace ALL of the breather hoses. Don't bother checking them for cracks, replace everything.
Third, after you have done all of this it will probably still smell of fuel. Buy 98 octane fuel, it smells better. I have a slight preference for V-Power over Ultimate but they both smell better than 95! 😀
Yes
I use v-power usually or 98...
and I agree about the fuel hoses and breather hoses..
as You can't find the small cracks in the cotton covered hoses

once all those are replaced...

the fuel smell should disappear...

Lee
- Helping keep Air Cooled VWs on the road - location: SCONE in the Upper Hunter Valley - Northern NSW 320 kms NNW of SYDNEY---

Bizarre Moderator The artist formerly known as blue74l

12,787 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·

#856396
waveman1500 wrote:the condensing chamber thing under the dash? ks.
Do you mean the one that is in front of the air box on L bugs??

They were a 1975 thing only??

You can see it in one of the SBO links I posted
Futue te ipsum!!!

Sbug 71 Seriously Crusin Dubber

123 posts · joined Jul 2011 ·

#857269
Sorry Waveman 1500. I tried to get some decent photos but couldn't attach them. They weren't good photos anyway.

Basically there's 2 small hoses on the left and right sides of the tank. Each of these hoses goes to a white plastic tube (chamber) tucked way up behind the dash. When you overfill the tank the excess fuel is stored in the plastic chamber. When the fuel level drops it runs back into the tank. I've also read about a charcoal canister mounted towards the back of the car for the vapours to be stored and then fed to the carby but I haven't seen it on my car. Perhaps it was recently removed when the motor was rebuilt and the twin carbys fitted. I'd have to ask the engine builder.

Hope this helps. I'll keep trying with the photos to give you a better picture.

Bizarre Moderator The artist formerly known as blue74l

12,787 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·

#857273
If you are talking about this thing then you need to follow the steps in the SBO link I have posted

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Futue te ipsum!!!

Bizarre Moderator The artist formerly known as blue74l

12,787 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·

#857276
Correct - but I am talking about the "tube/condenser/chamber" thingie

They crack and stink of petrol
Futue te ipsum!!!

Sbug 71 Seriously Crusin Dubber

123 posts · joined Jul 2011 ·

#857454
It looks a bit different to that one and is hidden up behind the air box but I reckon it's the same sort of set up. I don't really want to replace it cos access is difficult but if it gets rid of the smell then I'll have to. Are these spares readily available from most VW parts suppliers?

1303Steve Scirocco Rare

8,650 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·

#857466
Hi

The filler tube can also act like a wick and stay constantly wet but not drip.

You could also have a leaking fuel tank.

Stev

Sbug 71 Seriously Crusin Dubber

123 posts · joined Jul 2011 ·

#861382
It was the 40 year old piece of 50mm hose that joins the filler tube to the tank. I replaced it with some hard core, high pressure oil hose from Clark Rubber. That was the only suitable thing I could find. No auto store in my area had anything suitable.

Bizarre Moderator The artist formerly known as blue74l

12,787 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·

#861412
That "may" do for a while, but keep an eye out for propper stuff

Some one may be able to answer

I replaced mine and it was a lot dearer than I thought
Think I got mine from Earls @ Silverwater
Futue te ipsum!!!