Old car/gas smell.

Benton Quest · August 14th, 2012, 11:22 AM

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 · August 14th, 2012, 11:25 AM

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 · August 14th, 2012, 01:19 PM

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 · August 14th, 2012, 01:24 PM

I stole this pic from Lady72nRob71 here:

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

Benton Quest · August 16th, 2012, 05:50 AM

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 · August 16th, 2012, 06:00 AM

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 · August 16th, 2012, 06:30 AM

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 · August 21st, 2012, 06:24 AM

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 · August 21st, 2012, 07:50 PM

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 · August 24th, 2012, 02:29 PM

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 · August 24th, 2012, 04:23 PM

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

bill

68oldscutlass · August 25th, 2012, 03:57 AM

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 · August 25th, 2012, 06:50 AM

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 · August 25th, 2012, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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.

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

Benton Quest · August 26th, 2012, 03:43 PM

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.

August 14th, 2012, 11:22 AM	#1 (permalink)
Benton Quest No Dr. but play 1 on TV Join Date: Feb 2012 Posts: 80	Old car/gas smell. 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

August 14th, 2012, 11:25 AM	#2 (permalink)
oldcutlass Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Granbury, Texas Posts: 6,477	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. __________________ There is nothing that can't be solved with a suitable amount of explosives! 1967 Oldsmobile Cutlass 468/ Turbo 400 1963 Plymouth Fury (Sold) 2006 Mustang GT (Momma's) 2006 Mustang Coupe(son'S) http://s1141.photobucket.com/albums/n587/oldcutlass/ http://s1141.photobucket.com/albums/...lass/plymouth/

August 14th, 2012, 01:19 PM	#3 (permalink)
allyolds68 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Seneca Falls, NY Posts: 1,451	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 __________________ Mike 68 442 4 Speed Convertible 68 Cutlass Supreme RIP 1981- Better it than me http://classicoldsmobile.com/forums/...t-7-years.html

August 14th, 2012, 01:24 PM	#4 (permalink)
allyolds68 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Seneca Falls, NY Posts: 1,451	I stole this pic from Lady72nRob71 here: http://classicoldsmobile.com/forums/...9-cutlass.html __________________ Mike 68 442 4 Speed Convertible 68 Cutlass Supreme RIP 1981- Better it than me http://classicoldsmobile.com/forums/...t-7-years.html

August 16th, 2012, 06:30 AM	#7 (permalink)
hookem horns Registered User Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 449	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. __________________ Dane '69 Cutlass convertible

August 16th, 2012, 05:50 AM	#5 (permalink)
Benton Quest No Dr. but play 1 on TV Join Date: Feb 2012 Posts: 80	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.

August 16th, 2012, 06:00 AM	#6 (permalink)
sixty9olds Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: High Point, NC Posts: 149	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).

August 21st, 2012, 06:24 AM	#8 (permalink)
68oldscutlass Registered User Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Parlin, NJ Posts: 80	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.

August 21st, 2012, 07:50 PM	#9 (permalink)
Benton Quest No Dr. but play 1 on TV Join Date: Feb 2012 Posts: 80	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.

August 24th, 2012, 02:29 PM	#10 (permalink)
68oldscutlass Registered User Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Parlin, NJ Posts: 80	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!

August 24th, 2012, 04:23 PM	#11 (permalink)
BILL DEMMER Just the facts... Join Date: May 2008 Location: THE GREAT WIDE-OPEN Posts: 790	stinks? ... i love the smell of raw gas in the morning bill __________________ '67 CUTLASS 4-DR. W/425 & S.P. THM400 (NAMED "ERNIE") '83 H/O #1339(STILL IN PIECES) '85 PONTIAC FIERO SE V-6 4-SPD. BOUGHT NEW '92 CHEBBY DIS-ASTRO (GAS PIG) '97 GYRO METRO $HYTBOX (41.42 MPG)

August 25th, 2012, 03:57 AM	#12 (permalink)
68oldscutlass Registered User Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Parlin, NJ Posts: 80	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!

August 25th, 2012, 06:50 AM	#13 (permalink)
MDchanic Connoisseur d'Junque Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Maine Posts: 8,581	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

August 26th, 2012, 03:43 PM	#15 (permalink)
Benton Quest No Dr. but play 1 on TV Join Date: Feb 2012 Posts: 80	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.

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Syd is complaining about the Smell	rroth01	General Discussion	2	January 8th, 2012 08:30 AM
antique car smell	Danny Boy	General Discussion	16	January 25th, 2010 02:05 PM
I smell a rat....	Dan Wirth	Paint	37	September 21st, 2009 08:11 AM
Old car smell	Keieljun	Interior/Upholstery	20	November 8th, 2007 01:30 PM