Hi everyone!

I bought back my old 1991 XJ40 Vanden Plas, named Marlais. It is my second XJ40, having also bought a base model 1988 XJ40 last year as a daily. I really missed both of my old XJ40s, so when I got the chance to buy one of them back, I pounced.

Unfortunately I am having some issues with it that I am trying to figure out. It always had a strong smell of fuel in the trunk, and now I found out there is sometimes a strong smell of gasoline when the window is open or the vents are blowing air.

Where should I start diagnosing? Thanks!

Here are some pictures.

 

Probably the gasket around the sender is going bad.

 

Leaks at the evaporative flange on top of the fuel tank are common. A clue is if you remove the carpeted trim panel at the front of the trunk/boot and feel the foam insulation pad on top of the tank. If it is wet with fuel, the evaporative flange is leaking.

The fuel level sender that alabassi mentioned is mounted about halfway up the rear side of the tank, and you'll be able to see its mounting flange when you remove the carpeted trim panel.

Cheers,

Don

 

Check the rubber tank vent hoses near the fuel fill end of the tank, maybe one has dislodged.

Larry