Strong 'gas' smell in car...

[TonyN]

Helllo all...new to this, and just purchased a 69 Charger.  It has a 440 Magnum engine (a 1970 engine) and what I would assume to be the 'stock' carb that comes with that engine.  As I said, just learning about the car, and this field in general.

The car runs well...starts great, moves along well.  I just had the differential rebuilt, and my project next summer is to deal with the very 'loose' 727 trans.  Also, as it's germane to my question, there are new headers and exhaust all the way to the back.

The problem that I would like to get some feedback on relates to 'the fumes' that are in the car.  After you cruise around in it for an hour or so, when you get out, you smell like you have been working in a gas station all day.

I would like to get some opinions as to what steps I should take to deal with this.

- would just a plain tune up be the first stop?
- there are no obvious holes in the firewall area, or under the seats, etc.  The trunk and area is pretty well sealed as well.
- should I jump right in and get the carb rebuilt, or look to getting a 'new' one?
- I am running regular octane gas, which the previous owner said he set the car up for
- if I do get a tune up, should I purchase some recommended plugs before I do?
- generally speaking, the car (engine wise) is pretty plain. The AC unit was removed...the air filter is (relatively) clean.

I realize this is a very general question, and one that doesn't lead itself to a short answer.  However, as I said, just looking for a variety of opinions to 'mull over' during the winter, so in the spring I can take the whole family out without having to change clothes when we get home!

Thanks for your time on this,

TN

[Mean 318]

THey all seem to have some smell, but it shouldnt kill you. Maybe an exhaust leak? That would find its way in! And it would SUCK!
Also, did you try and change the idle on the carb? maybe itis just running rich.
As to the plugs, I run champions!

[firefighter3931]

Tony, welcome to the website. 

As for the gas smell ; if the motor is running rich it can cause a strong gas odor. Does the exhaust smell strong ? Eyes burning standing behind the car with motor running ?


Ron

[y3chargerrt]

I had the same problem when I bought my 69. I replaced the gas tank, sending unit. fill neck seal and trunk floor seal. All these parts were original 69 parts and needed to go. I also put insulation behind the trunk divider and under the package tray. Sounds to me like your smelling fumes from the gas in the tank like I was. I was not going to put up with driving a car that smelled like a gas station.

[Highway by the Sea]

I had the same problem in my 74 charger.  The carb was running rich, I had no divider between the back seat and trunk, and the trunk had a HUGE rust hole in it.  When I stepped out of that car, I would smell like the bottom of a gas can!    Check the carb.

[68 charger freak]

make sure that your gas tank vent tube is hooked up to the filler neck, and not venting into your trunk

[471_Magnum]

make sure that your gas tank vent tube is hooked up to the filler neck, and not venting into your trunk

Yeah. Check up top near the filler cap. Had this problem in my first '69

[TonyN]

Everyone...thanks for the replies.  Lots of good ideas...

Right now, the gas tank doesn't go 'all the way' to the gas cap (i.e. I have to open the trunk to fill the tank).  It is 'on my list', but I wasn't aware of the venting hose.

Also, that divider idea sounds good...

Gonna get cold soon here in Western Canada, and into storage it goes, so lots of things to consider for next spring.

Thanks again!

TN