Exploding 911's

No my car hasn't exploded, but I thought the catchy Tabliod post would bring some responses. My question is: Do all 911's, at least older and not quite so old ( mine is 1989) smell like fuel when you get in them? And if so, is that a concern? Is this related to the rear engine, Porsche's, or just sports cars in general? My car is not a daily driver and has been stored for about 4 months. I noticed this last year also. My brothers 1980 Spitfire smelled the same way and to tell you the truth, I kind of like it as long as this isn't a sign to get a nomex suit and a fire extinguisher. The smell is not overpowering and tends to diminish as get in and drive. My car was just recently inspected and was track teched for a upcoming drives ed with no problems sited. Feedback appreciated, Michael (flaming red) 1989 coupe.

You shouldn't smell any fuel in your 911
I have had 2 911s and never have smelled fuel ,can't say that about burning oil though.

The early 911 with Solex carbs had fuel overflow problems when parked and when the fuel hit the exchangers it ignited ,Porsche switched to webers to solve it

[This message has been edited by jryerson (edited 03-19-2000).]

The only time my car has ever 'smelled' like gas inside the passenger compartment was when one of the clear vinyl vent lines 'shrunk' and popped off the 'Y' connection under the carpet ... up front under the hood! I don't know whether Porsche is still using that clear hose or not, but you may want to do some checking under the hood around the fuel tank and the various charcoal cannisters.

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Warren Hall
1973 911S Targa

I should clarify, The smell is not really gasoline, but more kind of oily? I thought maybe a rear engine car that has been sitting covered for a period of time may get some of the engine odors in the cabin. Just a thought.

I think I know what your talking about. My car smells like a combination of oil/leather/gas. Like yours it's not offensive just faint. Since my car is new to me and the first Porsche that I've owned, I have shown the car to many of my friends. More than one has commented that it smells like a "real sports car".

I kinda like it.

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Yes, thats a good description. I think its from not driving it lately so it is kind of new to me. There are to many seasoned Porsche drivers out here that no longer notice this perhaps. Thanks

Mark, 89911, my 86 Targa smells the same way. I love that smell. It goes away or at least gets fainter when I drive it.

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Mark Szabo
1986 911 Targa 3.2

Ditto with my 79SC. And used to be twice as pungent on using the heaters. Much less acrid on replacement of leaking camshaft hoses, oil return tubes and o-rings and hardended oil thermostat o-ring on top front of motor.

I agree. My '83 SC smells like a machine and I love it. On the other hand, it will soon get new oil return tubes, clutch and other stuff so I expect it to become pretty subtle.

Gasoline smell WOULD be a bad thing. A thing to fix immediately.

I too have had that fuel line to the top of the tank in the front trunk burst! NOT A GOOD THING (scared the hell out of me)...if you think the smell is more gas then oil and leather, check/replace all your fuel lines immedietly...but as others have said it may just be the "911 smell" you are sensing.

Every original old 911 has "that" smell - a sort of cooked oil/old plastic/hint of leather/hint of fuel combination.

Before buying mine I must have looked and sat in at least ten, and they all smelled the same!

However, if the smell of fuel is strong in your car, you need to investigate...

- roGER

I've noticed a slight gas/oil/motor smell in my car too. It's mostly when I have the heater on, so I think it is just air venting from the engine compartment into the passenger compartment. Now I always close the heater when I park and it is better.

I've seen notes here and there that sometimes the heat exchangers develop cracks or just plain rust through; I'd be careful to not let that exhaust smell get too intense, lest you start to get CO headaches whilst driving.

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Mark Szabo
1986 911 Targa 3.2