oh noes....petrol smell

[81AirCooled]

I'm in a bit of a panic mode atm as I noticed the smell of petrol in the back of the van this morning. I'd driven about 10 km, got out via the rear and all was fine but on return I noticed the smell of petrol in the rear when I returned 5 minutes later. There was no smell at the front around the tank and no smell outside (but it's a windy day). I did drive the 10 km home and again exited at the rear and again there was NO smell.

I shall check the fuel lines later when I get some time and if required change - would that be 5.5mm fuel line at the T pipe on a CU?

Could the mechanical fuel pump be on the way out and is this dangerous?

Thanks for any advice

[300CE]

Some info here on the wiki 81 - hope you get it sorted:

https://club8090.co.uk/wiki/Pe ... re_warning

[81AirCooled]

I've managed to check the fuel lines from pump to carbs and.they are fine. In fact they were replaced less than 2 years ago when the carbs were refurbed. There is no smell of petrol in the engine bay at the moment but I didn't have the engine running as I'm alone with the small toddler. There's no smell around the tank either but once the other half is back I'll take it for a run and attempt ti replicate.

Don't know if I'm more worried than before now I know hoses are ok.

[81AirCooled]

Took her out for another spin and tried to replicate but no real "luck". No smell in vehicle while engine is running and only the usual engine smell at the rear after 5 minutes standing still with engine off. No petrol smell though. Opened the engine bay and no smell or leaks at hoses or carbs while running and after standing a while I have to put my nose 2 or 3 inches next to the right hand carb to get a decent whif.
Nothing at all near the tank nor fuel pump.

Pretty sure all is ok, my nose must be becoming oversensiive after quitting smoking a couple of months back.

[harris121163]

hello I would check the breather pipes on the fuel tank you can check from the front wheels sometimes they just pop out and this gives the smell of fuel hope this helps

[AdrianC]

In fact they were replaced less than 2 years ago when the carbs were refurbed.

That's no guarantee. Modern fuel is very aggressive to fuel pipes, and a lot of pipe just doesn't last at all well.

[benlawlor85]

I have a similar problem. smells a little when stood, somthing wet around the carbs so im presuming its a lilttle leak there. but i will be replacing all fuel hoses after i have done the stuff on my current to do list. Fuse hose is cheap. Compared to a fire or even wasting fuel!!!!!

Hope you get it sorted and please report back if you do as if might be whats wrong with mine too!

[AdrianC]

Fuel hose is cheap.

The good stuff isn't. Buy the good stuff, unless you want to redo it in short order.

[CovKid]

Check fuel pipe where it enters the engine bay. Hidden pipes are often neglected and if you have any doubts, renew the lot.

[81AirCooled]

Thanks for all the advice, I'll be doing the annual oil change over the next few days so will get under her and take a look at the hose as it enters the engine bay, mybe it's been damaged or something. Like I mentioned though I haven't been able to replicate when I actuall tried and bar shoving my nose next to the carb I couln't smell a thing

[sendiw]

When I got my van I had a similar problem. I found that some Previous owner had fitted battery covers and used self tapping screws to secure them. These had gone straight into the expansion tanks. Them smell was coming from them.