Strong fuel odor

[turbodiesel]

Just purchased a 1990 esprit se turbo and I have a strong fuel odor in the cabin.Is this caused by the vapor canister?I see no fuel leaks,but the canister hoses appear to be original.Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated

[Sheldon]

Hi there,

I had the same problem on my previous 1988 Esprit Turbo. It was a actually a leaking fuel tank. But check the list below (from The Esprit Fact File) before doing anything.

Fuel leakage and/or fuel odor

Deteriorated fuel vent hose (located under the carpet behind the rear window on the engine side)

Leaking fuel feed or return line.

Tanks overfilled.

Evaporative canister filter clogged.

Fuel injection system not functioning properly.

Leaking fuel tank(s)

Mark.

[gpz900r]

Smell can also come from the gear stick openning and the seat belt holes so im told

Marc

[WayneB]

Sounds like your car has the dreaded fuel tank breather hose degridation syndrome. There is a line that runs from one tank to anouther across the top of the engine compartment above the rear inner window. Peel the grey carpet back and you will find whats left of it. You will also have to remove the L/H and R/H engine compartment fuel tank covers to access the pipes. Lotus used some crappy quality line that rots away after about 15 years. I replaced the lot with a clear fuel line designed for small engines(lawn mowers etc) Another symptom is the vapours attack the foam in the head liner causing it to droop.

Edited July 18, 2005 by WayneB

[turbodiesel]

lucky me,vapor lines cracked and drooping,along with driver side(over here) tank leaking.Tank was a bear to get out,just finishing now.Thanks for the quick replies

[TimRdLotus]

lucky me,vapor lines cracked and drooping,along with driver side(over here) tank leaking.Tank was a bear to get out,just finishing now.Thanks for the quick replies

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

How did you get the tank out? Top / bottom? did you have to move the engine? It doesn't look like a fun job.

[WayneB]

Looks like the Stevens Esprits are surcomming to all the same ailments as the Giugiaros

[turbodiesel]

How did you get the tank out? Top / bottom? did you have to move the engine?  It doesn't look like a fun job.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Sorry about the long wait,on vacation.I only had to move the motor about 5 feet behind the car.I didnt see it coming out without engine removal or taking the saw to it.Decided to replace belts,hoses,etc while out.

[TimRdLotus]

The book said it's do able without removing the motor, but I don't see it either. I just hope I dont 'have to do it.

Heck while you had it out, you should have done the water pump, timing belt and adjusted the valves. Murphys law will dictate that the water pump will leak or timing belt will break after you put it back in.

[Evil_Dr_Fish]

I've read that some people just 'drop' the engine a few inches to do it......

[CNH]

It is much easier with the motor out but it can be done although the ones that did so with the motor cow they will drop the motor next time around.

[turbodiesel]

It is much easier with the motor out but it can be done although the ones that did so with the motor cow they will drop the motor next time around.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I was able to drop the motor almost 3-4 inches,no go.

I took the tranny out and slid the motor back on the cradle,no go.

And yes,I replaced the timing belt,clutch,v-belts,hoses,rear main,front crank seal,cam cover gaskets,timing gear seals, and am cleaning everything up.I get the tank back tomorrow and should be able to get everything going by next week.