Fuel Smell from braided lines?

[blk05wrx]

Hi guys, I used to own a built 93 LX, but sold it about 10 years ago. This week I purchased a nearly identical looking 91 LX hatch. It has a B&G 70mm Turbo on it and a host of other upgrades. For the price, I couldn't pass up a car this clean.

Anyway, it has a serious fuel system on it that looks something like this. (Aeromotive A-1000 Stealth System (Complete) 86-95 5.0 Mustang)

Fuel Complete Kit

Since I parked it in my garage I can smell a little bit of fuel coming from the car. I don't see any fuel leaks. Is it possible the smell is coming from the braided lines? I could smell the odor near the gas cap too so I have a new one of those on the way, but I smell it under the hood too.

Since my garage is attached, the fuel smell is making it's way in the garage.

I plan on taking it to a local Mustang shop, but right now he's booked up for a few weeks. Any help on where to look would be great.

Attached are some pics of the new ride.

 

[90blacknight]

Braided fuel lines will smell of gas, yes.

 

[jaystang50]

Try Aeroquip braided teflon line

 

[Rick 91GT]

never noticed any strong odor with Aeroquip AQP hose, I have cars with braided in my shop almost everyday. Most likely check the tank vent hose, which should go up to the charcoal canister.

 

[jrichker]

Possible leak around the fuel tank filler grommet or around the fuel pump mount plate on top of the tank. The fuel pump mount plate leak will be present when the tank is filled and goes away as the fuel level drops.

Grommet:

Fuel pump mount plate lock and seal:

Mustang Fuel System Components at LRS - Same Day Shipping!

 

[Beasty306GT]

Mine stink as well I'm replacing them over winter ..gonna go with teflon lined braided

 

[Kevins89notch5.0]

Try Aeroquip braided teflon line

Agreed. A friend is going to swap over to those to try to get rid of his fuel smell.

 

[blk05wrx]

Thanks for all the advice guys. I actually got rid of some of the smell by getting a new gas cap. The old one was quite deteriorated. I'm taking it in to a local shop for a full inspection in case there is a leak. If there isn't I think we'll start replacing a few lines with the teflon lines.

I drove the car about 50 miles last Friday to work and to a local cruise and the car behaved perfectly. It's great to have a 5.0 again.

 

[blk05wrx]

OK, here's an update. I had the car inspected at Finish Line Performance, a local speed shop that puts out some really nice cars.

They found that one of my short hoses coming out of the tank was wet at the ends. They replaced it and pressure tested the system and found no other leaks. They think the real cause of the fuel smell is that the tank is vented to the atmosphere b/c it's an external pump. It's a stock tank that has been sumped. There is a rubber vent hose coming off the top and hanging down the side.

I contacted Aeromotive support and they said this is also likely the cause and I would still get a fuel smell even if I replaced the lines. It's interesting that Finish Line Performance never uses teflon lines and wasn't sure that this would help. I'd hate to go through replacing all the lines to find that I still have a problem b/c of the way the tank is vented.

Does anyone else have suggestions on how to better vent the tank. I don't think I'll be able to put the stock charcoal canister on b/c there would be nothing to control it or empty it. Short of going back to a stock fuel system or punching holes in my garage to vent it I might be screwed. My garage is only one car with a flat roof, so it's about the size of a trailer. It's very well sealed b/c I sometimes heat it in the winter to work on my other car.

 

[jrichker]

What sort of computer are you using to control the EFI?

 

[blk05wrx]

PMS by EFI.

Like this.
http://www.andersonfordmotorsport.c...category_id=31&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=1

 

[blk05wrx]

So, the tank is vented to the atmosphere, not a charcoal canister. If I was to hook up a charcoal canister, does anyone know how it's controlled? Is it controlled via a vacuum source, or does it have to be hooked into the computer?

As mentioned above, the car has the PMS piggyback made by EFI.

The smell was really cut down by fixing the hose that had a small leak, but after sitting all night in a sealed garage I can still smell it when I open the door in the morning.

I found PTFE (Teflon) lines at the following site. Is that what you guys are talking about?
Stainless Steel Teflon Fuel Lines

Thanks for all the help guys. Much appreciated.

 

[jrichker]

Code 85 - CANP solenoid - The Carbon Canister solenoid is inoperative or missing. Check vacuum lines for leaks and cracks. Check electrical wiring for loose connections, damaged wiring and insulation. Check solenoid valve operation by grounding the gray/yellow wire to the solenoid and blowing through it.
The computer provides the ground for the solenoid. The red wire to the solenoid is always energized any time the ignition switch is in the run position.

Charcoal canister plumbing - one 3/8" tube from the bottom of the upper manifold to the rubber hose. Rubber hose connects to one side of the canister solenoid valve. Other side of the solenoid valve connects to one side of the canister. The other side of the canister connects to a rubber hose that connects to a line that goes all the way back to the gas tank. There is an electrical connector coming from the passenger side injector harness near #1 injector that plugs into the canister solenoid valve. It's purpose is to vent the gas tank. The solenoid valve opens at cruse to provide some extra fuel. The canister is normally mounted on the passenger side frame rail near the smog pump pulley.

It does not weigh but a pound or so and helps richen up the cruse mixture. It draws no HP & keeps the car from smelling like gasoline in a closed garage. So with all these good things and no bad ones, why not hook it up & use it?


The purge valve solenoid connector is a dangling wire that is near the ECT sensor and oil filler on the passenger side rocker cover. The actual solenoid valve is down next to the carbon canister. There is about 12"-16" of wire that runs parallel to the canister vent hose that comes off the bottom side of the upper intake manifold. That hose connects one port of the solenoid valve; the other port connects to the carbon canister.

Purge valve solenoid:

The carbon canister is normally mounted on the passenger side frame rail near the smog pump pulley.
Carbon Canister: