Do all spiders smell of fuel?

[Torxx]

Do all spiders smell of fuel or exhaust? I am not sure what is causing the odor or where it is coming from, raw fuel or exhaust. It smelled prior to removing the emissions equip and adding new carb, and still does after. The garage smells like gas, and I often notice it my cloths after a drive.

I moved the crankcase hose to fit in the carb filter, verdict is still out on whether that helped any (pic shows prior location of crankcase hose). I also notice a strong gas smell when under the car near the gas tank near the filler hose tube, but no visible fuel leaks though. '79 Spider. Any ideas?

[So Cal Mark]

raw fuel and exhaust are too very different odors. I can't tell from your pic, did you remove the evaporative cannister? Is the line from the tank capped? I'd lift up the carpet and check the fuel line for leaks, it's common to find the hard line rusted through where the clamps fit against the floor

[perthling]

No, mine smells of hot burning oil (leaking onto the exhaust manifold), hot coolant (leaking from near the heater core) and damp carpet...

Nice engine bay BTW. Check your exhaust junction where the manifold goes from 4 to two. That gasket can fail and result in exhaust leaks. You can tell if it's failed by putting your hand near the join when the engine is running and feeling for a puff of hot air.

[mdrburchette]

Mine only smells of fuel if I flood the carbs. I did have that smell when the filler hose finally gave up the ghost but couldn't find the leak until there was a puddle on the ground.

[mbouse]

the normal route for the fuel line and return line for the '79 & '80 (and others) goes thru the cabin right next to the driver's seat, on the floor between the seat and the door.

great spot to rust and rot. any chance your fuel lines are rotten and are beginning to leak?

[Torxx]

I took the car out for a spin yesterday, and noted the exhaust smell was strong (in the cabin) if I stepped into the gas and open up the carb, and then when decelerating the exhaust fumes seem to draw back into the car. I got under the car and sniffed around both sides of the driver rear (around tank filler tube and fuel line) and it smells of fuel. Is that normal??, no signs of leakage.

Charcoal filter gone, there is third hard line that in disconnected on both ends (engine bay to rear).

[Tappy]

I had a simular problem , it was solved for me by reconecting the hoses to the carb air filter ....

[pope]

the charcoal filter really helps with sending the gas fumes back to the carburator or throttle body to burn in the cylinders.

[mdrburchette]

Do you have the top up or down when witnessing the exhaust fumes? I had the same problem with mine and replacing the trunk gasket helped quite a bit. Also, I've heard people having the same problem found the turned down exhaust pipe made a big difference vs a straight.

If you're missing the charcoal canister, is the vapor vent line from the tank to the canister plugged up? It shouldn't be plugged. You may also want to check the 3-way control valve located at the tank. Maybe it's leaking there or inop, causing tank pressurization. Just a couple thoughts.

[81autospider]

If you are still having this smell of raw fuel, then my guess would recommend replacing the filler neck hose...I had this same problem since I bought the car a week ago and mine didn't leak at first...just had a strong oder even with the top down...my guess is that the hose is cracked really bad until it finally broke through all the way...so now I am investigating the hose replacement

That is one clean look 'n motor you have...wish mine looked like that

[rbackus]

I too had this problem. There was an actual leak with the carburetor. My mechanic repaired one of the metal tubings on the carburetor itself. Smell still persisted which was due to evaporative cannister not being connected.

Randy B.

[rlux4]

Is it my imagination, or is there a significant lack of '82s reporting having this problem?
Ron

[So Cal Mark]

Ron, since most of the 82s are not running, fuel odor isn't a concern

[rlux4]

Hey, get off my back and get back on Mike's!
Not running indeed.
Ron

[jfrawley]

Well Ron, I'm sorry to tell you I have an '82 and I have this problem. I've replaced the charcoal filter and replaced most of the fuel line, and still have the issue. The smell seems to be worse near the tank. I have another question. My tank seems to build up negative pressure when I drive it. In other words the tank wants to suck the cap right into the tank. It's like the tank needs to breath, but I'm not sure what in the system is supposed to relieve this negative pressure. Is it the valve with the 3 hoses? Any help would be appreciated.