Gas smell in 1985 911

[Booney1golf]

I have the smell of gas in my 85 911 Targa when I first get inside the car. After I drive a little the smell is gone unless I turn on the A/C Fan then it is very strong.

When I smell the trunk area I do not smell a gas smell. I have replaced the gas cap and the vapor hoses coming out of the gas tank (to / from the plastic tank) which are the easy ones to replace.

There is one small hose coming from the small plastic tank going into the fender area of the front drivers side tire that I have not replaced. Any Idea where that hose goes. It doesn't smell but at this point I may change if it is not to difficult to replace.

If I do not turn the fan on I do not smell gas. Even if I tun the defrost fan I do not smell gas.

I am very confused and have a gas smell headache.

Booney1golf
1985 Porsche 911 Targa - No substitute

[mackskibum]

Check the hoses at the fuel pump- it is located in the cavity that holds the steering rack- there is a panel that covers the area. Its possible that one of these is leaking. Also check the gasket at the sending unit, and look hard at the seam between the two halves of the tank- these cars are 20 years old, maybe you have a leaky tank.

The hose you ask about goes to the EVAP canister.

[Jim Garfield]

This probably isn't what your problem is, but it's worth checking.
A couple years ago I got a strong gas smell that after investigating I found was caused by the fuel pressure test cap that had worked it's self loose and was spraying gas all over the distributor, spark plugs and dripping down onto the hot headers!! It was a miracle that it didn't ignite.

The test cap was almost at the end of the threads and about to fall off. It is located on the end of the left fuel rail under the heater duct and near the distributor.

Anyone who has a 3.2 should check this cap occasionally as the results of it loosening could be catastophic.

[RickM]

May be worth checking the rear fuel line as well. These tend to leak as well. Leaking Fuel Hose 911C 3.2