New Owner, with a question

[DeeJayOh]

Hello -

I bought my first 911 about 2 months ago, and am finally getting around to posting here. The obligatory picture is attached! Note that the prior owner took it, I haven't gotten around to taking any of my own - Seattle winter and all!

The specs:
- 4 owner (including me) 1981 911SC; mostly california car until it travelled to Nebraska (where I purchased it)
- A little under 75k miles
- Chain tensioners/pop-off valve done; other than that, don't seen any other major work in the receipts (I have them all)
- No bodywork or damage, original paint. Car is completely stock, as near as I can tell

I am still learning my way around the car, and absolutely love driving it. I plan to do a few upgrades over time (SSI's, Prototipo, maybe some suspension work) but I have one question that I needs some help with now:

There is a definite fuel smell in the passenger compartment. It's just sort of there when I start the car. It doesn't seem to get any worse when I run the heat - but I have searched threads here and read about the problems with fuel lines going bad and fires resulting. I am looking for guidance on where to start in diagnosing this.

I am generally pretty handy and want to learn to work on the car - but I am an absolute Porsche noob. I'm awe-struck and inspired seeing the skills of others here and would be most grateful for any help offered

TIA!

Dennis

[Porchcar guy]

Hi...Are you sure it is fuel and not an oil smell as 911's do have that tinge in the cockpit? If fuel then start with the simple things..Under the front hood ..Look at your fuel filler connections to tank. Underneath the tank area look at the fuel pump connections. In the engine compartment look for any signs of fuel wetness.
Other guys will know more than me, but a place to start.

[andyt11]

Originally Posted by DeeJayOh

- but I have searched threads here and read about the problems with fuel lines going bad and fires resulting. I am looking for guidance on where to start in diagnosing this.

Well you probably know as much as me then! I expect you have a small leak somewhere, 30 year old rubber hoses etc etc... I'm sure someone will be able to tell you some likely locations. Mine are suspect in the engine bay and are in the process of being replaced, but i'm sure there are breathers and such in the truck on top of the tank. Perhaps something at that end of the car is suspect in your case. Nothing dripping to the floor I take it?

Nice car though, beautiful color. You must be very pleased.

[gshase]

First ; do you smell it with the engine off, then it is a line off of the fuel tank. Look for cracked or fuel soaked hoses. It Could be an exhaust leak that the heat exchangers are bringing into the cab, You will only smell it with the engine running, and it will get worse when you pull the apply the heat leavers.

[Tidybuoy]

Just rememer that you won't necessarily "see' a leak as the vapor quickly evaporates. if you can smell it, it's leaking. I would recommend replacing all fuel lines just to be safe (including the high pressure lines in the engine compartment).

Beautiful car and great color.

[Joe Bob]

Fuel tank sender gasket, charcoal canister hoses, gas cap gasket are the first to be checked.

[DeeJayOh]

Originally Posted by gshase

First ; do you smell it with the engine off, then it is a line off of the fuel tank. Look for cracked or fuel soaked hoses. It Could be an exhaust leak that the heat exchangers are bringing into the cab, You will only smell it with the engine running, and it will get worse when you pull the apply the heat leavers.

Definitely smell it with the engine off, and not when I turn the heat on. Turning the heat on seems to dilute the smell - so it sounds like I start in the front of the car.

Originally Posted by Joe Bob

Fuel tank sender gasket, charcoal canister hoses, gas cap gasket are the first to be checked.

That should send me off in the right direction. Time to hit the search tool. Thx

[dshepp806]

Better check that fuel pump area soon!

Doyle

[everforward]

Holy Crap moment (Fuel smell source after fill up that goes away after 30 miles,id'd)

I hope more people take this seriously. If you smell gas you have a leak somewhere.

[tevake]

That is a nice looking car. If you jack up the front of the car, set some jack stands, slide under the front and look for the skid plate that covers the bottom of the fuel tank and fuel pump. Once you drop that plate you will be able to give it and the outlet hose and return hose a good look over.

All the best in your hunt, Its a good thing that you are tracking this down.

Cheers Richard

[DeeJayOh]

Originally Posted by everforward

Holy Crap moment (Fuel smell source after fill up that goes away after 30 miles,id'd)

I hope more people take this seriously. If you smell gas you have a leak somewhere.

That was the thread that got me started thinking about this. If you smell gas, you have a leak. Seems obvious... but then. Ah, I'll light that cigarette anyway.

[Paul K]

Dennis:

Welcome! Sweet looking ride. May I suggest some H4's and a 930s wheel? Check out the PNW forum- pretty good bunch of Porsche guys up there, they have some events I'd love to attend if I were closer!

Cheers,

Paul.

[stlrj]

Check your gas cap.

[DeeJayOh]

Originally Posted by Paul K

Dennis:

Welcome! Sweet looking ride. May I suggest some H4's and a 930s wheel? Check out the PNW forum- pretty good bunch of Porsche guys up there, they have some events I'd love to attend if I were closer!

Cheers,

Paul.

Ooh. H4's - yes. Forgot about that. 930 wheel looks good too.

I also forgot - I want to put in one of Ed's Delrin bushings, along with a short-shift kit.

wish list in our sponsor's "project list" is getting quite long (and spendy!)

But first, better find that fuel leak over the weekend.