Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Maintenance & Servicing Petrol Smell.

We have been making the most of this amazing weather and have been out and about in our 2001, 1.8 black top zetec, 4/4 as much as possible. We have noticed of late that when we pull up at traffic lights, junctions etc there is a fairly strong smell of petrol. I have had a look under the bonnet and can't find any sign of a petrol leak. Was wondering if anyone else has had this issue or better still if anyone has sorted it! Thanks.

Tha first thing I would check is the rubber pipe that goes from the filler to the fuel tank.
They age harden and crack.
If it is still the original on your car it will need replacing.
On my 2003 “black top” Zetec, I changed mine 4 years ago.

If it’s most noticeable when you stop, I would suggest you look behind you rather than under the bonnet as it may be that if the problem is at the rear, the smell is dissipated by the breeze as you are travelling along so you don’t smell it. Spare wheel out and have a good nose around. Flexible filler hose to tank perished or leaky tank?

Also check the small pipes from tank - Mark Middleton found two on my '93 that had hardened (one showed signs of exterior cracking) and when touched one virtually fell apart.

Quite often the petrol tanks leak along the top seam.
Holding a dry tissue to the edges of the tank will reveal a leak if there is one.
Another clue is if the smell is worse when the tank is full.
Nick

Sounds to me like fuel vaporization in the hot environment of the engine compartment. What you smell is fuel vapor, not the fuel itself. My car does the same--and often poops out at traffic lights and other stops after running well at speed. I then have to open up the bonnet and wait 30-50 minutes for stuff to cool down.

Check all your rubber pipes/tubes. From filler through to engine. Rubber deteriorates and has a lifespan. Definitely a check/upgrade for a mature Morgan!
I did it on my 4/4 and it was 18yrs old at the time. Pump failed so whole system checked and bits renewed/extra filter for new pump/tank flushed.

I had the petrol smell, the cause was a split tank on the top seam.

In a modern mog there shouldn't be a small. Check the hoses as stated earlier in this thread

A friend is in the process of changing the filler hose on a 2008 car, so if yours is the original it has lasted a long time. Lift out the spare wheel and check all the hoses. If the hose is the problem, any main Morgan dealer should be able to supply replacements - my chum got his from Allon White.