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Topic: Fuel smell in coach with tank filled? (Read 582 times) previous topic - next topic

Fuel smell in coach with tank filled?

I have replaced most if not all the fuel lines on the coach but I seem to smell diesel when the tank is totally full only.

Is there a vent somewhere in my 97's tank?  Or while I see no visible fuel on the outside of the tank on either side can the caps be the issue? Only reason I ask versus pressure testing the tank to 10psi is has someone already figured this out?

Thanks.  Bob
"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4

Re: Fuel smell in coach with tank filled?

Reply #1
I thing if you  PSI test your tank to 10 PSI you will be putting 82,080 pounds of pressure on It , and it will try to go round. Gam
joseph gambaro
1999 U295 36'

Re: Fuel smell in coach with tank filled?

Reply #2
Bob,

On our '97 the fuel tank vent comes off the right hand side of the tank above the fill neck. It has a check valve at the tank to keep the fuel from sloshing out then the vent hose runs through the front bulkhead and dead ends almost in the center of the coach just above the front bulkhead bolts.

Pamela & Mike
Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."

Re: Fuel smell in coach with tank filled?

Reply #3
On mine the breather tube is connected on the top of the tank near the passenger side, than runs forward across the top of the propane tank, through the bulkhead and down the front of the bulkhead just behind the front tires.

I have spilled diesel accidently when filling and the smell lingers for days or weeks. I removed everything and power washed the compartment to get rid of the smell.

Run your finger around the filler tube to see if cap is weeping, or look for a dirty spot.

I believe it would be dangerous to put 10psi in your tank, perhaps a few ounces.

Wyatt
96 U320 40 WTFE, build 4943
84 Toyota Supra towd
2015 Jeep Wrangler towd
Victoria, BC, Canada

Re: Fuel smell in coach with tank filled?

Reply #4
See I knew the info was here
"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4

Re: Fuel smell in coach with tank filled?

Reply #5
I smell diesel fuel inside when I fill up at truck stops.  Finally figured out that they spill so much that it is my shoes that smell.  Wash em off before you track it all over.

Roger
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: Fuel smell in coach with tank filled?

Reply #6
I smell diesel fuel inside when I fill up at truck stops.  Finally figured out that they spill so much that it is my shoes that smell.  Wash em off before you track it all over.

Roger
It doesn't take a lot.  Just spill a 8 oz. jar onto blacktop and see how far it spreads.  The spill the same amount of gasoline in a different spot.  I'd swear the diesel spreads four times as far in area.  So that is that much larger of a area you can end up walking in.
1994 U225
build #4514

Re: Fuel smell in coach with tank filled?

Reply #7
It doesn't take a lot.  Just spill a 8 oz. jar onto blacktop and see how far it spreads.  The spill the same amount of gasoline in a different spot.  I'd swear the diesel spreads four times as far in area.  So that is that much larger of a area you can end up walking in.

That would be too easy. 

Bob
"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4

Re: Fuel smell in coach with tank filled?

Reply #8
I've often found the smell gets on my hands after filling up due to a dirty nozzle.  Even after washing my hands the smell is still there.  I've discovered that using a generous amount of hand lotion after washing and then wiping the lotion off with a paper towel does the trick.
John Fitzgerald
1991 U300 (SAI) Side Aisle Island Bed 40'
Detroit 6V92 with Allison Retarder
Meridian (Boise), Idaho

Re: Fuel smell in coach with tank filled?

Reply #9
                     I spoke to FOT "Lyle Reed"  about this issue on my coach .Found out that all vehicles have a ball check valve at the top of each tank . Reason being it is required by US  DOT to prevent fuel spills in the event of a wreck resulting in being turned over. If you fill your tank to the very top of your fill neck , this will result in a small amount of fuel coming out this ball check valve while sloshing around .The fix is do not fill to the neck . This ended this issue for my coach .        Brad Metzger
Brad Metzger
2010 Phenix 45'