re: spider gas smell

["Robert W. Murphy" <rmurphy@domain.elided>]

I have had the gas smell in my 90 Spider on 2 different occasions which called 
for 2 different fixes.  The first was caused by a dried, cracked fuel hose 
coming of the fuel filter.  It was easy to spot the leaking fuel and replace 
the hose.  The other time it was caused by a cracked gas vapor recovery check 
valve (?).  I don't know if that is what it is really called or not.  Look in 
your trunk and pull down the hatch which is covering your jack.  You should 
see a black cannister on the driver's side with some hoses running in and out. 
 I believe this is where the gas vapors collect and condense and drip back 
into the tank.  Anyhow, take the cannister out and if you have compressed air 
blow some air thru it.  If not use lung power, just be careful not to inhale 
while your lips are wrapped around it.  Next, check the lines that were 
connected to the cannister and the two valves.  Again, blow air through the 
valves but only in the direction the vapor or fuel would travel.  Study the 
set up and follow the lines and you will figure it  out.  If any of the valves 
or lines are cracked, replace them.  Put everything back and you should be 
odor free for a while.  You might have to do this every few months or so, but 
it is not really difficult.  

Rob Murphy
90 Spider
Coral Springs, FL

------------------------------