Ron Seegars

[Ron Seegars, Sr]

1981 280SL 107R: When driving this car, I notice a gas odor. I have checked for leaks around the engine, fuel pump, gas tank, hoses, etc to no avail. Could the gas cap possibly have something to do with it. If you remain seated in the car several minutes after turning it off, you still smell the gas vapor.

[nobby]

Originally Posted by Ron Seegars, Sr

1981 280SL 107R: When driving this car, I notice a gas odor. I have checked for leaks around the engine, fuel pump, gas tank, hoses, etc to no avail. Could the gas cap possibly have something to do with it. If you remain seated in the car several minutes after turning it off, you still smell the gas vapor.

The quickest test / fix is a $14 gas cap.

If it continues then I suggest replacing the hoses to your expansion tank which is mounted on top of the fuel tank.

Do you have a charcoal canister? If so, the fuel tank spews excess tank pressure to that.

If not....then you might have a line from the expansion tank near the rear with a PRV which will vent to atmosphere.

Has it always smelled or did it just start?

[Ron Seegars, Sr]

Nobby:

I do not have the charcoal cannister. Has it always smelled? No, but it sat under a shelter for 10 years without running. I got it back going by taking the fuel tank out and emptying all the old gas plus a clean up on the tank. Replaced fuel pump, filter, and lines. It has been running very well since last September. When I take the gas cap off, a lot of pressure blows out from the tank. Sometimes the gas cap is a little hard to twist off when I fuel up. The hoses to the expansion tank seem to be okay. Do you still suggest a gas cap replacement? Thanks.

[nobby]

Originally Posted by Ron Seegars, Sr

Nobby:

I do not have the charcoal cannister. Has it always smelled? No, but it sat under a shelter for 10 years without running. I got it back going by taking the fuel tank out and emptying all the old gas plus a clean up on the tank. Replaced fuel pump, filter, and lines. It has been running very well since last September. When I take the gas cap off, a lot of pressure blows out from the tank. Sometimes the gas cap is a little hard to twist off when I fuel up. The hoses to the expansion tank seem to be okay. Do you still suggest a gas cap replacement? Thanks.

If you have that kind of of pressure then your cap is probably doing it's job.
You should have a vent line from the expansion tank to atmosphere somewhere in the rear. There should be a pressure relief valve somewhere.

[Ron Seegars, Sr]

Going to work on it this weekend. Will let you know what I find from your valued suggestions. Thanks Nobby.