Fire risk

[Earlybaybob]

Hi,

I am collecting my new van this week from the current owner. When I drove it last week I notice a strong smell of petrol afterwards. It's the original 1600 engine which looks tidy enough but I am worried about going up in flames on my first ever journey home! Is it normal to get a smell of petrol? Was it because I stalled it last time?

Cheers, Dan

 

[Earlybaybob]

Additional paranoia bought on from the two campers going up in flames on the M5 today!

 

[rickyrooo1]

you need to check and replace all fuel hose with R9 grade or higher spec' modern fuels have ethanol in which eats through rubber rapidly, your breathers may not be connected which is one of the usual causes of a petrol smell.

 

[Earlybaybob]

Safe to drive about 10 miles home or not do you reckon?

 

[Bigbear]

I've not owned my van long and not really been to far in it, however I always notice a smell of petrol when I'm out and about, sometimes it's quite strong. I've checked everywhere (other than removing the engine to access to tank) and can't find any source of it, I'm paranoid about fires aswell, get yourself a few extinguisher for piece of mind. I've got one auto in the bay and two extras!!

 

[Bigbear]

you need to check and replace all fuel hose with R9 grade or higher spec' modern fuels have ethanol in which eats through rubber rapidly, your breathers may not be connected which is one of the usual causes of a petrol smell.

Where are the breathers? Is that the charcoal canister thingy? Sorry to sound dumb :roll:

 

[rickyrooo1]

Safe to drive about 10 miles home or not do you reckon?

who can say? fuel pipes can come off in seconds..... where is the van - can you get someone to look over it to put your mind at ease?

 

[rickyrooo1]

you need to check and replace all fuel hose with R9 grade or higher spec' modern fuels have ethanol in which eats through rubber rapidly, your breathers may not be connected which is one of the usual causes of a petrol smell.

Where are the breathers? Is that the charcoal canister thingy? Sorry to sound dumb :roll:

the breathers come off the top of the tank and go up to behind the vents and then into the air filter (via the charcoal cannister if you have a u.s van - i removed mine) many vans i've seen have split or missing breathers and this often causes a fuel smell

 

[Earlybaybob]

My next question was the same as baytripper's - where do I find the breathers and what do they look like?

 

[rickyrooo1]

I've not owned my van long and not really been to far in it, however I always notice a smell of petrol when I'm out and about, sometimes it's quite strong. I've checked everywhere (other than removing the engine to access to tank) and can't find any source of it, I'm paranoid about fires aswell, get yourself a few extinguisher for piece of mind. I've got one auto in the bay and two extras!!

have you checked the tiny one behind the spare wheel well - between the well and side of the van, it's about 4 inches long and joins the 2 metal pipes it's often perished and rarely changed

 

[Earlybaybob]

Ok will check it out. Thanks

 

[rickyrooo1]

 

[Bigbear]

I've not owned my van long and not really been to far in it, however I always notice a smell of petrol when I'm out and about, sometimes it's quite strong. I've checked everywhere (other than removing the engine to access to tank) and can't find any source of it, I'm paranoid about fires aswell, get yourself a few extinguisher for piece of mind. I've got one auto in the bay and two extras!!

have you checked the tiny one behind the spare wheel well - between the well and side of the van, it's about 4 inches long and joins the 2 metal pipes it's often perished and rarely changed

Il get on it tommorrow, cheers mate

 

[Bigbear]

Topman! Mines bound to be the red one!

 

[Bigbear]

Sorry for the hijack earlybaybob.

 

[rickyrooo1]

you'll be amazed.... i bet someone comes back and says "it was like chalk and just fell apart in my hand"

 

[Bigbear]

you'll be amazed.... i bet someone comes back and says "it was like chalk and just fell apart in my hand"

Not me mate, those days are behind me! :shock: :lol:

 

[Lee C]

Hmmm, didn't know there was one there!! :shock:
Will be checking that out on Monday!!!!?

 

[slow-lane-Matt]

Like everyone I have wondered about the petrol smell - and had it checked out by a local VW aircooled specialist. It still smells sometimes.

Is it possible to get a "legimate" petrol smell if going fast, downhill, in gear, with foot off the accelerator, ie is it possible fuel is forced through the system unburnt....?

Also - it seems when cold (ie choke engaged) the smell is worse, which may be expected (?)

Sorry to hi-jack the thread, hope this is relevant, are these possible - or am I just displaying my ignorance...!

 

[rickyrooo1]

you'll be amazed.... i bet someone comes back and says "it was like chalk and just fell apart in my hand"

Not me mate, those days are behind me! :shock: :lol:

i think that's for "i was washing it fast and it came off in my hand" if your parents catch you wanking....