Raw gas smell
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta Georgia
Raw gas smell
I'm sure this has been covered already, but I couldn't find anything that was similar to my situation. Sorry if I missed it 
The C4 I just bought (1991) was at a car lot for 2 months on an almost empty tank, and it appears to have dried out the gaskets around the tank or somewhere else. Since filling the tank, it's had a very strong gas smell, especially when it's warm outside.
It doesn't smell like gas anywhere near the engine itself, so I'm not too worried there, and it's worst right at the back left wheel well. I've tried to look around but I'm not familiar with the car yet, and didn't find anything.
I've driven almost a tank's worth so far and the smell hasn't subsided, so it's not just a "full-tank" issue. I'm also getting decent mileage and have found no leaks or wet spots, so it seems to be gas vapor rather than a full on leak.
Anyone have any suggestions as to where I should look? Thanks in advance for the help!
The C4 I just bought (1991) was at a car lot for 2 months on an almost empty tank, and it appears to have dried out the gaskets around the tank or somewhere else. Since filling the tank, it's had a very strong gas smell, especially when it's warm outside.
It doesn't smell like gas anywhere near the engine itself, so I'm not too worried there, and it's worst right at the back left wheel well. I've tried to look around but I'm not familiar with the car yet, and didn't find anything.
I've driven almost a tank's worth so far and the smell hasn't subsided, so it's not just a "full-tank" issue. I'm also getting decent mileage and have found no leaks or wet spots, so it seems to be gas vapor rather than a full on leak.
Anyone have any suggestions as to where I should look? Thanks in advance for the help!
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 161
Likes: 17
From: NW CT
Hey I am having kinda the same issue. I started a thread a few hours ago and got some reply's over in the Tech section..
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-t...ce-1986-a.html
Im also new to these cars..
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-t...ce-1986-a.html
Im also new to these cars..
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta Georgia
Thanks for the reply, and it does seem like a similar issue. I also checked earlier and the cap is fine, but I haven't checked the top of the tank. Had a few eyes on the car and no one saw anything obvious, but it definitely seems to be originating from that back left tire area for me.
If you figure it out let me know what you found, and I'll do the same!
If you figure it out let me know what you found, and I'll do the same!
Instructor
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 152
Likes: 1
From: MD
My 86 had this too... probably the rubber hoses in the fuel vapor return lines... by the driver side door, near the rear wheel well... get some hose clamps and some fuel line.... its where the line makes a sharp upward bend...
easy to fix...
might bash a knuckle or two... its tight...
Philip
easy to fix...
might bash a knuckle or two... its tight...
Philip
Last edited by Lathroum; Apr 2, 2011 at 09:52 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,483
Likes: 3
From: Newark, New Jersey
My 86 had this too... probably the rubber hoses in the fuel vapor return lines... by the driver side door, near the rear wheel well... get some hose clamps and some fuel line.... its where the line makes a sharp upward bend...
easy to fix...
might bash a knuckle or two... its tight...
Philip
easy to fix...
might bash a knuckle or two... its tight...
Philip
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 160
Likes: 0
From: N Canton Ohio
Had the same problem 4 years ago on my 91. I changed the charcoal cannister and blew out the line running from it to the engine. The cannister is behind the passenger rear wheel. It was an easy fix for about $60.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,483
Likes: 3
From: Newark, New Jersey
luckily the charcoal canister on a 86 is right in front of front passenger wheel when you open the hood. In addition to changing the purge valve, i changed all the hoses going to the canister. Of course they had to be 3 different size vacuum hoses.
The old ones just stuck to each other when I squeezed them
The old ones just stuck to each other when I squeezed them
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Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta Georgia
Thanks guys for the great feedback. I'll try your suggestions this weekend (weather/time permitting) and let you know how it goes! I'll grab some pictures while I'm in there and update the thread for anyone else who may need help in future.
