Hi all, I got me a new problem!

I filled the kombi's tank a few days back, and the inside of the car has been stinking of petrol ever since.

At first I thought I'd just overfilled and it would go away, but I've used half the tank since then, and it's as bad as before. It's not just a little fumey - it's disgusting!

The only places that smell are inside, and coming from the outside venty bit near the fuel cap. The engine bay smells fine, as does underneath, near the fuel pump.

I've checked all the fuel lines and they seem fine. (Although where the line goes through into the engine, I've only been able to suss by hand, but it feels ok, and I'm pretty sure the grommet is still intact)

I've stuck my arm into the circular hole in the engine bay, and the fuel filler tube seems fine. The cavity is full of very drydust, so there's no evidence of a leak there.

The only thing I can think of, is that my fuel tank breather lines may have gone psycho, or the fuel guage sender has completely come undone. (The fuel guage doesn't work, except to register a bit over empty when completely full, especiallywhen going around a corner)The only reason I think it might be them, is that I can't access them to check them out, because it's a 74. But I still don't see how these things would lead the inside of the car to smell, since there's no access to the fuel tank from there.

So if anyone has any ideas, I'd LOVE to know where to look. It's got me completely stumped.

And of course, I really don't wish to set myself on fire!!!!

Angela

I might be wrong but I suggest you replace the whole fuel line.Every time I buy a new dub I change the fuel line.Freinds have had petrol smells in there dubs, but when feeling the fuel line they felt alright until you really bend the line and they just crumble.New lines cost about 25 bucks and is really easy to replace.Good luck!

Hi ,
There are a couple of places in a Kombi that can cause fume problems besides the fuel lines.
1. the fuel filler elbow (immediately behind the petrol cap) This is prone to cracks Remove the petrol cap and look and feel This is about a $45 part and is a little tricky to replace let me know if you want to be talked through
2.fuel filler elbow. This is a slightly bent hose further down towards the tank. Sometimes they perish but you may be ok with retightening the clamps at each end.
3.finally the fuel vents lines these are steel pipes about 7mm dia with short lengths of rubber hose connecting them to the top of the tank 1/4" fuel hose works well with clamps. You will have to remove the firewall to access these. remove screws visible from inside engine bay and 2 screws from underneath, pry up tabs at top and pull top of firewall back to expose.
Also on left vent line up behind the spare wheel well , you have to do this one by feel
Jeff

I had the same experience a couple of years ago, no fuel smell in engine bay, but inside vehicle was real bad.
It turned out to be the elbow right at the filler neck. It had cracked right through.
Now when we fill up with petrol we dont rest the nozzle hard on the first bit of rubber in the filler neck.
It was $50 for a genuine German replacement, and took about 15 minutes to fit. Yes it is a bit tricky

Yeah Both my two Kombis ( one after the other in the last two years) required the fuel filler neck so it is the first thing to check. If it has'nt been replaced since new it will definitely need doing. the other things I mentioned should also be checked
Jeff

[Edited on 27-1-2003 by jeffh]

I must have been really lucky so far. With two kombis over 8 years I've only had to replace the butterfly section on one carby, and recently I had the brass fitting come loose from the fuel pump. Brad gave me a carby while I was at his place (:thumb) and the fitting didn't cost anything to re-fit, but I replaced the lines and filters anyway.

Ps. Aren't 1800 fuel pumps a bastard to get on/off?:o

Well guess what my car no longer smells like!!!! That's right - petrol!

Thanks for the advice guys. It turns out it was the rubber fuel filler neck bit. Can't afford the part just yet, so I siliconed it up. Only a temporary solution for a week or two, but I can breathe again!

Yippee!!!

Jeff, if you could talk me through the replacement procedure, that would be great. I'm planning on doing it soon, but it does look really tricky.

Thanks all,
Angela.

1st rule is to keep kids away. You'll be doing a tonne of swearing. Its bad enough with the engine out. Cant imagine what its like with the engine in place.

Hi Angela
Takes too long to write down and gets confusing ring me on 02 49714029 when you get the new part but before you disconnect anything and I will talk you through it. Helps to have some rubber grease(or personal lubricant) available
You should be able to do it in 15-20 minutes
regards
Jeff

[Edited on 30-1-2003 by jeffh]

and it helps if their are two people. Give me a ring if you want a hand.