I just replaced my fuel tank 2 weeks ago for precisely the same reason!
The fuel smell was overpowering. I replaced the tank and when I dropped the
old one I found that the filler tube at the top of the tank was separated 80%
of the way around by rust! The bolts were very rusty and stuck ¯ my
goodness! The weather here in western Washington state is, I believe, similar
to much of the UK - it rains a lot!
Replacing the tank solved the problem. The smell was out of the boot within a
week. Make sure you replace the little seal that goes over the filler pipe,
but under the boot floor. That can soak up with fuel and smell for a long time
while it evaporates!
Paul's suggestion of Waxoyl is a sound one too - I wish the PO's would have
used it liberally!
Good luck,
Tony Woodruff
67 MGB - with a new fuel tank.
>>> "Paul Hunt" <paul.hunt1@virgin.net> 11/2/99 2:36:33 AM >>>
The usual cause of this is the top of the tank rotting out. If the sides of
the tank show staining from above then it is confirmed, but other than that
you will have to drop it. Not something to be left too long. If you do
replace the tank may sure you use plenty of Waxoyl on the top of the new one
before you fit it.
There were two breathers for some pumps - one from the contact area and one
from the air-side of the diaphragm to equalise the pressure. Workshop
Manual and Haynes make brief reference to vent pipes on some models. If the
diaphragm was ruptured this would also cause fumes, but I would expect
visible leaks as well.
PaulH.
-----Original Message-----
From: Walter.Cahill@guardian.co.uk <Walter.Cahill@guardian.co.uk>
To: mgs@autox.team.net <mgs@autox.team.net>
Date: 02 November 1999 09:20
Subject: Fuel smell
>
>
>Hi folks,
>I would be grateful for any advise on this problem.
>My car recently started smelling of fuel. The smell is so strong that it
fills
>my garage and workshop and has found its way into the hall of my house. I
have
>examined the fuel pipe from tank to carb and there doesn't appear to be any
>leaks.
>Its hard to say where the smell is strongest, but I would guess the boot
area
>and that the smell in the car while driving is wafting through the rear
boot
>panel.
>I don't appear to be using more fuel than normal.
>Perhaps my fuel tank or filler pipe is ruptured, but I guess this would
result
>in a leak.
>My system is standard except for a solid state fuel pump and a fuel
>regulator/filter which all seem perfectly dry.
>When I owned a GT, I recall there being a breather which vented to the boot
area
>but I can see nothing similar in the manuals for any model of MGB.
>Our 18 month old son travels regularly with us in the passenger seat and I
am
>more concerned about the fumes for his sake. Also when we take his buggy
out
>from the boot it also smells for some considerable time after - yes! the
smell
>is actually that strong.
>
>Many thanks,
>
>,--/__,-,
>`(_)--(_)'
>
>Walter.
>
>1964 MGB roadster.
>Daily driver.
>Biggleswade, Bedfordshire.
>Work: walter.cahill@guardian.co.uk
>Play: walter.cahill@connectfree.co.uk
>
>
>
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