Re: 164 fuel smells

[C M Smith <cmsmith@domain.elided>]

The vapour recovery system in the 164 is fairly elaborate. The small brass 
coloured tank in the trunk separates fluid gas from vapours and returns the 
fluid to the tank. The fat little white and gray valve on the passenger 
side end of this tank is the anti inversion drain valve. It allows vapour 
to pass one way but not fluid gas the other way if the car is inverted. In 
front of that (towards the front of the car, and therefore "behind" from 
the trunk point of view) is a one way valve which is supposed to let air 
into the tank but nothing out.

Finally, there's a vent line running to the driver's side fender where 
you'll find the charcoal absorption cannister. On that is a solenoid valve 
that only opens if the throttle is open wider  than at idle. Only then is 
vapour drawn from the tank to the engine and burned in the usual way.

I notice my fuel tank develops a lot of pressure. Anyone else notice how 
much pressure is released when opening the fuel filler? None of my other 
cars develop pressure in the tank.

I'm going to check the routing of that tank vent line from the vapour 
separator down to the tank fitting this weekend. My mechanic thinks I need 
a new gas cap.

Cheers


Michael Smith
Calgary, Alberta,Canada
91 Alfa 164L
--
to be removed from alfa, see /bin/digest-subs.cgi
or email "unsubscribe alfa" to majordomo@domain.elided