Strong Fuel Odour

Not heard of this before...what model?

 

I had this on my Dec 2004 build 360 Spider. It took several attempts with the F dealer to find the source of the problem.

There appear to be a number of manufacturer updates which can be performed. These were all done but in the end the roof needed to be removed so a hose/new fitting could be replaced....I will get the part number for you.

 

I had the same experience with my 2001 spider. I was advised that one or both of the fuel tank rollover valves were probably leaking. Apparently, the seals can fail over time.

I had it fixed by FM of Ft Lauderdale in Mar 2010 for $1900, including 6 hours of labor (mostly in removing the convertible top assembly) and $1k in parts. Parts included a fuel pressure sensor (179137), a float valve cpl (196486), a complete float valve (196485), a second complete float valve (196484), and a LH valve with pipe cpl (196487).

 

gasoline and a hot engine compartment don't go together IMO. I wouldn't take the chance of not having it checked out.

 

I had this on my 430 spider, changed a leaking fuelpump and the smell was gone.

 

There are 4 roll over valves sitting on top of the fuel tanks (2 per side). They commonly break on spiders due to the heat and confined spaces. Typically they will break right at the plastic nipple where the evap hose attaches. You will have to remove the convertible top to inspect and replace.

 

Hi,

I had twice this problem on a 2002 360 spider, each time, it was a leaking fuel pump.
I changed the left one in 2008 and the right one in 2011. The odour was very strong especially with the top down and impossible to see where it was coming from till the technician found out from underneath the car.
IMHO, Check the fuel pump before doing anything...
Good luck.

 

So my 2004 360 spider has mild fuel smell at times, but very mild and infrequent; when it happens, it doesn't last long before it disappears. I thought maybe it was from the exhaust until I read this thread.

Does my car issue sound like fuel pump problem? If so, is it just an annoying smell problem, or can it be dangerous?

Thanks, and sorry to get my problem into this thread.

 

I think so, they accessed from underneath the car (just tray to be removed).

 

Mine strong fuel smell was indeed the rollover valves. Once replaced, the problem was solved.

 

The 360 fuel pumps can be accessed with the top out of the bonnet (half position). You'll see several 3 or 4 mm allen screws holding a plastic plate to the shell. These are where the fuel pumps are located. Most common area for the pump to crack is right at the outlet since fuel is being pumped through the plastic housing.

Ciao,
Jon

 

There have been several 360 catch fire due to rollover valves or fuel pump cracks. Any time there is a fuel leak, it should be addressed because who wants to go out in a fiery blaze.

Ciao,
Jon

 

Thanks, Jon. Will have it checked out.