Sudden smell of petrol in car

[Tony Hall]

Hi, after 18k+ troublefree miles, suddenly getting a smell of petrol in the car. Nothing smelly outside, but when you get in after cars been standing it's pretty strong. Not sure if it disipates after driving. No obvious leaks, (slight multi colouring of water dripping off onto ground around rear of engine area), petrol gauge not dropping any quicker. No definite smell in boot. Don't think I've stood in any! Just read back through previous threads, will look for this purge tank and check fuel guage sender this evening. (Assuming the bloke comes to fix the garage door so I can get the car in).Actually this has only started to happen since I have been forced to keep car outside for the last two nights. Could it be that the cold is stopping the car warming and the auto choke thingy isn't coming off properly. It doesn't seem to get much over 70C at the moment.

>>> Edited by Tony Hall on Tuesday 4th February 08:56

[Tony Hall]

Thanks lads, I knew you'd be a great help.
Additional info, there is a damp fuel smelling patch underneath the left hand side of the tank, pulled out a soggy, petrolly paper towel from there. Tightened up sender unit (on rhs) and filler hose above damp area.
Could be result of overfill but that was over a week ago (unless done it again without knowing). Where does the outlet come out of the tank, where is the breather and how do I get the tank out. OK, I'll go and read the (mk 1) Bible...

[Tony Hall]

This is becoming my own personal bulletin board!
Think it's fixed, rubber pipe from tank to brass-overtherwishbone pipe gone off a bit. (I hope rather than brass union into tank).
Big thanks to Hexham Horseless Carriages for assistance (supply of pipe that the average car shop doesn't keep and advice)
Quick look at the T350C - absolutely brilliant looking car. Front much better looking than the Tamora.
Good luck to Simon in your new job-you'll miss the V8 rumble. I'll pass your new workplace 8.00am/5.00pm just to let you know what you've left behind.

[ribol]

Have not got a clue about your leak but just to show you are not alone out there in your moment of need

Ivan

[CraigAlsop]

Yeah - don't know enough to help, but good luck!

[RobM]

Tony.
I've had same problem. Nasty smelly damp petrol carpet under leftside bottom of fuel tank.It was the 6 inch rubber fuel pipe thingy. Rubber went off and fuel dripped through. For overkill and peace of mind, chunky braided hose jobby went in. No pong so far!