914 strong fuel smell after shutoff

[williamm]

My 1970 914-4 was converted to carbs and has had a strong fuel smell right after shutting the motor off in a garage. So strong my clothes smell every time I leave the garage after parking the car. I've replaced the small fuel tank lines under the tank, treated the inside of the gas tank and have never actually seen visible fuel. When stored or after a few days of not driving, no smell, so I'm pretty sure no leaks. The plastic lines are original, but I cannot see any sign of leaks and haven't smelled anything coming from the tunnel. I have been running the tank at about 1/2 full max, so having too much fuel is not the problem. The expansion chamber is attached to the charcoal canister and the line runs from the canister under the car and is attached to the fuel overflow tube. The air vent lines running to and from the motor must have been pulled from the drivers side longitude long ago when converted to carbs. The spot on the charcoal canister where air from the motor was routed to the charcoal canister is filled with what looks like caulk. I've heard that people have completely removed the charcoal canister, at least mine has unforced air running through it.

The gas cap hasn't been replaced and I suspect should be. It's about the only thing that I haven't replaced on the car.

This is a really strong smell though, any thoughts/solutions are appreciated. Is it possible that a new gas cap could solve this? Thank you.

[GWN7]

replace the gasket in the cap....much cheaper as new gas caps are NLA.

You will also get a fuel smell from the carbs.

Check to make sure the fuel injection return line is blocked off. It returned unused fuel/vapors to the tank.

[Tobra]

You can get a new gas cap with gasket at any air cooled VW shop for 10-15 dollars. Same cap as late 60's bug and bus as I recall, but could be wrong. THat is what I did. May need to replace fuel hoses too. There is a small line connects to the overflow or something on passenger side of car that can give you smell too

[williamm]

Thanks for the feedback. I would like a bit more clarification on the ventilation suggestions and have attached photos of my current setup.

1. The hose coming out of the charcoal canister is reduced to a smaller clear tube and then routed to the fuel overflow under the car on the passenger side. Could this hose be routed back through the horizontal or in an alternative position and then emptied somewhere on the carbs?

2. GWN7 makes an interesting point about fuel vapors from the old fuel injection system. Could someone clarify where this fuel injection return line is based on my picture because I can't find it? I'm assuming, once located it could be blocked off with a bolt or caulk?

3. Any suggestions for minimizing the stinky carb smell besides going back to fuel injection (expensive I think?)

4. TOBRA makes a good suggestion replacing the cap with a late 60s VW. Does anyone have the part number, or that the exact same one as the original 914?

5. Any other suggestions now that I've posted pictures?

Tonight I didn't smell any gas in the garage after leaving the car stationary without starting it for a few days. I opened the gas cap and immediately smelled gas, but nothing as strong as when I run the car and then shut it off.

Thank you all

[Tobra]

same as '61-'67 bug on cap, don't know part #

FI return line is under the tank, would have to remove it to look.

You will be much happier with a dual carb setup

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

You can see where the return line originates by removing the steering rack cover, then looking through the ~6" diameter round hole into the fuel tank compartment. No removal of the tank necessary.

--DD

[williamm]

OK the fuel return line looks fine to me. It is clamped with a bolt blocking it off and I cannot see any signs of a leak there.

Any theories on the charcoal cannister venting etc??

[GWN7]

[QUOTE=williamm;4101881]Thanks for the feedback. I would like a bit more clarification on the ventilation suggestions and have attached photos of my current setup.



2. GWN7 makes an interesting point about fuel vapors from the old fuel injection system. Could someone clarify where this fuel injection return line is based on my picture because I can't find it? I'm assuming, once located it could be blocked off with a bolt or caulk?



4. TOBRA makes a good suggestion replacing the cap with a late 60s VW. Does anyone have the part number, or that the exact same one as the original 914

Tonight I didn't smell any gas in the garage after leaving the car stationary without starting it for a few days. I opened the gas cap and immediately smelled gas, but nothing as strong as when I run the car and then shut it off.

Thank you all

New gas cap gasket is about $4 ....compared to $25-$30 for a new cap and it's the only part that wears out on them.

[williamm]

The current gasket looks to be crimped in and I'd have to pull back the metal to get it out and then pinch the metal back with the new one. Does that sound right?

[GWN7]

The old gasket is a asbestos composite. The replacement ones are rubber and fit over the "nubs". The old one should break apart when you try to take it out. Two minute job to pop the old off and put a new one one.

I can take pics tomorrow when I get home if needed.