Re: Gas Smell '56 Caribbean

Posted by BH On 2008/7/16 21:29:08

If you can smell raw gas from inside the car while driving, then the leak is probably ahead of the firewall. That's one of the drawbacks of having the fresh air intake at the front of the car and routed through the engine bay.

Even if the smell dissipates after you've stopped the car and there's no wet spot on the ground, you should be able to find evidence of the leak. Look for stains on: 1) the outside of the carb, which could indicate a leaking fuel bowl or air horn (cover) gasket); 2) around the fuel filter, which could indicate a leaking bowl gasket or line fittings; and 3) the right side of the front engine (timing) cover, which could be a leaking fuel pump diaphragm.

You do have to be VERY careful when inspecting for a fuel leak. A steel tool dropped on a concrete floor could generate a spark. Breaking a light bulb could be equally catastrophic. There are incandescent bulbs designated as "rough service" and even specially coated bulbs for an old-fashioned "drop light" to minimize the risk, but a modern LED "trouble light" might be better yet. Even the gas company has special flashlights for similar reasons.

Let us know what you find.