Fuel smell-308GTBQV (UK) | FerrariChat

Fuel smell-308GTBQV (UK)

Discussion in '308/328' started by Michael DB, Feb 17, 2024.

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  1. Michael DB

    Michael DB Karting

    Dec 22, 2023
    214
    UK
    Full Name:
    Michael D Beswick
    After some quite spirited driving the passenger reported a smell of fuel (I have zero sense of smell) as we slowed for a roundabout (UK!). When parked up the smell has gone, so I don't think it is a simple leak/overfill. I am aware that exhaust "smells" can be drawn forward but this sounded more than normal. Ease of cold starting, and less so when hot, lead me to suspect it could be running rich. At the next opportunity I'll pull a plug and see it's condition. I note the mixture adjusting screw. Before I start to fiddle, is it a simple matter of adjusting this mixture screw or does this open up a can of worms? I'm aware that most fuel problems are ignition, but there were no obvious signs. (I've only had the car 3 weeks- so much to learn)
     
  2. BruceKaf

    BruceKaf Rookie

    Oct 28, 2012
    25
    Massachusetts
    You might try looking at the condition of the braided fuel line that connects both fuel tanks. I had a fuel odor that went away when i replaced that line
     
    Michael DB likes this.
  3. Steve Magnusson

    Steve Magnusson Two Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa

    Jan 11, 2001
    26,608
    30°30'40" N 97°35'41" W (Texas)
    Full Name:
    Steve Magnusson
    +1 -- there are also some fuel hoses on a euro 308QV that are normally not wetted (so they won't leak when cracked and the car is stationary), but during spirited cornering, they can become wetted and leak. Hoses 26, 66, and 68 here:

    https://www.ferrariparts.co.uk/diagram/ferrari/308-quattrovalvole/009-fuel-pump-and-pipes
     
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  4. Michael DB

    Michael DB Karting

    Dec 22, 2023
    214
    UK
    Full Name:
    Michael D Beswick
    Thanks. I had filled it full the day before.....I'll investigate and then I'll use it and reduce the level. Then repeat the process. Before any "adjustments"
     
  5. ChevyDave

    ChevyDave Formula Junior

    Dec 21, 2019
    365
    Pacific Northwest, USA
    Full Name:
    Dave W
  6. Steve Magnusson

    Steve Magnusson Two Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa

    Jan 11, 2001
    26,608
    30°30'40" N 97°35'41" W (Texas)
    Full Name:
    Steve Magnusson
    That might be a clue ;). I noticed that MCP now supplies a more modern hose type for hose #26 (although I mis-spoke, and hose #26 is continually wetted so should be a problem all the time if it is a problem). The outer braid reinforcement on the original rubber hoses can hide cracking in the internal rubber hose, and then the reinforcement can act like a wick (so no liquid drips out, but the vapor does).
     
  7. Portofino

    Portofino Formula Junior

    Sep 17, 2011
    768
    Yorkshire UK / Switzerland/ Antibes France
    Full Name:
    Portofino
    It’s your fuel filler hose , that 30 cm ( £30 from Superperformance) horizontal black rubber hose that connects the filler to the tank .

    Remove the arch liner to access .
     
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  8. GordonC

    GordonC F1 Rookie
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Aug 28, 2005
    4,157
    Calgary, AB, Canada
    Full Name:
    Gordon
    That's the problem! The Euro QVs (I have an 84 Euro GTS QV) have an overflow hose on the top of the fuel filler pipe, the overflow tube just hangs down alongside the rear side of the left fuel tank and drools on the ground. When the tanks are full and you make a right turn of any speed, the fuel sloshes left, backs up the filler pipe, and overflows into the overflow tube - and you get the fuel smell. Not much can be done about it but to not fill the tanks all the way up. It's just a poor design, with no thought to prevent fuel sloshing up the filler with full tanks.

    Reference link diagram - part #73, 009 - Fuel Pump And Pipes parts diagram for Ferrari 308 Quattrovalvole | Maranello Classic Parts (ferrariparts.co.uk)

    Image Unavailable, Please Login

    Regards,
    Gordon
     
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  9. Portofino

    Portofino Formula Junior

    Sep 17, 2011
    768
    Yorkshire UK / Switzerland/ Antibes France
    Full Name:
    Portofino
    Michael DB likes this.
  10. GordonC

    GordonC F1 Rookie
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Aug 28, 2005
    4,157
    Calgary, AB, Canada
    Full Name:
    Gordon
    #10 GordonC, Feb 17, 2024
    Last edited: Feb 17, 2024
    Agreed that all the fuel hoses should be replaced by now on a QV, and one like Portofino shows is definitely overdue for replacement!

    But - my fuel hoses are all relatively new, and I still get exactly the fuel smell described by Michael after right hand turns if I've just refueled. If you look inside the (LARGE diameter) fuel filler neck, you can see where the overflow tube fitting is just below the fuel cap, with no valving or anything to prevent fuel sloshing up from a brimmed tank to overflow.

    Gordon
     
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  11. Michael DB

    Michael DB Karting

    Dec 22, 2023
    214
    UK
    Full Name:
    Michael D Beswick
    Hopefully the workshop checked / replaced the hoses before I bought it

    It hasn’t smelt prior to being filled right up so after some visual checks I’ll run the fuel down a bit and then do a bit more spirited driving round right hand bends! Thanks to all for the suggestions
     

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