RE: A smelly Stag

[Richard Hudson <richard.hudson@domain.elided>]

Dean

"In my opinion" it would be worth checking that the fuel lines are not
leaking while under pressure. Firstly take extra precautions when
working with the fuel system, do not wear overalls that might create
static shocks. Have an extinguisher nearby and keep all naked flames etc
well clear.

Switch on the ignition (but not the engine). The fuel pump should then
fill the fuel lines and slightly pressure the system. The pump will stop
clicking when the system is full. If it continues to click for more than
30 seconds you are either out of fuel, or the system is not pressurising
due to a leak between the pump and the carbs.

Then check the fuel lines for a fine spray leaking from a small hole or
loose clamp etc. I used a mirror as it was easier "for me" to see the
fine spray hitting the surface of the glass. A fine spray of fuel will
stink to high heaven but will not dampen the hose due to rapid
evaporation of the petrol.

I found mine to be leaking past the fuel line union where it attaches to
the pump. The bolt was not loose but the fibre washers were well past
their best.

Good luck

Richard Hudson
73 Auto White Stag





	-----Original Message-----
	From:	Stan Barnett [SMTP:S.A.Barnett@domain.elided]
	Sent:	19 October 1998 14:13
	To:	Dean Lewsam
	Cc:	stag@domain.elided
	Subject:	Re: A smelly Stag


	    When this happened to me, it turned out to be a pinhole
	in the base of the tank caused by localised rusting. The
	amount of fuel coming out was only sufficient to dampen 
	the outer wall of the tank but enough to make the car stink
	of petrol,
	       Stan Barnett.


	On Mon, 19 Oct 1998 17:40:49 +1000 Dean Lewsam
<deanlew@domain.elided> wrote:
	>Hi Folks,
	>
	>Would be interested in your comments on a small yet annoying
problem. My
	>'76 Stag smells of petrol almost constantly. I cured an earlier
problem
	>which was the rubber hose that bends around the firewall
connecting the
	>steel fuel line underneath the car and the lead line to the
engine. I
	>thought this would solve the problem but alas, not to be. The
smell seems
	>to be quite prominant in the boot area but after a thorough
search, there
	>appears to be no visible leaks around the fuel pump, fuel tank
or the
	>cannister system. The overflow tube seems O.K. at the top and
is not
	>leaking either. Any suggestions on where to next ?? Does it
mean fuel tank
	>out and further inspection underneath ??  Is there any value in
renewing
	>all the lines and unions even when they appear dry ???
	>
	>Many thanks,
	>
	>Dean 
	>Sydney, Australia 


	S.A.Barnett,
	Deputy Director of Estates,
	Estates Department,
	University of Kent,
	Canterbury,
	Kent, CT2 7NN.

	Tel: 01227 823612
	Fax: 761404