[Healeys] 57 Healey

[Bob Spidell]

FWIW, I have a small, reasonably well-sealed 2-car garage and I never smell gas from my BJ8, even after a long, hot 
run.   I don't believe any gas smell from any car--or other source--is tolerable (but I also have a natgas water heater 
with a pilot light in my garage).  I think you've addressed the symptom but not the problem (possibly a deficient carb 
heat shield or  bad float valves or maybe the gas cap gasket is shot).

The first poster said "there is no leak or excessive smell in the trunk."  There should be no smell in the boot at all; 
the tank should be completely sealed and I wouldn't even expect an odor at the gas cap if properly fitted with a good 
gasket.  If there's any odor, there's a leak, even if you don't see liquid petrol.   Metal gas tanks can develop pinhole 
leaks--in fact, they will develop leaks eventually.  This should be fixed, preferably with a new tank.  This is nothing 
to mess with (don't forget you have several electrical sources of ignition in the boot, including the battery).  You 
might also have a leak from the flexible fuel line, or even from the metal line, big enough to cause odor but not enough 
to leave a puddle (it doesn't take much petrol to create odor).  Even at 'room' temperature, the tank may be slightly 
pressurized (the vent in the cap is to allow air in as fuel is consumed--not to relieve pressure).

bs


On 3/2/2011 12:34 AM, John Harper wrote:
> I don't know if this applies in the States but I also have this problem ...
>
>
>> I am parking my 57 Healey  in our garage which is attached to our house.
>> There is a very strong smell of gas ...


-- 
*******************************************************************
Bob Spidell           San Jose, CA            bspidell at comcast.net

*******************************************************************