Fuel Smell

[money markets]

I have a 1979 450 SL, and last fall out of nowhere there was a strong fuel odor, inside the car and in the trunk. Got a new Fuel Distributor, had the fuel injectors cleaned, and replaced the fuel injector seals. The odor was eliminated from the passenger compartment, but remained in the trunk. This spring I had the Vent Valves replaced at the Charcoal Canister under the hood as well as the one next to the gas tank. I also had the Fuel Vapor expansion tank replaced. The odor is still there, and it's fairly strong - whether the car is on or not. Any idea what could be the real culprit?

[maheath]

Replacing the gas cap cures this a lot of times. It might also be a leak somewhere in the fuel pump assembly.

usually the rubber braided hoses behind the panel in the trunk are to blame. they are easily repaired take off the panel; remove plastic aux fume tank 2 screws under panel under top cover.
think 6 hose lines and clamps can get hose from local auto store
should help
i have 82 and 76 sl's restoring and i fiound almost all rubber parts on the car are dry rooted so i am working to repale all rubber seals,hoses shocks idle arm, drag links and bushings
this stopped the smell in my car and cost about 5-10 dollars with clamps and 20 minutes

[slsmag]

Jon -

The fuel filler tube/neck, if original, is over 24 years old - and is made of steel... look for corrosion under the rear quarter panel/fender by the fuel door.

Even small spots of rust-through will allow fumes to escape the gas tank - and since the filler cap is blocking the only access to the outside world, the fumes will look for ways out of the fender area... closest path - directly to the trunk. Oh yeah... do not look for the corrosion using a lit match.

- michael

[erubin]

One quick and easy check to make is to open the tank filler flap immediately after taking it for a drive especially after filling and when you smell the gas. If you see/touch gas in the filler area arround the drain hole you have either a bad cap or the filler tube to gas cap gasket mating surface is bent. The upper part of the filler tube flange that engages with the pump nozzle can get deformed from pushing down too hard on the gas pump nozzle/handle.

[slsmag]

Originally posted by erubin
The upper part of the filler tube flange that engages with the pump nozzle can get deformed from pushing down too hard on the gas pump nozzle/handle.

Exactly!