[Del]

It is really important to check the fuel lines atop the engine, as they can start leaking all of a sudden and spray fuel everywhere. Had that happen once when I had scheduled to check the lines of the S for cracks, and general wear and tear. I had wiggled one of the lines going to the injector manifold, and bingo, spray. Boy, was that scary seeing fuel spraying at ~45 psi with the engine running. Needless to say that car didn't move an inch until all the lines were replaced with new efi hose and proper clamps. Even with good hose, the heat in the compartment just cooks the plasticizers right out of the hose, making it brittle.

In fact, Alfa HAS been known for many years for using CRAP for fuel lines. I've seen a few Alfas with burned out engine compartments. Has anyone EVER had to check a Toyota for crummy fuel lines? I'll bet not. My first Alfa, a Sprint GT, had some sort of clear green plastic hose (factory supplied) between the fuel pump and the carbs. That cracked one day as I was driving, spraying fuel on the distributor. Car started to run crappy, I stopped and popped the hood with the engine running, and there was fuel everywhere. Have no idea why everything didn't just explode.

BTW, another source of fuel smell is seepage around the little bolts holding the fuel pump mount plate to the top of the tank. Not at all obvious, but doesn't take much seepage to get the smell. Use little o-rings under the bolt head to seal them.