Author Topic: Gas (Read 2704 times)

blueberry · « **on:** April 06, 2006, 10:01:49 AM »

Just put Blueberry back on the road (Type 2 with a 2L) and have noticed the strong smell of raw gas (not exhaust) once in a while. There doesn't appear to be any obvious leaks or seepage anywhere. It comes on strong enough that it must be a fair amount ( splashing out a vent hose?) but I can find no evidence. There also doesn't appear to be a pattern about when it will happen i. e. after a hard turn or just after a fill up. Anybody have any ideas about where I might check. I've covered all the obvious gas lines and connections in the engine compartment (at least I think I have).

Chris · « **Reply #1 on:** April 06, 2006, 10:12:57 AM »

Maybe when you turn with a fairly full tank? Could be the filler neck tube, I had that problem with mine so I replaced the tube.

BUSDADDY · « **Reply #2 on:** April 06, 2006, 11:51:40 AM »

You don't say what year bus it is but I've had issues with the rubber elbows on the vent tubes on top of the tank cracking. and the filler tube, and the rubber line underneath, and the hard line underneath, and the tank itself getting a pinhole in the bottom but on the part that's still inside the bus.

blueberry · « **Reply #3 on:** April 06, 2006, 09:47:40 PM »

bus is a '73. Thanks for the advice. I will have a good check this weekend again. I wondered about the hard turn issue & spillage but it seems to happen even when it is only half full. I hope I can get at all the indicated hoses etc. without taking the whole bus apart!!!

Klaatu · « **Reply #4 on:** April 06, 2006, 10:29:15 PM »

I also had a small hole in the bottom of the tank due to the rubber not being thick enough when u tightened down the tank. The gas would accumulate under the tank and stink my garage so bad that my wife almost made me park it outside. I had a hell of a time finding it because there was no sign due to evaporation.

BUSDADDY · « **Reply #5 on:** April 07, 2006, 07:37:01 AM »

Heres the bad news, the only way to get at the tank end of the filler hose and the vent elbows on top is to remove the gray cover panel in front of the engine. It can be done with the type 4 motor if you disconnect the rear and center mounts and lower it a few inches. Also remember theres a screw from underneath on each side near the bottom corners.
You can try prying out the black disc in front of the battery and using a mirror and flashlight to look for evidence of leaks in the dust.
The other solution is to cut a 4\" square hole in the floor above the gas tank, in the middle and about 6\" back from the front edge. Think carefully about what you want to cut with as it cant have a blade longer than 3\" and MUST NOT make sparks. Once inside you can enlarge the hole towards what needs fixin.
Happy hunting.

blueberry · « **Reply #6 on:** April 07, 2006, 02:25:26 PM »

Ah!!!!!!!!!!! Somebody quick..... tell me why I have a VW again!!! Maybe it would be easier to just develop a delight in the smell of gas and leave the window open!!!

I sure appreciate the advice though - even if it means more work than I really wanted to do since it is now my daily driver - not just a weekend drive. Thanks again.

BUSDADDY · « **Reply #7 on:** April 07, 2006, 04:17:56 PM »

Sorry to kill yer buzz man, If you can't see anything obvious from underneath cut the hole in the cargo shelf above the tank, it's savage but quick and I or someone else can hook you up with a piece of cargo deck to screw on to cover it up. One of those air powered body saws does it quick and at $1.09 a liter those fumes smell like money evaporating away.