'79 smells a bit gassy
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 14
Likes: 1
From: Miami FL
'79 smells a bit gassy
Hey all,
Just recently brought home my '79 and I'm completely in love. The interior smells a bit gassy though. Not in an overbearing way, but it kinda smells like the inside was sprinkled with gas and it just kinda stuck. It also smells a bit when I walk around the car, although this is not at all unpleasant. After I'm in the car for a while, the smell sticks on my clothes (that's mostly why I'm asking), like I've been in the shop for a while.
It's been suggested on a few other threads to check the fuel lines, but mine are fine. No leaks, no smoke, nothing surprisingly out-of-place, either. Is it that I'm just spoiled by EFI? (she's got an Edelbrock 4-barrel carb, probably a Performer type, and I can find out the exact model if you think that's an issue) Do your C3s have a faint gas smell? Again, it's not such a huge issue that makes me suspect something is wrong, but just putting it out there in case there might be. Your responses are much appreciated!
-LL
Just recently brought home my '79 and I'm completely in love. The interior smells a bit gassy though. Not in an overbearing way, but it kinda smells like the inside was sprinkled with gas and it just kinda stuck. It also smells a bit when I walk around the car, although this is not at all unpleasant. After I'm in the car for a while, the smell sticks on my clothes (that's mostly why I'm asking), like I've been in the shop for a while.
It's been suggested on a few other threads to check the fuel lines, but mine are fine. No leaks, no smoke, nothing surprisingly out-of-place, either. Is it that I'm just spoiled by EFI? (she's got an Edelbrock 4-barrel carb, probably a Performer type, and I can find out the exact model if you think that's an issue) Do your C3s have a faint gas smell? Again, it's not such a huge issue that makes me suspect something is wrong, but just putting it out there in case there might be. Your responses are much appreciated!
-LL
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,023
Likes: 6
From: Austin Tx
Most likely cause is the vapor canister.
Tucked in the drivers side fender, is a little black canister with 3 hoses connected to it. It's an emmisions control device. It's purpose is to collect and hold gas vapors when the car is not running so that they can be sucked into and burned by the carb the next time you run the engine.
Tucked in the drivers side fender, is a little black canister with 3 hoses connected to it. It's an emmisions control device. It's purpose is to collect and hold gas vapors when the car is not running so that they can be sucked into and burned by the carb the next time you run the engine.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 14
Likes: 1
From: Miami FL
Actually, RC, it does get hot near the floor boards after a few miles. At first, I thought the AC wasn't working right, and although it was, the lower compartment still got very hot but this didn't affect the severity of the gas odor. BTW, Mashman, thanks for the initial tip. I went back and looked for the vapor canister and didn't find it where it belongs, so this could also be the cause. Thanks fellas.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 482
Likes: 0
From: Near Round Top (pop. 90) Texas
Hey all,
Just recently brought home my '79 and I'm completely in love. The interior smells a bit gassy though. Not in an overbearing way, but it kinda smells like the inside was sprinkled with gas and it just kinda stuck. It also smells a bit when I walk around the car, although this is not at all unpleasant. After I'm in the car for a while, the smell sticks on my clothes (that's mostly why I'm asking), like I've been in the shop for a while.
It's been suggested on a few other threads to check the fuel lines, but mine are fine. No leaks, no smoke, nothing surprisingly out-of-place, either. Is it that I'm just spoiled by EFI? (she's got an Edelbrock 4-barrel carb, probably a Performer type, and I can find out the exact model if you think that's an issue) Do your C3s have a faint gas smell? Again, it's not such a huge issue that makes me suspect something is wrong, but just putting it out there in case there might be. Your responses are much appreciated!
-LL
Just recently brought home my '79 and I'm completely in love. The interior smells a bit gassy though. Not in an overbearing way, but it kinda smells like the inside was sprinkled with gas and it just kinda stuck. It also smells a bit when I walk around the car, although this is not at all unpleasant. After I'm in the car for a while, the smell sticks on my clothes (that's mostly why I'm asking), like I've been in the shop for a while.
It's been suggested on a few other threads to check the fuel lines, but mine are fine. No leaks, no smoke, nothing surprisingly out-of-place, either. Is it that I'm just spoiled by EFI? (she's got an Edelbrock 4-barrel carb, probably a Performer type, and I can find out the exact model if you think that's an issue) Do your C3s have a faint gas smell? Again, it's not such a huge issue that makes me suspect something is wrong, but just putting it out there in case there might be. Your responses are much appreciated!
-LL
This in combination with an exhaust leak and running too rich will make the cabin smell of gas.
If your cat is plugged it will also send exhaust through any leaks it can find.
Last edited by toolman1981; May 18, 2010 at 02:12 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,962
Likes: 5
From: Schererville IN
1. Missing/bad vapor canister
2. Rusted vapor line from tank to canister
3. Rusted fuel or return pressure lines (They can stink without actually leaking)
4. Leaking gas tank.
5. Carb needs adjusted (Running rich)
6. Lack of emmissions equipment will make the car seem more stinky than new cars.
7. Air leak in firewall sucking engine fumes into car cabin from engine compartment.
It could many things causing the smell.
If the car has stunk for a long time, it may be difficult to get the odor out of the interior.
2. Rusted vapor line from tank to canister
3. Rusted fuel or return pressure lines (They can stink without actually leaking)
4. Leaking gas tank.
5. Carb needs adjusted (Running rich)
6. Lack of emmissions equipment will make the car seem more stinky than new cars.
7. Air leak in firewall sucking engine fumes into car cabin from engine compartment.
It could many things causing the smell.
If the car has stunk for a long time, it may be difficult to get the odor out of the interior.
