at-jefft

Hello Z lovers,
I just purchased my first car 2 days ago. I bought a 260z. I already love it and have plans to make it better(nothing major). The only thing I cannot understand is why the when sitting or driving in it you get a noticeable smell of gas. This is not normal right? Does anyone have any ideas of what the source of the smell is? Thanks in advance, Jeff

EDIT: Performance, as far as I can tell seems to be great and the engine does not seem starved of fuel at all.

NismoPick

Welcome to ZDriver!

Have you checked the fuel lines?

at-jefft

No, There has never been any drips on the pavement. What should I look for when I check them?

NismoPick

Cracks. Just because it's not gushing fuel onto the ground doesn't mean vapors can't escape. Carb fuel lines aren't required to hold high pressure, and thus are more susceptible to cracks. Also, have you checked the air filter / pcv valve / valve cover vent tube / timing / spark plugs?

at-jefft

Would the valve cover vent tube release a strong fuel smell? My lines are covered with mesh and the mesh is frayed on the valve cover vent.

NismoPick

It could definitely release vapors (which may or may not be fuel / oil / exhaust vapors. Can you post some pics of your engine bay for us?

at-jefft

sorry incorrect diagnosis. The leak is right at the gas tank. I can see the line is wet right as it leaves the tank on the drivers side. Does that line go to the electric fuel pump? How much line do I have to replace and how do I replace it?

at-jefft

I should probably replace that too though. Sorry I should have looked at the fuel lines right away. I have only owned a car for ~24hrs so I kinda did not think and just typed.

at-jefft

On second thought It seems like such a small leak could cause such a strong smell. As one of my friends said after riding in my car; "it smells like a gas station in here."

Don't get me wrong It is not overpowering just noticeable.

Thanks for all the help

NismoPick

And the solution: Check out the fuel lines... replace the ones that leak. Replace the clamps too.

SpeciallySpiked

Even a small leak can smell horrible!
I had one injector lightly leaking on mine (I know, different years but work with me) and the garage the next morning smelt stronger than a gas station.

duowing

My injectors on my first 280ZX were leaking a little. I'd pull it in the garage and the smell of fuel was really strong. On cold nights with the heater on, while I was driving on the freeway it wasn't bad, but once I came to a stop the fuel smell was really overpowering. Also a clogged up charcoal canister will also not vent properly and leave your car smelling rather like fuel. Many people have issues with the S30s. Their rubber seals are pretty much all shot at this point that allows everything in. Not to mention the aerodynamics of the hatch people have said creates almost a suction and has a tendency to pull any vapors back towards the car.

at-jefft

Alright I am reasonably convinced that I have found the leak. It seems to be the connection between the drivers side inlet/outlet and the line.

Is this the sending line(not return line)?

I have to empty the gas tank(screw on bottom??) then reattach the line so it has a good connection right?

Thanks again.

theramz

You don't have to drain the tank. You should replace all the lines since they are all the same age. Use a drip pan when you disconnect them to catch any fuel in the line. Pre cut the lines to the right length, then cut the old ones out and replace as you go. Some years you have to drop the tank to get the feed and return lines.

at-jefft

I found the ACTUAL cause! It is actually a different line that has a large rip in it. The other connection is/was fine.

The problem now is that I have access to only a small part of the line and don't know where the other connection is. How should I go about fixing this. Please explain as if you were talking to someone who knew nothing about cars. Thanks for your help, everyone! 'Jeff

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P.S. The other end of the braided line goes up and into the body.