Drastic proposal for gas smell. Will this work?

[Joe Papa Sr]

Update: Disconnected those tubes as Tif and Eric suggested. Took a drive to the beach, and back (about 10 miles), and smell is still there, so Im thinking it is not to do with the vapor system. Am looking at the actual tube that the in tank pump pushed gas into. Kinda smells in that area now. I am narrowing id down, I think (hoping causiously).......

[ghnl]

OK, keep in mind your Spider has both a fuel supply and return system. Carefully inspect both. They run along the bottom of the right side of the car. Rubber hoses attach to steel fuel lines that are encased in a rubber covering. Maybe one (or more) of the steel lines has a small leak that is hidden by the rubber covering?

[bigpapajoe]

The car has been sitting on jackstands for a few days now and hasn't been started in a while, due to the current transmission job. The cabin does not smell of gas, and alot of places that normally do dont (maybe because it hasnt been started) but there is one area that flat out REEKS of gasoline...and that is here:



we pulled the gas tank awhile back and fixed a pinhole, but other than that the tank is in fine condition. what else could it be? that big black hose smells of gas too. any input will be greatly appreciated.


EDIT: its in the trunk, in case anyone didnt notice

[bigpapajoe]

The car has been sitting on jackstands for a few days now and hasn't been started in a while, due to the current transmission job. The cabin does not smell of gas, and alot of places that normally do dont (maybe because it hasnt been started) but there is one area that flat out REEKS of gasoline...and that is here:



we pulled the gas tank awhile back and fixed a pinhole, but other than that the tank is in fine condition. what else could it be? that big black hose smells of gas too. any input will be greatly appreciated.

[Roadtrip]

I can't remember what year your car is, but check every single fitting in the top of the fuel tank. The Spica cars' fuel return fitting hose is seldom replaced and can leak at the fitting in very small amounts since there is little pressure. However, a very tiny amount of fuel will smell to high heaven. Take a bit of kleenex and touch around the hose fittings and see if is sucks up any liquid. Also, remove all the carpet and other stuff that can absorb the gas smell while you're troubleshooting.

[Elio Comello]

That fuel feed line is not original equipment. Is it possible that it is a rubber for coolant applications and not accurate ID? If that black shiny hose is not a "gas line" rubber it could permeate smell. Also check the non OE clamp, they tend to pinch rather than compress like the Romablock OE's.

Best regards, Elio (a friend of your Dad)

[ghnl]

If you had one pinhole in the tank, what's to say you ain't got another? I'd suggest removing the trunk floor panel (over the gas tank) and inspecting the tank carefully. It could also be leaking along the seam where the top & bottom halves are welded together.

And check the gasket between the fuel level sender/outlet fitting and the tank. Replace any suspect hoses and use proper FI rated hose clamps ('worm drive' clamps like the one visible in the photo are not adequate for FI hoses).