TheSamba.com :: View topic - Gas Smell

Mon Mar 08, 2004 12:42 pm

I just purchsed a 72 COnvert Ghia and after a weekend in the garage, it has a slight smell of gas. Being new to the ghia world, where do I start looking/smelling for it?

Thanks,

Troy

Mon Mar 08, 2004 3:06 pm

Racer, Try this.

http://www.misterx.org/midsouthvw/gas_odor.htm

Mon Mar 08, 2004 4:58 pm

Yes, the vapour recovery system is the key. That thing on the webpage is a superbeetle part I think. Ghias shouyld have a charcoal canister instead. The vapours were drawn through tubing and two canisters then into the oilbath filter. Not many cars still have this intact. The idea was that the vapours were introduced into the carb with the fresh air. Efficiency at its finest.

Heres the rundown from what I can gather:

-1 rubber line should come from the front corner of the fuel tank
-1 rubber line should come from the filler neck
-Both of these go to a tee connection which leads to a charcoal canister in the front trunk.
-A rubber line comes out of the charcoal canister and exits the trunk area to a hard line, down the inner passenger front fender, and along the bottom passenger side of the car, leading into the engine area.
-A rubber line connected to the hard line goes to a second charcoal canister.
-A rubber hose from the top right of the fan housing leads in the same end of the canister as the fuel vent.
-A rubber hose leads from the opposite end of the canister to the oilbath filter.

I have even seen crappy aftermarket chrome airfilters with the fitting for this hose. I have a few extra canisters for those who are near to me (geographically that is).

Mon Mar 08, 2004 5:19 pm

I concur with checking the lines, but also check the gasket on the gas cap. If it is damaged from 30+ years of service, voila!