[xj-s] Temporary Gas Smell

XJ-S
1

I fill the tank and I get a strong gas smell in the car. But
after driving about 40 miles, it completely goes away and
not a hint of gas smell. Does this like clockwork. Can’t
find an open leak looking around the injection hoses or
anything visible.

Any ideas?–
Miner
NV, United States
–Posted using Jag-lovers JagFORUM [forums.jag-lovers.org]–

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2

Hi John,

Sounds like a problem with either the filler cap seal, the vent pipe or
overflow pipe. However, before we can get specific, we need to know
the model year and whether coupe or convertible.

George Balthrop, Clifton, VA USA
89 and 85 XJ-S Coupes; 89 XJ40 VDP-----Original Message-----
From: John Miner astralography@yahoo.com

I fill the tank and I get a strong gas smell in the car. But
after driving about 40 miles, it completely goes away and
not a hint of gas smell.

// please trim quoted text to context only

3

In reply to a message from George Balthrop sent Mon 5 Dec 2011:

It’s an 89 XJS Coupe–
Miner
NV, United States
–Posted using Jag-lovers JagFORUM [forums.jag-lovers.org]–
–Support Jag-lovers - Donate at http://www.jag-lovers.org/donate04.php –

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4

Hi John,

If your 89 coupe has a strong fuel odor after filling the tank, but the
odor goes away after several gallons of fuel are used, that does NOT
sound like a problem with the main plumbing of the tank (tank to surge
tank, surge to fuel pump, filter to engine, engine return line to tank).

I would check the following (wrap with paper towel and then check for
wet or fuel odor):

(1) fuel filler gap gasket – check for cracks or tears in cap gasket;
(2) fuel overflow pipe downward from filler cavity through boot to body
drain tube;
(3) fuel filler pipe, rubber hose and its hose clamps that covers
filler to tank union;
(4) o-ring in tank opening that seals to OD of filler pipe (check only
if fuel seepage or odor at rubber hose ends);
(5) three tubes at top-right rear of tank that go upward and outboard
to the fuel vapor separator.

You will need to remove the boot trim pads on either side to see/access
those hoses and fittings.

George Balthrop, Clifton, VA USA
89 and 85 XJ-S Coupes; 89 XJ40 VDP-----Original Message-----
From: John Miner astralography@yahoo.com

I fill the tank and I get a strong gas smell in the car. But
after driving about 40 miles, it completely goes away and
not a hint of gas smell.

// please trim quoted text to context only