Hi I just inspected a very nice 1995 V12 convertible , and noticed a strong gasoline oder coming from the trunk. I removed partially the carpet in the trunk and could not see any gas. Although I didn't remove the pate behind the seat. Could it be a vapor hose or that the tank has rotted? The car only has 47k but was sitting for 5 years before the family decided to sell it after the passing of the elderly owner
Sadly enough, it made me realized that one day ... family members will sale my car collection too...
Where can I find a gas tank ? if that's the issue
Thank you
Located in Studio City

 

Hi Terry

Those Tanks are like 'Gold Dust' if you can find one, although I wouldn't Start Panicking Yet!

There is nowhere they can leak, except for the Fuel Hoses and they are under the Car and so its probably not them but it could be the Seal that's around the Sender

Obviously don't go pulling that out, unless you're absolutely sure that the Tank is empty, or you will be flooded with Gas

That's an Amazing Looking Car and though its hard to tell from here, it could be the 'Celebration Model'

But where did you get those Wheels! are they 20 Spoke Alloys from an X300 as they don't look Stock and I'd love some for my Car

Alex

 

Terry,

Before you condemn the tank, carefully also check the sender unit seal, the vent tubes on the top at the back and the filler connection. All of them are prone to deterioration.


OB,

It's just before the Celebration change point (Steering wheel is the giveaway). The wheels are the diamond-cut 20-spoke that were fitted on the late 6 litre models, my favourite XJS wheel! They are slightly different to the ones fitted to the saloons.

Paul

 

Hi Paul (ptjs)

Is She a 6 Litre Car then?

As for being a Celebration Model, The Steering Wheel also had me saying No!

While the Wheels and all that Walnut had me thinking Maybe

 

Thanks everyone for the reply this is a 1995V 12 6.0 L and the wheels came with it - as far as the gas tank I’m definitely going to look into your suggestions

 

It could be the gasket at the fuel sender. Easy fix.

It could also be a failed charcoal canister breather. Easy fix.

It could also be a blocked breather hose. More complicated, but still doable.

It could also be a failing fuel hoses inside the tank at the pumps. (You have two pumps) That's likely given the age, and a time consuming project. Would recommend replacing both pumps if youre in there.

Lastly, you could have a small fuel tank leak.... that would be worst case scenario. Not unheard of.

How many miles on the car? It's a nice looking car, and it would be a shame to not take it based on this alone.

 

Thank you for the suggestions- the car has 47k miles - one owner

 

I suspect that the hoses inside the tank are disintegrating and could be the cause of the problem. At <50,000 miles, it doesn't appear that replacing the fuel pumps would be necessary...even though they are old, they should have plenty of life in them.

I have one more suggestion. Check the convertible pump, and check for oily residue. Could it be that the pump is leaking (common for this age) and is offgassing fumes leading you to think its fuel?

I would definitely start with replacing the Rochester Valve and see if that doesn't solve the problem. You ever get a whoosh of air when opening the gas cap?

 

Thank you- the car smells like gas and yet has not been driven in a few days - actually the inside of the car smells like gasoline- Not sure how to find someone to fix that problem- near me - studio city

 

Here it is !

 

Terry,

You are sooo in luck! That's an easy one!

Cheers

Paul

 

Great find! The tank needs to be below the level of the leak (the item is the fuel guage sender) and then you just knock out the sealing ring anti-clockwise using a BRASS not steel ,drift. You need a new sealing ring and locking ring, for example:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/255941935745

 

Thank you - Will the tank need to be removed or emptied ?

 

Terry,

Just syphon out enough petrol for the level to be low the sender plate.

Good luck

Paul

 

Tank will not have to be removed nor emptied (all the way).

get it to 1/4 tank. That should be low enough.

 

 

All you need is a part number!

JDHT will get you that.

eBay sells them.

You may be able to buy them at a dealer too!

 

Terry,

If your gauge is working fine, I wouldn't replace the sender unit. Just fit a new seal and locking ring.

Seal is C22053 superseded to ARA15101J
Lock ring is C22054 superseded to ARA15102J

Good luck

Paul

 

Thank w everyone!!!! Much appreciated

 

Problem solved ! It was the ring -
The trunk grey carpet smells like gasoline so I’m going to look for a replacement unless I can get rid of that smell ?