Gas odors from speedster,but no leaks??

I just got my v.s. I have strong gas odor in my garage from the car but I don't know where it is coming from.The gas cap was shoddy so i added another gasket for a tighter fit since it would seap out when I turned...no leaks on the carbs...no gas on garage floor ...anybody have any clues...thanks....Joe

Mine does the same thing, a 1776 with dual ICT's. Smells for awhile and then the smell goes away in a few hours, think it must be gas in the carbs or just unburned gas fumes from the exhaust. I actualy think most of these things have the same malady! I assume the fumes go away in a couple of hours, if not, I'd start investigating.

Check the one-way valve from the gas tank neck in the trunk. If it was installed backwards, gas leaks out while you drive (especially with left turns) and seeps down into the front passenger wheel well. Most obvious when the tank is full. This will give you the gas odor. When you stop, and after a few hours, it dries and the odor disappears. I bought a '01 VS from the original owner. After several rides I noticed the same problem, and found out that the valve was backwards. Reversed the valve...end of problem. Just a thought.

Joe,

Does the smell present with a "Full Tank" or regardless the amount of fuel in the tank?

Originally my car had the "Fuel Smell Problem" when I filled the tank but once the fuel level "lowered" the smell disappeared.

This problem surfaces periodically by "New Speedster Owners" and when I got tired of "Fuel Smell" I asked the same question you have.

I thank "Johnny 2 Bolts" gave me the the answer to solve the problem.

I bought about 10-12 feet of fuel tank vent hose; attach one end to the vent tube/nipple off the filler neck below the Fuel Cap. Clamp the hose to the Fuel Vent tube/nipple.

Route the hose back towards the opposite direction from the fuel filler neck and back towards the "Fire Wall/Dash" and purposely put a "Loop" in the hose.

Use a wire tie to keep the "Loop" from separating and rout the leaving end of the "Loop" through the vent hose opening in the body/right fender area. Direct the hose inside the wheel well with the "Wiring Loom" and direct the remander of the vent hose toward the under side of the pan directing it toward the ground.

What I'm attempting to do is describe a "Vertical Trap" so the fuel primiarly stays in the tank not in the vent hose. Once the fuel leaves the vent hose you have a "Fuel Smell."

Did the fix one time and still is functional.

Good Luck,

Jack

No, the tank is only half full....carbs have no smell of gas...and the smell does not go away after a few hours....the garage door has a few inches of opening for vent but the gas odor doesn't go away.....I'll try the longer hose...anymore clues would be appreciated..thanks ...joe

It's not uncommon for cars with carbs to smell gasious... I'd keep lookin' for leaks to be on the safe side. Have you been feeling under carpets and such for wet spots?Traced the gas-line route front to back? Anything (drips)on the floor?

I personally like the 'car' aromas in my garage, it keeps my wife at a distance.

search this site. numerous people have corrected this problem
with a check valve available at the corner autopart store.

I've had leaks from the tank vent line also, but only on a full or near full tank. No valve in the vent line. I just extended the vent line outlet to BELOW the chassis. Problem eliminated.

Also had (still have) gas leaks at my carbs (dual Weber 44s). Needle and seat on one carb will NOT shut off gas supply with engine off. Been "repaired" at least three times. Finally installed a manual fuel shutoff valve on the fuel supply line in the engine compartment. Problem solved. Not a bad anti-theft device either, cause it is a small valve, hidden behind the engine cooling shroud, way down low. Only use it if engine is going to be off for several hours.

Don't ignore gas fumes. I've only seen three car fires in my life. Two were beetles! Total losses. You DON'T want that to happen inside your garage!

I contacted vintage,Kirk said it was the goose connection,sending another one....gas finally showed up on the floor..thank you all for your input and i will be adding an extra long vent hose....joe

It was the connection that screws on to tank at bottom...what a mess.....gas tank comes out to be about an 11 gallon tank...that's good to know...