Replaced the sender unit last week after waiting 4 days for correct parts. While waiting the tank leaked notably on the driveway. Now, a week after successful repair I cannot get rid of the fuel smell in the car. Here's what I've tried so far... stripping out all panels in trunk, thoroughly cleaned all metal surfaces and shook a serious amount of baking soda all over. 2 days later I tried vacuuming all carpet surfaces. Today, I'm trying scrubbing all carpet panels with home carpet spray and letting the panels air-dry (advantage of living in AZ). A friend suggested dryer sheets liberally placed in trunk under the panels when putting them back.
Anyone got a remedy or "trick"? (Wife refuses to let the car back in the garage until solved.)
Dave in AZ
92 XJS 4.0 convertible

 

Go to the experts. Get it detailed. Tell them the problem. They’ll get it out.

 

Place all carpets... out to air out, wash if you can. Drive it in a fresh air with perhaps slightly opened trunk. Give it two bottles of time (2-month size) :-) As long as leak is gone - smell will go away.

 

I'd politely suggest NOT driving it with the boot open. The XJS is really prone to drawing exhaust fumes back in if the boot seals are worn or if the boot is cracked open. And then you'll have another smell to get rid of!

Good luck

Paul

 

From where did the fuel leak out? If from the fuel sender hole, or anywhere from the tank itself, and if in liquid form, then it will be a tank-out, rear seats and carpet out, job to get the smell out. And then only after shampooing the carpets, cleaning the leather, changing the pad under the tank, scrubbing out the boot throughout, and then using the car in its denuded state for a few weeks to make sure.

 

Many people are thinking about how to get rid of the smell of gas from their hands. Neutralize the smell on your hands with lemon or lime juice.

 

I was also thinking about the pads under the tank. They are literally a sponge, and if fuel was escaping around a sender (especially as much as you describe) the rubber/foam under the tank most likely was soaked overtime - more than once. I wouldn't bother trying to clean them. Others here can give clearer ideas about the exact thickness and size,,, but I would try and replace them. Depending on where you are, could be as little as 40, 50 bucks. Then, see (or smell) what ya see.

 

Greg, et al...
Though it's been some weeks, thot it would be good for an update. Result is "smell is gone". Took all the panels out and rubbed carpet areas with Baking Soda, laid out in the sun (TY Arizona) and vacuumed. Bought a piece of fiberboard and made replacement for panel that covers the tank, using the original for a template. Dosed the entire trunk with Baking Soda (Arm & Hammer for reference) before replacing all the panels. Put the remaining box of Baking Soda behind the spare tire. Weeks later...no smell. Oh, and random spraying of Fabreze-type smelly killer adds a nice touch when opening the trunk.

 

Congratulations! Great work.

 

Neutralize the smell on your hands with lemon or lime juice.

 

Many people are thinking about how to get rid of the smell of gas from their hands. Neutralize the smell on your hands with lemon or lime juice. Lemon juice can be used both undiluted and with the addition of a small amount of water to soften its harsh effect on the skin. Lime juice is also suitable. Just squeeze a lemon or lime into a bowl and dip your hands in the liquid. You can find other interesting solutions to this very unpleasant problem using thehomerevamp.com . There will be a very large number of options for you.