Matronics Email Lists :: View topic

Matronics Email Lists
Web Forum Interface to the Matronics Email Lists

Get Email Distribution Too! FAQ Search Memberlist Usergroups Register

Profile Log in to check your private messages Log in

Gasoline smell
Goto page 1, 2 Next

Matronics Email Lists Forum Index -> Zenith701801-List

View previous topic :: View next topic

Author Message

dwilde(at)clearwire.net
Guest

Posted: Sun Feb 08, 2009 8:49 am Post subject: Gasoline smell

I am noticing a fairly strong odor of gas around my 701 when it is in 

the hanger/shop.  There is no evidence of leaks and the fuel level 

appears normal.  Is this just a normal odor from venting?



Dan Wilde  

N948DW

cscsail(at)gmavt.net
Guest

Posted: Sun Feb 08, 2009 9:51 am Post subject: Gasoline smell

Dan,

I have the same issue in the cockpit when I first open the doors. It airs 

out pretty fast, but I have checked, double checked and triple checked every 

possible connector and hoses. I always shut my fuel off as well, and my 

shutoff valves are up high in the baggage compartment, right after the lines 

come in. I can't find anything and assume that the venting fumes are finding 

there way into the cockpit. Beats me!

Gordon

---

georgerace

Joined: 25 Oct 2006
Posts: 788
Location: Albion, MI

Posted: Sun Feb 08, 2009 10:09 am Post subject: Gasoline smell

Hi Dan:



A very small leak in a wing from the fuel outlet or fuel sender could be

causing the smell.  If the leak is very small, just a few drops every hour

or so, it will evaporate and there will be no evidence of fuel running out

of the wing, but the telltale smell will find it's way out into the hangar

or even into the cockpit when the doors are closed.



If you have inspection openings on the bottom of your wings, you may want to

look inside for any signs of fuel residue near the outlet or fuel sender.



I would not consider it "normal" to smell fuel in the hangar from a parked

airplane.



George 



--

_________________
Check out my CH-701 project at:
http://www.mykitairplane.com

mendper(at)gmail.com
Guest

Posted: Sun Feb 08, 2009 10:29 am Post subject: Gasoline smell

Just remember:

 Don't use a match to check !!

  

 (sorry... I couldn't resist.)

  

  

 ---

bobkat

Joined: 07 Sep 2008
Posts: 143
Location: Bismarck, ND

Posted: Sun Feb 08, 2009 10:56 am Post subject: Gasoline smell

Mine smelled that way a bit for the first 15 - 20  hours and it gradually went away.  I looked everywhere to find any small  leak, but came up with nothing, though didn't try the match test!    

 Now I wonder if it is the aircraft equivalent of  the 'new car smell?'  From paint, engine not heated up very many times, new  rubber and upholstry, etc. 

 Jeff, why did they not want you to go to the  ultralight area?  That's were I first got interested in the 701, the same  year I flew down in my Starduster too.   I remember sitting in that  hayfield camping area with some buddies and watching a 701 doing T &  G's every evening and I just HAD to have one! Hah!  So bought and  built mine without ever even riding in one!

 In those days half the aircraft down there were the  size of the 701, some even bigger.  Now with the Sport Pilot Aircraft  all parked down at the square in the square it is deader than an outside ND  aircraft  engine in January down at the ultralight field.

 [quote]   ---

lvuman(at)gmail.com
Guest

Posted: Sun Feb 08, 2009 11:07 am Post subject: Gasoline smell

I have a header tank installed under the dash of my Zenith 701 which has a tiny pin leak.  I can see the leak but can get s small amount of residue if I wipe the area with my finger.  Just enough to give the interior the J-3 nose tank smell.  I love it.  JS

 

On Sun, Feb 8, 2009 at 11:55 AM, BokKat <bobkat(at)btinet.net (bobkat(at)btinet.net)> wrote:

[quote]        Mine smelled that way a bit for the first 15 - 20  hours and it gradually went away.  I looked everywhere to find any small  leak, but came up with nothing, though didn't try the match test!    

 Now I wonder if it is the aircraft equivalent of  the 'new car smell?'  From paint, engine not heated up very many times, new  rubber and upholstry, etc. 

 Jeff, why did they not want you to go to the  ultralight area?  That's were I first got interested in the 701, the same  year I flew down in my Starduster too.   I remember sitting in that  hayfield camping area with some buddies and watching a 701 doing T &  G's every evening and I just HAD to have one! Hah!  So bought and  built mine without ever even riding in one!

 In those days half the aircraft down there were the  size of the 701, some even bigger.  Now with the Sport Pilot Aircraft  all parked down at the square in the square it is deader than an outside ND  aircraft  engine in January down at the ultralight field.

 [quote]   ---

jetboy

Joined: 22 Jul 2006
Posts: 233

Posted: Sun Feb 08, 2009 12:55 pm Post subject: Re: Gasoline smell

When refuelling if you get any overflow or splash it runs down the side of the filler directly into the wing. some days later leaving black oily residue on the underside seams and around the drains. from time to time I have smelt it, after such a refuelling spillage, normally the smell is gone after a week or so. The drains also are prone to seep if not manually reseated after use to make sure they stay dry. 



Ralph

_________________
Ralph - CH701 / 2200a

n801bh(at)netzero.com
Guest

Posted: Sun Feb 08, 2009 3:07 pm Post subject: Gasoline smell

My 801 does the same thing, altho I did install additional vents under the wing probably adds to the smell... I don't really notice as much with 100LL but with auto fuel it does give off a smell of gas fumes...  

do not archive

Ben Haas

N801BH

www.haaspowerair.com



-- Dan Wilde <dwilde(at)clearwire.net> wrote:

--> Zenith701801-List message posted by: Dan Wilde <dwilde(at)clearwire.net>



I am noticing a fairly strong odor of gas around my 701 when it is in 

the hanger/shop.  There is no evidence of leaks and the fuel level 

appears normal.  Is this just a normal odor from venting================================================nbsp; --> http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Zenith701801-List  



____________________________________________________________ 

[url=_blank]Click here to find experienced pros to help with your home improvement project.[/url]

  [quote][b]

lgold(at)quantum-associat
Guest

Posted: Sun Feb 08, 2009 4:29 pm Post subject: Gasoline smell

Ditto regarding the smell Dan.

In my case the odor disappears as soon as I open the doors. I can't find a

leak anywhere and assumed it is coming from a less-than-pinhole size leak in

the cheap 2-way fuel control valves hung in my cockpit near each wing root.

The smell has been noticed since I first fueled the 701, 160-hours & 1-year

ago. 

I read the other's comments and know that fuel can get into the wing when

fueling if you are not careful. George suggested that the fuel level sender

unit could be the culprit. Mine are the old type installed on top of the

tanks so there is less change of leakage, but I may open the access to check

them some day but there is no tell tale residue to indicate this.

Pls let us know if you find the cause.

Les    



--

dwilde(at)clearwire.net
Guest

Posted: Sun Feb 08, 2009 5:11 pm Post subject: Gasoline smell

Thanks to all that responded to my question.  The smell is annoying but 

does go away when the plane is moved outside.  I think I will install an 

inspection port on the bottom of the wing just so I have access to the 

fuel line connection without having to remove the wing. 



Dan Wilde

Do not archive

beachyjeff(at)juno.com
Guest

Posted: Mon Feb 09, 2009 4:51 am Post subject: Gasoline smell

The EAA official told me that they want only ultralights or similar very

light airplanes at the ultralight strip. After seeing the Aircams in

there last year, I suspect nothing would be said if you flew a 701 into

the UL field. I met someone at OSH last year who told me he was asked to

fly back out of the UL field and transition to the homebuilt area. 



I also first saw a 701 fly out of the ultralight strip. I used to camp

across the road and hang out at the ultralight strip in the mornings and

evenings. The past few years, the ultralight area has been way down. Gene

Smith's new UL was interesting last year, but the entire area looks like

a shell of what it used to be. I hope LSA won't completely kill UL

flying. I still enjoy watching the action "down on the farm."



Jeff Beachy

____________________________________________________________

Click now and get great rates when you open a savings account!

http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL2141/fc/PnY6rw1hkk3rbOIiQZuwP9PDkzblodFm69u4M0BS7OmnR6sUW4Xjk/

ronlee

Joined: 25 Dec 2006
Posts: 141

Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2009 3:03 pm Post subject: Re: Gasoline smell

I have a 701 with fuel smell in a closed cockpit. I had the same in my Titan. The line runs through the cockpit on these planes. I am convinced it comes right through the rubber fuel line. If you get your nose right up to the line you will be able to smell the gasoline. Let the line go dry and the smell goes away.

Ron L

Tucson, AZ

_________________
Ron Lee
Tucson, Arizona

lgold(at)quantum-associat
Guest

Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2009 5:32 pm Post subject: Gasoline smell

Interesting observation Ron,

Reminds me of the time I purchased the most expensive flexible sewer hose

sold for the head on my sailboat. Sure enough I started smelling sewage a

few months later and confronted the manufacturer who sent me a can of

deodorant!

Les



--

n85ae

Joined: 14 Mar 2007
Posts: 403

Posted: Thu Feb 12, 2009 8:23 am Post subject: Re: Gasoline smell

I had the same thing in my Kitfox, but chose to fix it instead of ignore it.

No sign of fuel leak, but I decided it was caused by a very slight leak.



Since I could not find the leak, I resealed ALL the fuel fittings in the cockpit

at annual. Mine has no fuel smell of any sort in the cockpit now, nor for

the past 5 years.



Regards,

Jeff

kissell

Joined: 05 Dec 2006
Posts: 18
Location: Beavercreek, Ohio

Posted: Mon Mar 30, 2009 3:38 pm Post subject: Re: Gasoline smell

I have experienced the described "smell" as well since first flight. I have inspected the fuel system several times for any leak and found nothing. I recently ordered new fuel line that is claimed to not out gas through the side wall, at $5 a foot from AS. I will let you all know if this solves my fume issue.



Bob Kissell N701UB

lgold(at)quantum-associat
Guest

Posted: Mon Mar 30, 2009 4:50 pm Post subject: Gasoline smell

I have $10/foot fuel lines from AS (stainless clad) and it still smells!

Good luck!

Les



--

cscsail(at)gmavt.net
Guest

Posted: Tue Mar 31, 2009 3:38 am Post subject: Gasoline smell

I'm still trying to track down the "smell" as well. I don't believe it 

permeates from the fuel lines -- today I'm going to remove the inspection 

plates on the wing so I can check the fuel sender -- the only other 

possibility. I'm going to pull both units and apply a coat of proseal and 

reinstall. I'll let you know if it makes any difference.

Gordon



---

dwilde(at)clearwire.net
Guest

Posted: Tue Mar 31, 2009 11:39 am Post subject: Gasoline smell

I too have noticed the gasoline smell on several occasions.  Here is my 

hypothesis for what  may be happening with the 701.  I have the vented 

caps  and  it may be  when the tanks  are full or close to full, fuel 

can  slosh up to the lid and  a little escapes from the cap and runs 

down into the wing where the smell can linger for days.  I have sniffed 

the rubber fuel line and can not detect an odor from it (well it does 

smell like rubber).



Dan Wilde

N948DW



kissell wrote:

 	  Quote: 	
		   



 I have experienced the described "smell" as well since first flight. I have inspected the fuel system several times for any leak and found nothing. I recently ordered new fuel line that is claimed to not out gas through the side wall, at $5 a foot from AS. I will let you all know if this solves my fume issue.



 Bob Kissell N701UB

royjp(at)yahoo.ca
Guest

Posted: Tue Mar 31, 2009 12:11 pm Post subject: Gasoline smell

I had a Champ for several years and it always smelled gaz. Never could find any leaks. Go figure !



Jean-Paul Roy

--- En date de : Mar, 31.3.09, Dan Wilde <dwilde(at)clearwire.net> a écrit :

  	  Quote: 	
		  De: Dan Wilde <dwilde(at)clearwire.net>

Objet: Re: Re: Gasoline smell

À: zenith701801-list(at)matronics.com

Date: mardi 31 Mars 2009, 15 h 38



 	  Quote: 	
		  --> Zenith701801-List message posted by: Dan Wilde

<dwilde(at)clearwire.net>



I too have noticed the gasoline smell on several occasions.  Here is my 

hypothesis for what  may be happening with the 701.  I have the vented 

caps  and  it may be  when the tanks  are full or close to full, fuel 

can  slosh up to the lid and  a little escapes from the cap and runs 

down into the wing where the smell can linger for days.  I have sniffed 

the rubber fuel line and can not detect an odor from it (well it does 

smell like rubber).



Dan Wilde

N948DW



kissell wrote:

 	  Quote: 	
		   --> Zenith701801-List message posted by: "kissell"

<kissellr(at)ameritech.net>
	


 	  Quote: 	
		  

 I have experienced the described "smell" as well since first

flight. I have inspected the fuel system several times for any leak and found
	


nothing. I recently ordered new fuel line that is claimed to not out gas through

the side wall, at $5 a foot from AS. I will let you all know if this solves my

fume issue.

 	  Quote: 	
		  

 Bob Kissell N701UB





   


	






	
	


       Offrez un compte Flickr Pro à vos amis et à votre famille. Allez-y!  [quote][b]

cscsail(at)gmavt.net
Guest

Posted: Tue Mar 31, 2009 12:35 pm Post subject: Gasoline smell

And so --- I pulled the inspection plates that I installed so I could access 

the tank senders and was sure that I would find a leak. Not only is the area 

dry with no sign of a leak, there is no fuel smell at all in the wings. The 

cabin smelled of gasoline when I opened the door as it always does. Just to 

be sure I've topped off both tanks and left the inspection covers off and 

will check it in the morning.

I also "have sniffed the rubber fuel line and can not detect an odor from it 

(well it does smell like rubber)."

Beats me-- I'm about to give up on it unless someone else has an idea.



I did install the new rubber landing gear blocks that ZAC now sells to 

replace the rubber hose. Big difference and very tuff material.

Gordon



---

Display posts from previous:

	Matronics Email Lists Forum Index -> Zenith701801-List	All times are GMT - 8 Hours Goto page 1, 2 Next
Page 1 of 2

Jump to:

You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum
You cannot attach files in this forum
You can download files in this forum