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Gasoline Oder
Posted: Thu Feb 18, 2021 10:40 pm
by danungar
I already know what some on this forum my say, and I don't mind the smell myself, but it's permeating into the townhouse that I'm renting, and I fear it will linger after we're gone and we'll be charged to kingdom come to replace all the carpets, paint, etc.
I think my car may be particularly stinky and I already have some ideas of what can be done to mitigate it (replace the carpet where fuel leaked out of the tank for one), but am I going to be fighting an uphill battle? Is this car always going to smell like straight gasoline?
Re: Gasoline Oder
Posted: Fri Feb 19, 2021 1:18 am
by TRDxB2
There may be an issue you need to resolve. Reason for the questions: The fuel to the engine is gravity fed so you need to take some steps to stop the flow. All things fixed - you should not have any smell (may some just after the engine is shutdown.
I have assumed that this is about the Model T in your MTFCA profile 1922 Center Door Sedan
Sounds like you have a leak in the sediment bulb.
1. assuming that you shut off gas at the valve on the gas tank - does the petcock leak?
2. do you have a shutoff valve on the fuel line nearest the carburetor?
3. after you park in the garage is there any sign of leaking under the carburetor bowl.
4. wrong sealant used on sediment bulb
Pitch the carpet or if you need it wash it.
Re: Gasoline Oder
Posted: Fri Feb 19, 2021 1:34 am
by Allan
Might gas on the carpet indicate a 26-7 closed car with fuel tank in the cowl?
Allan from down under.
Re: Gasoline Odor
Posted: Fri Feb 19, 2021 8:11 am
by Jerry VanOoteghem
There should be no odor. Chase it down and make it stop. The odor in your townhouse is not the real issue. It's the danger of fire that you want to address. A fuel shutoff at the carburetor is always a good idea.
Re: Gasoline
Posted: Fri Feb 19, 2021 9:19 am
by John kuehn
Model T’s are known to leak here and there. Especially oil drips. But a gas leak that you can smell isn’t good and shouldn’t happen. If you parked it in a closed garage it will really smell.
Replace what’s needed and add a fuel shut off besides relying on the sediment bulb.
Re: Gasoline Oder
Posted: Fri Feb 19, 2021 9:22 am
by TWrenn
Like others said, you gotta track down the leak first. If it's sourced at a device with threads, like the carb bowl drain or bowl nut, or the petcock on the "potato", get some Loctite 567 and judiciously coat the threads. It'll stop the leaks. I use it on all mine.
Re: Gasoline Oder
Posted: Fri Feb 19, 2021 12:11 pm
by Rich Eagle
I hope you solve the problem. There is a limit to the amount of smell that is enjoyable. "All things in moderation". I've always enjoyed the hint of gasoline on my fingers at meals while touring but our coupe tank leak became overwhelming.
Rich
Re: Gasoline Oder
Posted: Fri Feb 19, 2021 1:38 pm
by Mark Gregush
Are you guys forgetting the open to the world vented gas cap? Even if you do get any drips taken care off, that cap is still venting to outside.
Re: Gasoline Oder
Posted: Fri Feb 19, 2021 2:11 pm
by Norman Kling
I don't know how the gas gets into the carpet. Do you park the car on carpet? If you have an attached garage with gas leaking, it is very easy to start a fire. Especially if you have a gas water heater in the garage. All leaks should be stopped before you park inside and if you can't stop them the tank should be drained.
Norm
Re: Gasoline Oder
Posted: Fri Feb 19, 2021 3:30 pm
by TRDxB2
Mark Gregush wrote: ↑Fri Feb 19, 2021 1:38 pm
Are you guys forgetting the open to the world vented gas cap? Even if you do get any drips taken care off, that cap is still venting to outside.
Didn't forget it, just focused on gas getting on the carpet.
Re: Gasoline Oder
Posted: Fri Feb 19, 2021 3:35 pm
by Jerry VanOoteghem
TRDxB2 wrote: ↑Fri Feb 19, 2021 3:30 pm
Mark Gregush wrote: ↑Fri Feb 19, 2021 1:38 pm
Are you guys forgetting the open to the world vented gas cap? Even if you do get any drips taken care off, that cap is still venting to outside.
Didn't forget it, just focused on gas getting on the carpet.
I believe the carpet he refers to in the house is suspected to have absorbed the fumes/odor that's prevalent throughout the house. Just as your clothing might retain an odor of gasoline if you're working around its fumes.
Re: Gasoline Oder
Posted: Fri Feb 19, 2021 3:37 pm
by Jerry VanOoteghem
Mark Gregush wrote: ↑Fri Feb 19, 2021 1:38 pm
Are you guys forgetting the open to the world vented gas cap? Even if you do get any drips taken care off, that cap is still venting to outside.
I don't believe the vent hole would "breathe" enough to emit fumes that the OP can smell even in his house.
Re: Gasoline Oder
Posted: Fri Feb 19, 2021 3:42 pm
by DHort
Gasoline in the carpet will just burn. Gasoline vapor in the right proportion will Explode. Get the car outside!
Re: Gasoline Oder
Posted: Fri Feb 19, 2021 6:26 pm
by danungar
Thanks everyone for the reassurance that the car should not have a potent baseline smell of gasoline. I traced it down, and I'm embarrassed to say, it was extremely stupid... the gas cap was off. The odor has subsided considerably, but the carpets still smell. I'm going to try to take them to an upholstery cleaner to see what can be done, and have them replaced if that doesn't work. The car has shutoffs at the sediment bulb and the carb, and I always turn the fuel off at the carb when I'm not driving. Since I replaced the gas tank, fuel line, and carb, I've never observed any fuel leaks EXCEPT...my newly rebuilt Holly NH carb started doing this lovely trick where it spits fuel out of a relief hole near the air intake. I think that means the float valve is stuck, or the float is filling up with gas and staying open...UGH.
Re: Gasoline Oder
Posted: Fri Feb 19, 2021 6:30 pm
by danungar
danungar wrote: ↑Fri Feb 19, 2021 6:26 pm
Thanks everyone for the reassurance that the car should not have a potent baseline smell of gasoline. I traced it down, and I'm embarrassed to say, it was extremely stupid... the gas cap was off. The odor has subsided considerably, but the carpets still smell. I'm going to try to take them to an upholstery cleaner to see what can be done, and have them replaced if that doesn't work. The car has shutoffs at the sediment bulb and the carb, and I always turn the fuel off at the carb when I'm not driving. Since I replaced the gas tank, fuel line, and carb, I've never observed any fuel leaks EXCEPT...my newly rebuilt Holly NH carb started doing this lovely trick where it spits fuel out of a relief hole near the air intake. I think that means the float valve is stuck, or the float is filling up with gas and staying open...UGH.
For the record, my last Holly NH carb did the same thing. I thought I had avoided it by swapping it out with a newly-rebuilt one, but now that problem has come around to haunt me again. Is this common??? Could the cold weather (32 degrees F yesterday morning) have played a part?
Re: Gasoline Oder
Posted: Fri Feb 19, 2021 9:59 pm
by Norman Kling
Usually the cause of the float valve sticking is a bit of dirt under the valve. This can be removed and things will work out fine. However it can happen with too high float level, a worn or sticking needle, or the float leaking and filled with gas or sticking against the bowl of the carburetor. A gros valve can also be a problem. The carb should have a needle and seat. A viton coated needle is very good. one other possible cause would be the gasket between the seat and the carburetor body.
Norm