Petrol smell but no leak

[ChrisB]

Sometimes during driving petrol smells waft into the cab. It doesn't seem to link to any particular speed eg. after a thrash. Can drive for miles without any smell on some occasions then on other days it will be quite strong. I have hunted for leaks and can't find any.
Can anyone suggest what I should be looking for?

[Doug]

Vegas odds say you have a crack in the neck of the fuel tank.

There's a recall in the USA for this problem, but they don't love you the same in the UK and thus you are allowed to burn up

fill the tank completely full and then observe for a preponderance of fumes in the air or a leak from under tha tank which you will see behind the left door, in front of the left rear tire area. If present then you will need to repair the tank (on your own if you have the will) or get it replaced at the dealer . . .

[mickmick]

Totally agree with Doug on this one

i had exactly the same problem(but i knew about it when i bought the shoe)

took me and a mechanic mate of mine about 4-5 hours to change the tank over, its actually an easy job to do if you have the right tools, but bear in mind that one of the tools we had at hand was a set of vehicle lifts and without this i think the job is almost impossible to do.

If you have a lotus garage nearby(or even a competent mechanic you know and trust) then take it to them, explain the situation and see how much it will cost to do the job. But bear in mind that if you are repairing the tank that will require 24hrs or so for it to be off the car(for the glue/sealant/repair to cure).

And finally, dont do any of this untill you have done the very techincal "filling it up till its brimmers" test to see if it is indeed a leaking tank, and not something else

Mick

[paza1]

If you have an SE then you may be smelling fuel vapour being released on warmer days via the breather system. Check Parts Manual 44.05A.
Mark