'59 356A gas odor problem

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Mar 30, 2010 | 01:43 PM

noek

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'59 356A gas odor problem

Greetings!

I just received my dads Porsche which has been fully restored and while it looks and drives fine, it always smeels strongly of gas; so much so that my clothes usually reek of gas after driving it and my garage smells like a shell station.

I am wondering if this is a notorious issue with these early model cars or if there is a common problem that I could have fixed. Thank you for any tips or reccomendations.

Mar 30, 2010 | 03:42 PM

ked

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From: Hsv AL

congrats! keep 'em in the family... a late A Coupe is VERY desirable (but aren't they all?).
1st, check out (& join, if so inclined) the 356 Registry:
http://www.356registry.com/
2nd, post some photos.
3rd: on the gas smell, yes, not uncommon...
a) talk w/ the gang that restored the car - fuel lines, filters, vents, gaskets & hoses should have been addressed & renewed by them.
b) a likely source is the gas tank "fuel valve", located under the dash, against the firewall, ahead of the shifter. this device enables one to cut off the fuel supply & utilize a reserve feature, if you wish. they are notorious for weeping & of course fuel leaking there fills the interior w/ fumes.
c) another possible source is the tank cap - the gasket may be shot & allows gas to spill, filling the trunk w/ fumes & thence the interior.
d) check all the other items I mentioned.
e) carry a fire extinguisher.
4th, check the tires date code... over 6 yrs old - start shopping.
5th, if you don't have one, get a Driver's Manual - very useful for new (& old) owners.
& enjoy!

Mar 30, 2010 | 03:56 PM

RollingArt

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From: Oregon

Good advice above.

+1 on checking under the front hood. Sounds like the gasket on top of the gas tank is leaking and making a mess up front.

Good luck.

Enjoy your new ride!

Phil

Mar 30, 2010 | 04:09 PM

noek

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Hey thanks a bunch for the quick reply and good information. I will definitely take your advice, all of it (including keeping it in the family).

I've never been in to old cars really but I've only had it a week and it has kind of grown on me. Once I get a shift boot, radio, and am rid of the gas smell it will/should be complete.

From what my dad says, most of the car is original and stamped?? So I am told not to change/ replace those items??

Mar 30, 2010 | 05:25 PM

ked

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From: Hsv AL

"So I am told not to change/ replace those items??"

the stamped items are the removable body panels (doors & hoods), usually with just the last 2 digits of the chassis #. these panels were hand-fitted (& leaded), then disassembled for paint, then re-assembled at the factory. inner door panels & bumpers have been known to have those #s on them, too - "it depends", a phrase you'll hear alot when talking w/ long-time 356 experts.

the inside-located fuel valve has a gasket that is known to leak when failed due to age & longterm storage. this valve has constant exposure to fuel. modern gas formulations are hell on old fuel systems, even "real gas" (no ethanol), which I am fortunate enough to have in 93 octane less than a mile from my house - the SC likes it. it wouldn't suprise me if you had more than one source of leakage.

when you remove worn components (not regular maint items) for replacement, it is not a bad idea to throw 'em in a bin for the future... whatever may be in store. some of the tiny little things that break are very hard to come by - there is a cottage industry in repairing / replacing obscure 356 parts, as you'll note here...
http://www.356registry.com/clubsvendors/vendors/

Mar 31, 2010 | 04:07 PM

noek

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Mar 31, 2010 | 04:11 PM

noek

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I'm not sure how to embed photos, but here are the pictures of what may be the problem with the gas odor smell:

http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo...eat=directlink

http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo...eat=directlink

http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo...eat=directlink

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Mar 31, 2010 | 07:20 PM

cab&coupe

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From: INWR

Anyone care to guess on the car's value?

Mar 31, 2010 | 07:50 PM

#10

noek

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Quote:

Originally Posted by RollingArt

WOW, she's beautiful.

Thank you Phil

Quote:

Originally Posted by cab&coupe

Anyone care to guess on the car's value?

Unfortunately I cannot. I've only had the car two weeks and my Dad who originally restored it is kind of oblivious to it's actual value and really has lost interest in it altogether, however, I think deep down inside he wants to keep it in the family.

A little history on the vehicle for those that are interested:

My Dad originally traded a working VW Bug for the Porsche back in the early '70's and the car was in pretty bad shape at that time. He kept it for 30 years before actually having it worked on and finally finished it 2 years ago. I think he has driven it 4 or 5 times since then and the last time he actually started it and ran it before I was given it was last November :/

I really have a love for all cars and I knew this was no way to treat a car like that, it needed some serious TLC and I knew I could give it that, especially on the detailing side.

Anyways, that's about it.(if you're still awake

)

Keon

Mar 31, 2010 | 07:57 PM

#11

ked

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From: Hsv AL

these might help...
http://www.356registry.com/techinfo/..._cock_faq.html
http://www.356registry.com/techinfo/...eshooting.html

Mar 31, 2010 | 08:00 PM

#12

noek

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<3 Ked

Awesome info, can't thank you enough!

Keon

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'59 356A gas odor problem

'59 356A gas odor problem

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