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Cadillac & LaSalle Club Forums => Technical / Authenticity => Topic started by: Triesch on November 25, 2021, 03:41:52 AM

Title: Fuel smell in cabin - New Cadillac owner
Post by: Triesch on November 25, 2021, 03:41:52 AM
Hello all,

I recently picked up a 1968 deville convertible and had some work done as it was very hard to start: carb adjusted, distributer, timing, spark plugs, new battery. As I was driving home I got some gas, and upon heading up a hill the cabin filled with a strong fuel smell, like gas was poured all over the interior. I pulled over and did not see any leaks, and could not find the source of the gas smell. When I was going up the hill the car felt like it was gurgling a bit and lost power briefly when I gave more throttle. I'm new here and searching the general question forum didn't yield any results related to my issue. I would appreciate some sage wisdom.

I am having the car painted to the original arctic blue as a gift to my wife and 4 kids as this will be our weekend cruiser. But I can't give her the car smelling like a a ball of gas.
Title: Re: Fuel smell in cabin - New Cadillac owner
Post by: Big Fins on November 25, 2021, 04:48:57 AM
You said you got gas. Did you just put a few gallons in it or fill it? If you filled it, it could be the cap gasket is aged and not sealing properly. As you were going up a hill I doubt it would be the vent at the front of the tank. It could be the float in the carb stuck down and gas was continuously pouring into the bowl and running all over the engine and also dumping it into the engine cause the bad running condition.

Time to get the grubby clothes on and go crawling around under the car looking for bad lines, leak stains, smells, etc...
Title: Re: Fuel smell in cabin - New Cadillac owner
Post by: James Landi on November 25, 2021, 07:22:19 AM
I think "BIG FINS" hit on all of the likely culprits.  Echoing his concerns--- be careful, and get a fire extinguisher. I had a similar (though not quite the same) experience with my 72 Eldorado, that leaked gas when on a hill with a full or nearly full tank--- differences from your experience--- it did not fill the cabin with gas smell.  The gas smell and the loss of power are related, that would certainly cast suspicion on the carburetor; however, that would leave the relationship between the tank fill up, the hill, and the gas smell as coincidental.  Again, echoing Big FIns, and my experience--- check those gas lines.  Another experience with my 67 Eldorado, my gas pump was leaking and leaving a trail when parked.  SO, it might be the gas pump, located on the bottom of the engine or it might be a gas hose or it might be an infrequently sticking float on the carb. By the way, with my 72,  it was leaking ON THE TOP of the gas tank, and a smart, experienced mechanic identified the problem and REPLACED THE HOSE WITHOUT having to drop the tank.  (I'm fortunate to live in Maine where car repairs are generally performed by honest people)  Hope this helps, and happy THanksgiving.  James
Title: Re: Fuel smell in cabin - New Cadillac owner
Post by: fishnjim on November 25, 2021, 09:34:06 AM
U need to check the fuel tank vent line and cap(already mentioned).   Makes sure the right type cap for this model.
These low fill neck tanks will spew when completely full and angled.   The rubber hose will rot off.   I do not fill my tank completely full after I did and parked on a slight grade and came back and there was a puddle under it.   Convertible is more open with the retracting well so vapors can travel from the back.   The airflow causes a back circulation.
I'd have it put on a rack and inspect the whole fuel system.   Top of tank can be rotted, gauge gasket leaking, rotted line or rubber flex. etc.   With old wiring cna be an inferno in waiting.
Title: Re: Fuel smell in cabin - New Cadillac owner
Post by: Triesch on November 26, 2021, 02:12:20 AM
I appreciate all the responses. The car is parked at my in-laws hidden from my wife  over the weekend before I take it for paint. I had the carb adjusted by the mechanic and I would hope and assume it was done correctly, but I have no way of knowing. The locking gas cap was fairly loose so that may be a culprit, I'll have to take a look at the car next week and will update then.
Title: Re: Fuel smell in cabin - New Cadillac owner
Post by: "Cadillac Kid" Greg Surfas 15364 on November 26, 2021, 12:13:22 PM
Suggestion,
Park the car facing down hill in the drive or street and look for leaks at the fuel pump.
I chased the same symptoms for a couple days until I found the culprit.
Greg Surfas
Title: Re: Fuel smell in cabin - New Cadillac owner
Post by: bcroe on November 26, 2021, 03:30:11 PM
At this age a rusted thru fuel line is a definite possibility. 
Bruce Roe
Title: Re: Fuel smell in cabin - New Cadillac owner
Post by: 76eldo on November 26, 2021, 04:06:54 PM
The rubber lines that connect the tank to the chassis metal lines may be your problem.
As mentioned it all needs to be checked.
Title: Re: Fuel smell in cabin - New Cadillac owner
Post by: Triesch on November 29, 2021, 02:51:25 AM
I think there may be a problem with the floats in the carb. On an incline (driveway) it is very difficult to start, but on flat ground starts right up. Would you gentlemen recommend rebuild carb or get a new one altogether? The carb in the car now is definitely not original.
Title: Re: Fuel smell in cabin - New Cadillac owner
Post by: The Tassie Devil(le) on November 29, 2021, 05:31:22 AM
Are you referring to the car parked in your drive with the rear a lot higher than the front?

I had that happen to me once, and the needle valve was leaking, resulting in the fuel overflowing into the intake manifold, filling up one of the cylinders, causing a hydraulic-ing and the only way I could turn the motor over was to pull the plugs out, and spin the engine on the starter to get the excess out.

Bruce. >:D
Title: Re: Fuel smell in cabin - New Cadillac owner
Post by: Triesch on December 01, 2021, 12:45:53 AM
Parked with the front end higher.

It turned out to be the rubber fuel hose from the tank to the hard line. Thanks gents!
Title: Re: Fuel smell in cabin - New Cadillac owner
Post by: The Tassie Devil(le) on December 01, 2021, 12:53:37 AM
Great to know that you found it.

I suppose you have now changed the rest?   And possible should be changing the Vacuum lines as they are made of the same stuff.

Bruce. >:D
Title: Re: Fuel smell in cabin - New Cadillac owner
Post by: TJ Hopland on December 01, 2021, 10:02:44 AM
Make sure they got all the hoses replaced.   Same thing back at the tank as up by the engine where there are short pieces of hose that connect from the tank to the steel hard lines on the frame and then hose again to the engine.   Most years you can replace the tank ones without dropping the tank.  Its often not fun and a long handle pliers can help but it can usually be done.