Fuel smell in cab.... 71' Superbug

[katrinaandsteve]

Hi guys & gals.... just bought a 71 Superbug - runs like a charm, but has a constant smell of gas/fuel in the cab... yippeeee! The tube on the gas filler pipe looks ok as does the other pipes from the tank - Does anyone know 'Commonly" which of these pipes may be the culprit?

I guess the smell leaks through the small holes at the fuse box, dash etc. Any ideas how to stop it?

Have a great day all - wouldn't be dead for quids!

[BoatCop]

Looks can be deceiving.

Almost any time you smell gas from the luggage compartment on your model of Bug ('68+ w/ gas door) it's the gas fill hose from the filler to the tank.

I had the same problem with my '69, and a change of the fill hose did the trick. Don't try and re-invent the wheel, and just get any hose for this. Use what's designed for it, and you'll only do it once. Here's the kit:

http://www.800luvbugg.com/shop?frame=2.4981

You should also check the fuel vapor recovery vent lines. In your year of Bug, there's a charcoal filter under the right rear fender. (or at least there should be).

A small (5mm I think) vent hose runs from the gas fill to the filter. There are two hoses that leave the filter. One goes to a vacuum fitting on the carb, and another goes to a fitting on the fan shroud.

The idea is that the vacuum from the carb sucks fuel vapors from the tank, through the filter, and burned in the engine. The hose from the fan shroud pushes pressurized air through a venturi in the filter housing to aid in removing fuel vapors.

When changing any of the fuel/vacuum hoses, always use the proper metric size of braided cloth covered hose.

[BoatCop]

OOOOPS!

Didn't read the profile.

You won't have the vapor recovery system on OZ Bugs. What you will have is a vent line that goes from the filler, up over the tank, through the front of the dash area, and then down the opposite side through a hole in the trunk.

If the vent hose is broken or cracked, or if it has pulled out of the hole, that will also cause the gas smell.

[katrinaandsteve]

Originally Posted by BoatCop

OOOOPS!

Didn't read the profile.

You won't have the vapor recovery system on OZ Bugs. What you will have is a vent line that goes from the filler, up over the tank, through the front of the dash area, and then down the opposite side through a hole in the trunk.

If the vent hose is broken or cracked, or if it has pulled out of the hole, that will also cause the gas smell.

Thanks BoatCop - will get on it right away! Appreciate your help. They're fun old cars aren't they? Cheers mate & have a good New Year.

Steve