Triumph Repair: Gas Smell, fuel filler cap, triumph project

Question
QUESTION: My 1977 Triumph " Project" Spitfire smells smell like Gas...how do I narrow down the solution?  I'm a new owner.
Thanks!
Brad Pharr

ANSWER: Brad,

Is it while you're driving?  Sitting still?  Just walking into the garage?

Look for obvious things like leaking hoses, drip from the carb body, and make sure the fuel filler cap gasket is in good shape.

If you can't trace anything down then give me some more details on what you didn't find and I'll see if we can't figure this one out.


Cheers,

Jim

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Jim-
Thanks for the quick response.  It's after I turn the engine off, the gas smell
that is, is the strongest.

ANSWER: Brad,

Keep in mind that the fuel filler cap is only about 3 feet away from the driver's seat.  If the gasket on the cap is shot, you'll smell evaporation from the fuel tank.

Other places to check?  Pop the bonnet and look over the fuel lines, especially the line from the fuel pump to the carb.  Look at the bottom of the carb to see if there is gas dripping from the carb.  Pull off the air filter and see if gas is dripping from the carb mouth into the filter.

Let me know what you find, I like to add the 'solutions' into the database.


Cheers,

Jim

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Jim,
Thanks for your invaluable assistance.  
I was going to raise my Spit higher ( Axle stands?) higher so I can work underneath it better...any suggestions on this?
Thanks!
Brad

Answer
Brad,

There are several types of supports available.  Of the axle stands, there are two main types, a stamped steel variety with round central post and a heavier unit with cast central post and ratcheting adjustment.  For putting up the car to work under the heavier stands are much better as they'll usually fit right along the frame rails and stay located better.

When I put my car up on stands I tend to leave the floor jack in position, taking just a bit of the weight off the jack.  If something should slip the floor jack will also help to keep the car up in the air.  Some of the other Spitfire owners have also suggested placing the wheels under the car when working on the suspension.. if the car slips off the stands the wheels will hopefully give you room to escape.  

Still, I can't emphasize safety too much.  If you have someone local that's experienced in car work, ask them to look over the setup before getting under the car.


Cheers,

Jim