Gas Smell when heater is on

[IoWesty]

I have previously posed about the gasoline smell produced by my 91 Westy. Now that the weather is getting warmer, I have been driving without the heater turned on. The smell was not nearly as noticeable when I did this. Last weekend, we had a snap of cold weather and I turned the heater back on. Low and behold, the gasoline smell returned. I also noticed that there was more exhaust smoke coming from the tailpipe while waiting in line a the DQ drive through (I know, it was cold. Why was I getting a Choco Cherrry Love Blizzard?).

What gives? Why do I smell gasoline and a rich running engine when the heater is turned up?

[dobryan]

Is the smell from running rich or does it smell like raw gas from a leak of the tank or fuel lines? Do you smell it at the front wheel wells, the tailpipe, the engine bay? My guess is that you have a gas tank that is leaking from old grommets so you get the smell when the heater fan is on and pulling in air from the outside.
_________________
Dave O
'87 Westy w/ 2002 Subaru EJ25 and Peloquin TBD

"To travel hopefully is a better thing than to arrive." Robert Louis Stevenson

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[insyncro]

X2 on a tank reseal.

Check all fuel lines, connections, filter, pump and breather tanks.

If the 91 parts are all original, it's time for a complete fuel system rehab

There are a few threads that start with questions like yours and end with fires.
Yes, I am trying to scare you, but in a helpful way.

The number one statement made about VW Vanagons....change your fuel lines.