Fuel smell when heater on

[Thunderbolt]

I get a very strong fuel smell when I turn the heaters on when the car is cold. It seems to disappear once the car is warmed up. Car is 79 SC with very recent rebuild. Fuel lines were replaced in the engine compartment at time of rebuild. This is my second P car, however its been about 20 years without a Porsche in the garage.

[Targa77]

I would NOT drive the car until this problem is thoroughly checked out. You could have a fuel leak of some kind and this can be dangerous! I would start with a good visual inspection of all fuel-related connections first. Don't forget the fuel lines in the front that connect to the fuel pump. Good luck.

[Bobboloo]

Does this only happen when your stopped at idle? If so what is happening is that exhaust is being sucked in by the fan. When the car is cold the fuel mixture is enriched so you'll naturally have the smell of raw gas in the exhaust.

Bobby

[Thunderbolt]

It happens when the car is in motion also. But seems to disappear once car is warm.

[Bobboloo]

My next guess would be a leak in the cold start system. Check the hoses to the cold start valve.

Also check the valve itself.

Bobby

[wckrause]

Are you sure it's not a burnt oil smell that you're smelling?

[Thunderbolt]

I will check cold start, as far as burnt oil it seems unlikely, motor does not leak a drop.

Thanks for the help.

[johnco]

just a longshot, but I had a gas smell last winter also. searched everywhere and couldn't find the source. sometimes I could smell gas inside, sometimes not. It wasn't until much later when the leak got worse that I found my accumulator was seeping fuel thru the small screw on bottom. might be worth checking. maybe not

[Thunderbolt]

Good tip