Hayes69

I shower everyday (almost), but after I drive my 69 L-46 convertible I smell bad. It’s a smell somewhere between gas and exhaust, but probably closer to gas. Maybe kind of like cooked, but not burnt gas. It's hard to describe. Here is what I know:

• im a novice when it comes to cars
• i replaced all of the exhaust gaskets and feel good it’s not that.
• I believe my engine has a slightly aggressive cam but I don’t know what.
• i have a Rochester 4MV carb that seems to function well
• it seems like when the top is up I don’t smell

ive read my carb may be running too rich. I tried using the vacuum method to adjust my idle mixture. I tried a couple different vacuum ports but my mityvac needle was always going crazy. I did it the best I could and found it was probably set about right to begin with.

Here are the 2 ports I found to check with.

calwldlife

a bouncing vacuum gauge needle ain't good.
yes, that era car has smells.
raw gas should not be one of them.
I set idle air with a tach.
then close /lean/ per proper drop spec.
anywho, raw gas should be found with little problems.
a rich exhaust will take more info.
the bouncing needle should give a clue.

Raphiki

Have you checked your plugs?

Hayes69

derekderek

Use port in top pic. Bottom pic is for emissions. And they were trying everything in beginning of emissions Era and not much worked.

Easy Mike

Model year? Check the fuel evaporation canister and hose connections.

pigfarmer

Raphiki is right - check the plugs to see if it's running too rich.

I have basically the same car except mine has a Holley 4160. I just followed the Holley doc, used the ported vacuum (a source of debate I know) and set the idle mix with a vacuum gauge. Follow the service guide.

Runs fine but I do know what you mean - it's a bit stinky. Then again, I actually like the smell of things like gas, Hoppes powder solvent and old car upholstery on a hot day .......

Hayes69

It's a 1969 L-46 Convertible

7T1vette

You're not going to White Castle every time you drive the C3, are you?

Hayes69

Hayes69

pigfarmer

Yes, one or several. Do one at a time so you don't mix up the wires. Google up "how to read your spark plugs" and you'll get all sorts of pictures. Mine were fouled, wet, black and stunk of gas. After proper adjustment they are now a light tan and the car's running good.

I think you said you have the '69 350/350. I have been using AC Delco R43S plugs over the counter at the local Auto Value store. Inexpensive.

fazang

Hi Hayes69,
i have same car as you. Q-jet is fun ain't it.

Here is my thread when i did a stock rebuild at home.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...y-running.html

Maybe some pics and info will help? it was a while ago so i may have to research again if you got any questions for me, but feel free to ask.
-ALF out...

Dynra Rockets

The first time I gave my daughter a ride in my 69 she commented on the unburned gas exhaust smell. My reply was "welcome to 1969". What you are describing is really what car exhaust smelled like in the days before catalytic converters.

68/BB

Was there ever anything better than a C3, a bag of sliders from 'the Castle' and a drive in movie?

But to the OP concern...yes a pretty potent gas and oil smell is very common around these old cars. My concern would be if it is really heavy inside the cabin or if there is a raw gas smell. That I would chase down for sure.

Raphiki

White Castles emit their own "unique" exhaust smell!

fazang

Oh, one last thing, it may be nothing... there is a difference tween exhaust gas smell and un-burned fuel smell. You seem to be on the right track though and it's the un-burned fuel smell you are hunting.

From the 2 pics you gave the Air-horn gasket and the bowl/throttle body gaskets look soaked in fuel. I'd bet that is not normal and needs attention ?

-ALF out..

OldCarBum

There have been several threads regarding the smell inside C3's and inside garages. Several of those had to do with the elimination of the fuel evaporation canister and hose connections or the fact that the charcoal and filters needed to be changed. If your model is equipped with the canister, you might try servicing it. It could also be a sight oil or hydraulic fluid leak with oil/fluid being thrown up onto the exhaust while driving.

L-46man

Funny post my boy...
1. The 4mv looks very 'weepy' it should look DRY! As in it's leaking out of every crevice...rebuild time! Seeping gas is insidious!
2. Lets talk 'Astro Ventilation' (lol, hold on I'm spitting coffee out of my nose!) ASTRO VENTILATION...this is identical to LUCAS ELECTRICS, a severe oxymoron!...air intakes are in the engine compartment. So I think you're sucking in raw gas fumes from the engine compartment.
3. Do the flappers work in the back? Are you back sucking rich exhaust YUM!
4. How's the hood gasket?
5. How is the DOUBLE shifter gasket...you have TWO for a reason...lots of gas smell funnels down the tunnel.
6. Count the holes in the firewall...are they all plugged?

That's a start!

Of course us old guys here love the smell of baking oil, a slight mildew smell, back sucked exhaust from side pipes, old dry rotting tires, road draft breathers 104 octane with a whiff of Marvel Mystery oil....I'm coming out with a new perfume...ZORA's REVENGE...in {used car} stores soon!

Good luck!

UNCKAHAL

Hayes69

Thank you for everyone's posts. I have some things to work on now. I will report back.