Vs ute - fuel smell in cabin

[Vombil]

Not sure where exactly to post this - just throwing it out there being a commodore and all!

I recently picked up a VS V8 ute. She's pretty old and tired but sounds great and is good to run back and forth from work.

Hoping to gain an answer to a REALLY long running problem. I've owned lots of VS utes over the years and the greater majority seem to have a putrid fuel smell that is drawn into the cabin while driving with the windows down.

I've previously removed tank covers in the tray and the smell appears to be from that location but i'm yet to ever resolve the problem having a poke around tightening lines etc

Has anyone got any tips or anyone resolved the issue?

cheers

[HZSM50]

Is it possible that it could be an exhaust smell. Do you only smell it when the windows are down?

[Vombil]

Is it possible that it could be an exhaust smell. Do you only smell it when the windows are down?

deffo not exhaust. yeah when windows down driving its terrible. its 'vacuumed' in! so frustrating

[HZSM50]

The other thing that comes to mind is to check all your vacuum hoses mainly for the heater control. As I think they take the vacuum from the inlet manifold. You could be getting some fuel smell through that. Just a thought.

[Taily]

I'd be looking more at the cannister to fuel tank line up behind the bumper/headlight or, more probably the vac line has come adrift between the engine and the cannister and the cannister is getting a bit saturated with fuel, hence you smelling it with the window/s down. It can be the smallest of pin holes in the system that is causing the issue.

[Flamenco_not_Flamingo]

I had the exact problem with my VS that I just sold!

checked vacuum and canister, thought there was an air con problem.

All that I could find was a drip that went under the rail right under the cab that I couldn't get to,that line went back to the tank.

Once again, I hear ya mate, the fumes drove me crazy and well, maybe a little giggly

[HK1837]

I had one new and it never smelled. Could be a buggered canister as Taily says.

[utevanwgn]

Had the same problem with mine found the problem worse when the tank was full .
Fixed it by replacing the sender/pump seal and removing the valve in the filler cap so the tank does not pressure up.

[Dr Terry]

This was a common issue in ALL VN-VS Commodores, but more so with utes, because the cavity where the tank is located is close to the passenger compartment. With sedans & wagons any vapours from minor leaks are vented externally.

The fix is to remove the ute floor (Philips screws), remove the fuel tank & replace all the vapour hoses with quality fuel resistant neoprene hose. Go to a Pirtek or Enzed outlet & spend a few $$ on thin wall low pressure hydraulic hose, it's worth it.

The factory hoses have 2 faults, the small rubber ones just rot away & fall apart, while the larger vapour hose to the filler neck turns rock hard & won't seal at its ends. You will find that the tank will have been leaking petrol (liquid & vapour) for years, from every joint.

It's not rocket science & anyone can do it with a bit of patience & common sense.

Dr Terry

[RAEME]

This was a common issue in ALL VN-VS Commodores, but more so with utes, because the cavity where the tank is located is close to the passenger compartment. With sedans & wagons any vapours from minor leaks are vented externally.

The fix is to remove the ute floor (Philips screws), remove the fuel tank & replace all the vapour hoses with quality fuel resistant neoprene hose. Go to a Pirtek or Enzed outlet & spend a few $$ on thin wall low pressure hydraulic hose, it's worth it.

The factory hoses have 2 faults, the small rubber ones just rot away & fall apart, while the larger vapour hose to the filler neck turns rock hard & won't seal at its ends. You will find that the tank will have been leaking petrol (liquid & vapour) for years, from every joint.

It's not rocket science & anyone can do it with a bit of patience & common sense.

Dr Terry

What he said. I had one for about 10 years. Exactly what Dr Terry said.