Benton Quest

Hi All,
I have a 1970 442 and it runs great. I'm very pleased with it's performance.
It idles low at stops and seems like it might shut off, but it never does.

My problem is it's smell. It has a little of the old car smell which I like. But it also has a light gas smell that it starting to concern me. I have not noticed it bad enough that it follows me when I get out, but still a concern.
I smell it more in the trunk that anywhere else.

Is it possible that the gas cap is loose enough to do this? It is not tight fitting like my newer cars. It just goes on and it is not snug at all.

Any thoughts and ideas will be appreciated.
Thanks,
BQ

oldcutlass

It may be a fuel vent line cracked, or bad gas cap, leaking main fuel line or return line if it's equipped with one.

Look under the car for leaks.

allyolds68

I believe there's a gas tank vent cannister (or something like that) behind the rear seat on 70's. I'd start checking there

allyolds68

I stole this pic from Lady72nRob71 here:

https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...9-cutlass.html

Benton Quest

Hi,
I tightened up the gas cap today and put the smell test on it and I think it is somewhat better. I will keep a nose on it.
I could not see the canister in the trunk. Where do I need to look for it.
I also can't see any leaks what so ever from the tank.
If if doesn't go away, I will take it to a prof and ask them.

sixty9olds

1970 and lower did not have a vent "stack" as pictured- I believe that was 1971-72 only. Your vehicle will have either a vent above the tank or a fuel vapor return line (tank to fuel pump).

hookem horns

Gas cap should be non-vented and snug. Get a cheapo at any parts store if in doubt. The fuel gauge sending unit on top of the tank can be another weak spot, but changing requires dropping the tank. Just another idea if the vent lines are OK.

68oldscutlass

Any update to this? I am having the same issue in my 68. Brand new tank and sending unit. I did not replace the few short rubber hoses yet like an idiot so that could be it. No leaks anywhere that I notice. Car runs great but the smell is definitely concerning.

Benton Quest

The smell is weaker since I checked the loose gas cap.
I'm still going to buy another one and see if the seal is better.
It does not feel as tight as I think it should.

68oldscutlass

Ok so I figured out my problem. Someone told me as I pulled into pepboys that I was dripping gas. Apparently only happened when I turned or gunned it. Where the filler neck meets the tank has a hairline crack on top. Gonna try jb weld first otherwise ill have to get another tank. Sucks. Atleast I know why I'm going through a lot of gas now, abd why it stinks!

BILL DEMMER

stinks? ... i love the smell of raw gas in the morning


bill

68oldscutlass

Don't get me wrong, I love the smell of gas but definitely not this much. Hoping the jb weld works for now. Starting to strip car down for body work and paint the next 2 weekends. Can't wait to get her done!

MDchanic

JB Weld, or a similar 2-part "gas tank sealer" should work fine, so long as you clean the surface well.
That is a common failure point.

- Eric

oldsguybry

If the seal inside the cap is all cracked and dry rotted then replace the cap

Benton Quest

OK, I got a new cap. Do I need a vented cap or a non vented?? It looks like the one on there is non vented. I do not want to use this one until I know.
Thanks.