98 550 - Interesting Discovery. I recently filled up with gas and added treatment(sta-bil). shortly afterwards, I noticed a strong oder of gas, while parked in the garage. Although i have had 2 of the 3 check/rollover valves replaced last year, i suspect that that may be the source, however there is no smell of gas while in the car its self. I drove the car to burn off some gas (recommended on another thread), now at 3/4 full. I do have a car lift, and a strong sense of smell , and sensed the oder was strongest on the drivers side, I removed the plastic undercarriage shields and noticed there had been some dripping of gas there. as evident of the photos. I examined the fuel filter and that looks very dry, no sign of leakage(gaskets replaced during major 1.5 years ago). I am suspicious of the black hose (which i have no clue what that is)in-between the fuel lines as thats where i saw a drop of gas at the fastner, maybe just a low point where the drops collect, because this appears dry further up the hose?. I dont know if this is common, however your feedback is clearly appreciated and advice on what could be the source is? Again, the dripping seems very small, probably less than a 1/2 oz over a two week period. Hope this makes sense.     Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Maybe clean it up, let it run while being able to inspect suspect area to see where gas originates from...
good idea. in the meantime, i cleaned up the area and put a fresh piece of cardboard under it to see if i get any new drips. 2 hrs so far and no drips. If no new drips within 24 hrs, i will do what your suggesting, perhaps the drips occurred while the fuel system is pressurized.. we'll see. Curious to see if anyone has experienced this condition before?
You might use this parts list to find the hose and what it is there for. 550 Maranello - Ricambi America, Inc. I looked at the diagram and it may be the gas filler neck overflow drain hose. In case some gas overflowed out of the filler neck when you filled it with gas. If that is the hose, I think you should be able to see the end of it someplace under the car. Good luck. Jerry Webber
Thanks Jerry, I will inspect that. From the diagram though, i can't tell if the hose reaches over to the drivers side of the car., however very much worth a look.. thanks.
New clue. After some good advice, i cleaned the are thoroughly and ran the engine for ~10 minutes, no sign of dripping. Additionally, no dripping occurred over ~24 hours. while inspecting adjacent parts, I discovered in photo 1. the plastic neck attached to the undercarriage cover had been slightly damaged by the mechanic who removed the covers last. He may overtightened the hose clamp pitching the plastic and creating a gap. I fitted a copper ring (photo2)in the interior of the neck and refastened the clamp, for a very good tight fit(photo 3). I will fill up the car again and see if the is/was the source, as well as place a tissue in the neck to see if it becomes wet with gas. What led me to think this may have been a possible source, was that there was oily gas accumulated at the base of the neck + the crimp in the plastic. Novice stuff, i know, however im learning and becoming very familiar with areas of the car i wouldnt have dreamed of.. Thanks for your assistance and feedback ill post the results when i fill up again. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
