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Fuel smell
Perezoso - February 13th, 2014 at 04:13 AM

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

Bizarre - February 13th, 2014 at 06:11 AM

Is this in your bug or beetle?

Have you checked the seal around the fuel cap?

Aussie Dubbin - February 13th, 2014 at 07:18 AM

What about the age and condition of hoses between tank and filler. They are a common culprit

Camo - February 13th, 2014 at 07:58 AM

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

hellbugged - February 13th, 2014 at 08:27 AM

Also check gasket area under the fuel level sender

Perezoso - February 13th, 2014 at 04:51 PM

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

Bizarre - February 13th, 2014 at 08:41 PM

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.

beetleboyjeff - February 13th, 2014 at 10:29 PM

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.

Lucky Phil - March 6th, 2014 at 08:20 PM

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 - March 7th, 2014 at 11:46 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Lucky Phil
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..