My ‘86 xj6 emits a terrible fuel oder in the trunk after running. All trunk hoses good and connections tight. No seepage. Thoughts please? Thanks!

 

The tanks might be leaking and the odor migrating into the trunk.

The fuel pump and/or fuel solenoid might be leaking

Did you check the hoses for the vapor and vent systems? The ones by the trunk lid hinges?

Bear in mind that in this scenario (small, closed compartment) even the tiniest leak....virtually invisible...will cause a problem. Wrap all joints and components in colored tissue paper for a few days. Escaping fuel vapor will discolor the paper.

Sometimes the fuel vapors seep right thru the hoses. Changing to marine grade fuel hose worked well for me. It's more vapor-proof than the automotive grade low permeation hose in my experience.

Cheers
DD

 

Doug, thank you for your helpful response!
I will recheck per your recommendations.

 

[likely leaking tank(s). Take off plastic bung underneath where the drain plug is and smell there. QUOTE=WillieK;2741758]My ‘86 xj6 emits a terrible fuel oder in the trunk after running. All trunk hoses good and connections tight. No seepage. Thoughts please? Thanks![/QUOTE]

 

Totally agree with other comments here; having experienced exactly the same issue. This is almost certainly a pump, tank or line issue. Unfortunately, it is often the tank being the root cause. Less so pumps. But degraded lines for the older unused cars is something to watch for.
These XJ’s are notorious for rusting out. Mine spent 40 years in Australian heat and still rusted out. So you need to keep drain pipes (near filler neck) clear and tanks generally full to avoid the dreaded issue of moisture getting into the tanks and rusting them out.
Resolved mine with new tanks, new pumps and new lines. Better safe than sorry!! There should be no smell of fuel in the trunk, at any time. Not just after driving.
Good luck with your investigations.

 

My ‘87 has a fuel smell in the trunk, too. Isn’t that a common issue with these cars, and doesn’t necessarily imply a fuel leak? I’ve just been ignoring mine because the trunk has always smelled and I have replaced the fuel lines and pump. The smell does not enter the cabin. I only smell it when I open the trunk.

 

Yup. A leak, for sure.

But it might be just the tiniest weeping. It doesn't have to be a wet leak to cause a huge odor.

Cheers
DD

 

I would say that it is both a common problem and implies a leak. If you can smell fuel without opening up the fuel system, there's a leak somewhere.