Ferrari Mailing List: Re: Fuel Smell - 308 carbed GTS

[Adam Green (FlatCrank]

At the cost of being obvious -- and not having a good answer to the question -- I'll make mention of the fact that fuel leaks per se aren't such a big fire risk -- it's the vapors that will bring tragedy.  If the 308 is left standing (presumably indoors, but in any case) I suggest positioning a small electric fan ($15 at Home Depot) at a safe distance to keep a steady flow of air pushing under the car to carry away vapors.  Of course, leaving the engine cover open will help, but that's not always practical, so at least open the engine bay before starting.  As a fire-fighting precaution, consider having a large woolen blanket soaking in a tub of water (rather than having to blast the car with a fire extinguisher) if you have the opportunity anticipate trouble when debugging the source of the leak/smell.

As for sources of fluid leaks when they're not easily spotted, you can check the accelerator pump action to see if the carb bowl is staying full and work back towards the filter.  From there, there's no static pressure in the line, so leaks are more likely mechanical and related to seals (movement, damage, etc.)

I use a small piece of clean paper towel on a long pair of pliers/hemostat/forceps or just stuck on the end of a coat hanger and poke around using the olfactory method (dab the paper, smell the bouquet of the paper towel) and soon enough you'll encounter a more pungent source from whence the bang juice doth emanate.  As a rule, don't stop there, especially if it's a flexible line -- once one has given up the ghost, that's the signal to replace 'em all.

Adam <-- saved more than one old boat and motorcycle in my time. : )

On Mon, Sep 26, 2011 at 11:34 AM, David Handa <dave [at] davehanda.com> wrote:

Since we are talking about a car that is at least 32 years old, have all of the fuel hoses been replaced yet?

How about the infamous fuel filler neck hose?  (between the filler neck and the left side fuel tank)

 

Dave

 

 

From: Doug and Terri Anderson [mailto:dnt [at] dock.net]
Sent: Monday, September 26, 2011 10:41 AM
To: dave handa
Cc: The FerrariList
Subject: [Ferrari] Fuel Smell - 308 carbed GTS

 

Yikes – a carbed 308 GTS

 

No apparent gushing – no wet spots on the floor – but a definite smell.

 

Any hints of common trouble spots?

 

Thanks

DOUG