Strong fuel smell in the car when I turn LEFT

[Zedyone_kenobi]

Okay, folks, in anticipation of this Texas rally I am sort of planning, I decided it would be wise to do some prep work on my old gal. One problem that has been annoying me is when I fill the car up say past half way, and I make a left turn, I get a strong raw fuel smell.

This leads me to believe that my filler neck is leaking as when you turn left, fuel goes right naturally. Does this sound about right to everybody. Before I drop the tank, I may as well have a good idea what I am going to replace. And while I am there (there are those words that ALWAYS get me into trouble) I may as well fix anything else that requires some love.

What things should I be looking for to fix this problem as well as are there any pitfalls or tricks to dropping the tank

I have a feeling I may as well replace everything that carries fuel while I have the car up.

[d240zx2]

Your assumption about a leaking filler hose or return line are most likely correct, Stephen. Over time, hoses can become "soaked through" or maybe even a bit porous due to the differences in fuel formulation between the early 70s and today.

Frank

[dhayes5]

I have the same issue. I filled the car up completely the other day and when I was making a hard left down an exit ramp, I started smelling fuel.

If you get this sorted out, please post and tell up what you ended up replacing. In addition to the filler hose, there is an evaporator tank and associated the hoses associated with it.

[Zedyone_kenobi]

correct. I have the service manuals, and I wonder how deep I have to go to fix this. I would wager that that evaporator tank is a part that is nearly impossible to get. We will see. Datsun spirit may have it or something. As usual, I plan to do a complete picture overhaul of this. May as well POR my tank while it is out.

I can see this is going to get expensive.

[Oiluj]

You can always eliminate the evaporation tank if it's the culprit, but it's much more likely that it's the vapor hose or fill neck.

[Diseazd]

Don't rule out the O ring at the sending unit.......That's a much easier fix and easy to visually check out.

[beermanpete]

And don't for the fuel cap. Its gasket might be bad.

[Casey_z]

On mine the hoses at the connection at the evaporator tank were cracked.

Casey

[240260280z]

check this out: http://www.classiczcars.com/forums/showthread.php?25857-Rating-the-factory-240Z-fuel-vent-hoses

[FastWoman]

Don't fret if there's a leak in your "evaporator tank" (fuel/air separator). Mine had a leak around one of its fittings, as evidenced by deteriorated paint. I took it to my local radiator shop, and they re-brazed the fitting. It cost me $20 and was as good as new.

As for the source of the leak -- it could be almost anywhere. I'd recommend replacing all your hoses and checking the integrity of all your fittings.

[Zedyone_kenobi]

Well I have decided that the end of september/october will be my month to do this. I have printed out the FSM instructions, so I am basically committed.! Hhaha

[ncolz]

240Z evaporator tanks are plastic. I wonder if JB Weld or other epoxy would make the repairs if that is your issue.. Good luck!