Club 80-90 Forums

Hello to everyone!

I've recently bought a 1983 2.0 petrol T25 hi-top which reeks of fuel inside. At first I didn't really think too much of it. I've been in a couple of VW campers before where I have noticed the smell of petrol inside, and I kinda thought this was a trend among them(!)

However, I'm starting to think that this isn't normal! It can be pretty strong, and at times quite unbearable! As far as I can tell there is no fuel leak. Has anyone come across this before? If so I'd really appreciate your advice, and I keep my fingers crossed there is nowt seriously wrong!!!

Cheers, James

Best make sure that none of the possibly leaking pipes are near the engine ...otherwise it might decide to go up in flames.

peasant wrote:Best make sure that none of the possibly leaking pipes are near the engine ...otherwise it might decide to go up in flames.

I've seen 2 burn to the ground... not a pretty site to see!!

Fuel pipes is only one of the possible causes of the smell the other unfortunately is the petrol tank which has a tendency to harbour water on top. This in time rots the tank from the outside. As a result when filled with petrol produces the strong smell. I would strongly suggest you check this soon and don't fill the tank.

i had the same on my 2000. strong smell, most of the time, sometimes not though. nothing smelling around the front of the van, only in the cab area.....
turns out it was the fuel line where it splits under the air filter assembly
p1551ng out onto the top of the spark plug lead...
think i am lucky still to have the bus somehow!
remove the airfilter assembly (quite simple) and get someone else to start up ya bus. hopefully you should see petrol weeping somewhere..
(my problem area was at the far right plug if that helps)?
good luck

We had a petrol smell a few years ago and the rubber grommets that retain the t-pipes (that link to the breather tanks) to the top of the tank had come lose

Ta muchly for all your replies guys.

Wow, where do I start?!!!! Well, I got my weekend planned out, and hopefully the problem is one that has been mentioned here! If not then it's a trip to the garage

JD drop your tank replace rubber grommits, all fuel lines and check the plastic filler pipe it comes in 2 pieces with a rubber type washer. Once this is all done you should be sorted and more importantly SAFE. Do NOT chance going camping and cooking in the van, as a fireman I know only to well the consequences. Rember SAFETY 1st.

also check that some moron harsn t drilled a hole or screwed a screw thro the inner wheel arch into the top of the tank - ive seen it before !

posted mobile via t-moooooobileee

So did you find what it was?

Mine also stinking and guzzling too. Been to garage no leaks but lots mechanical. Also told me not to fill tank keep it max 90%.

Had a new tank, etc still stinks.

Nope, I haven't a clue whats going on at the moment! I found a guy who only works on T25s and dropped it off 3 weeks ago. Still not heard owt from him!

I'm slowly losing faith in the van now as a couple of other things hav cropped up which need sorting out, and i'm kinda feeling i've bought a right old donkey

I'll keep y'all posted as things progress

Keep the faith.

Most people that buy vans seem to need to cure some problems in the first few months that the previous owner has ignored or lived with or driven around.

We had to do a few things to ours and had a few breakdowns but stick with it. It'll be worth it.

Ta for the support guys

I guess I got a little excited at owning my 1st van, n didn't really consider everything that goes with it. I should have realised with it bein 24 years old it wouldn't all be plain sailing, that problems are to be expected n money is to be spent.

Hang on a mo, am I confusin myself with marriage?

Know how you feel JD, Had mine just over a year and it has had new waterpump, alternator, solenoid, brake servo, fuel piping, and I think a new cambelt, too, (although that could have been my previous car).

I love it to bits though!

Cheers, Jill