I know this is a topic thats been covered - it came up a couple times while I searched, but I didn't quite feel that I understood the answers, so i'll reask the question and maybe someone can help out a newbie to the f-body, what to atleast point the mechanic in the right direction of (or even what I can check myself)

I was given a 1984 Camaro Coupe. Its in pretty good condition - BUT, there is a gas smell all around the car, especially after stopping the engine, no matter the length of the run. After recharging the AC system last weekend, I rolled up the windows and cranked the AC on a hot day (i'm feeling heavy vibrations in the break pedal when its on, but thats another question for another day) - well, I about darn near passed out 15 minutes later from the heavy gas fumes in the car.

Any ideas on specific things *I* the car-newbie can check, or items I can have my car-knowledgeable buddy check out? He acknowledged the smell, but didn't have any idea where to begin looking.

Thanks for the help!

Phil
North Brunswick, NJ

 

Light a match. That will show you exactly where the leak is.

What you need to do is have a place where you can get under the car. l would start at the back and trace the fuel lines all the way to the engine. Look at all the seals, see if one is corroded. Run your hand along the fuel lines, is there a bump, a gouge, a scratch, anything that would allow fuel out?

If that doesnt turn anything up, work the engine. As in, follow the fuel line from the firewall through to its termination. If there are any clamps, make sure they are tight. If they are the spring type clamps, replace them with screw type clamps. (Spring types tend to weaken over time) Worst case scenario (realistically) is just replace the whole fuel rail system.

Before you replace everything, take it to a good mechanic. He might be able to spot it right off the top.

Clayton

 

Thanks for the help. If I let the car sit for a bit and then slide underneath it, I won't manage to get myself killed, I assume. That puppy's low to the ground and I ain't the skinniest of men, but I'll make a valient effort so that my wife will get back into the car (she refuses now, saying that theres dead canary's in the back)

 

I'm going to assume this is a carb car...

First place to look is around the gas tank. Look to see if the filler neck is cracked. Then check the rubber lines that connect the tank to the rest of the car, right in front of the rear end on the driver's side. Also check the rubber return line next to the fuel pump.

The rubber lines don't really require a mechanic to fix if you don't mind climbing under the car and getting dirty. Alternatively, sometimes you can stop in at a gas station type place with a mech, sometime when they're not busy, and they may be able to take care of it quick and cheap. If the gas tank itself is broken, that's a bit more of a PITA.

------------------
"So many Mustangs, so little time..."
ICON Motorsports