Fuel smell

[MIR]

Recently purchased a “fresh from restoration” S1 3.8 FHC. After filling up the tank the fuel smell invaded the cockpit. All reachable hoses checked and readjusted, put smell continues. Emptied the tank to 1/2 and although better, it returns and most noticeable after a turn. Any tips ? I believe I need to remove the tank and take a closer look

[mgcjag]

See similar topics listed below.....Steve

[david muir]

Mine was same (many moons ago!). replaced sender unit and pump cork gaskets-smell gone! Do this before buggering around removing the tank! (If you 'have' to remove tank, you have to remove the central tank mount, certainly to get the tank in again).

[MarkS]

I had a similar problem when I filled the tank after it had been standing for a while. The cause was that the steel around the sump of the tank had rusted and perforated. This was because the rubber donut washer that goes around the sump had deteriorated. It protects the tank from grinding against the bottom of the car. -much worse after the tank is filled after a long period. The leaked petrol sloshes around underneath the tank. But its not so bad with only half a tank of petrol, because less pressure.
If it IS this problem, you will see leaked petrol at the base of the sump, under the car.
Take tank out to renew the donut (or install one that had not been installed during the restoration). Tank can be repaired with special tank sealant/glue, or replaced. I had mine welded.
(As above..). you have to take out the middle bracket holding the tank in. When putting it back in, renew the thick rubber washers on the brackets to prevent the donut taking all the weight.

[tinworm]

Favourite for (standard) 3.8s is the cable tube (re-inforced rubber/braided metal) down to the immersed pump rots - fuel smells come up through the gland on top of the tank. If you fill the tank right up you will see it leak from here.

Barrie