Petrol smell etc ... I need a friendly local expert!

[DerbyCountyMark]

I have owned my 1987 350i for about 15 months now, and it is just approaching its second MOT under my stewardship. Although it seemed the best of the bunch for £4k when I bought it and I love it to bits, I spent a fair bit on attention to brakes and suspension to get it through the last MOT so I am approaching this one with some trepidation.

At the moment (having just put the car back on the road following SORN to refinish the dash over the winter) I'm suffering from a severe petrol smell inside the car. Added to that, the chassis seems basically sound but in need of waxoyl (or something) to keep it that way.

I'm at something of a crossroads with it, and wondering what else lurks beneath. I'm in a newish job and have just discovered that annual bonuses aren't quite what they were cracked up to be before I joined ... I really could do with a reliable and knowledgeable garage to tell me what needs to be done to make it a sound example, and give me a price. I need to decide whether to call it quits and cut my losses with great regret, or to bite the bullet and do what's necessary.

I'm based between Derby and Nottingham. Can anyone tell me of a trustworthy, reasonably priced "man who can"?

[blaineuk]

not sure who to recommend, but i would be willing to come over and have a look at the car for you, i am doing a rebuild on mine, so have a good idea on what to look for, or you could bring the car to mine, and i will have a look at it.

Edited by blaineuk on Sunday 18th May 18:50

[Hot Lady]

Not going to be much help here, but I've just bought a lovely Chim, which is doing great on fuel consumption (the right way!) and my friend got a souped-up Wedge a couple of months before. Both suffer from a chronic petrol smell when driven hard. I also have a TR7-V8 which throws out the same frightful aroma. I believe this is normal (engines running a little too rich, but fab exhaust note!), but a bit scarey when you want a ciggie!

Edited by Hot Lady on Monday 19th May 01:31

Edited by Hot Lady on Monday 19th May 01:33

[tvr-280i]

I eliminated petrol smell by replacing the roll over valve that sits in the vent line over the fuel filler. It is easily accessed from inside by removing rear speaker panel. I had a spare from a racer. It cost next to nothing. Works great but it took me years to figure it out! Never a fuel smell now.

[DerbyCountyMark]

I've found a local tame garage, and she's booked in for next week. Can't sell it now. No-one warned me that the bloody things are addictive!

[mrcrappy]

H, have you checked the overflow pipe that travels from the fuel filler through the boot and exits on the left side rear bumper, mine had split and as the tank pressurised the fumes came into the car, gets worse as the window is opened and the fumes are sucked through. if you lift the boot carpet at the back (where speakers may be fitted, rear fire wall type area)you should see a 3/8" bore pipe.
good luck,
jon.

[mightymouse]

DerbyCountyMark said:

No-one warned me that the bloody things are addictive!

Same here

[rev-erend]

Check at the rear end , underneath, pipes, swirl pot, pump and fuel sender unit all on drivers side in front of rear wheel ..

If you have any evidence of fuel - then the problem must be fixed.

If you are not confident in DIY on the car then I'm sure someone will recomment a good specialist.

[350zwelgje]

Spillage at the fillerneck can cause this also (had this). There is a rubber gaitor that can be perished. Fuell then flows along the fiberglass and it can take just a drop to 'wear of' from a smell point of view in days.

If there is a problem in the high pressure area you will be able to tell as it will escape with pressure.

There is a blocked off exit on one side of the two tanks. It is worthwhile to inspect this and replace (easy stuff) if in doubt.

Rest mentioned as before. And the overflow will carry fuel if you overfill as well.

It is not too difficult, but can be dangerous.

Rob