Hi folks-so I have had DMC #2 on the road for a good chunk of 2023 after a fairly big recommissioning/restoration, and for the most part, all is well. Still some things I'm shaking out, but I have one that really got to me today:
As a backdrop to the issue, here's what has been done to this car: cleaned fuel tank, replaced fuel pump/accumulator/all fuel hoses/fuel filter/all evap hoses at the front trunk area, as well as new filler neck. To my knowledge, EVERY flexible hose in the vehicle has been replaced. The car then went to Dave Bauerle to have all my work checked over. Came back running well.To date, I have been filling the car to the 1/2 way or 2/3 point in the tank, and have never smelled fuel. In prep for winter, I will sometimes go fill up the tank on a car, add the appropriate amount of sta-bil, and then consider it ready for the first freeze. I did this, which was the first time this car has had a full tank of gas. I got some fuel fumes after the fillup, but it was only 2 minutes to get home. The car sat for 4-5 days. I get in today to drive, no smell. As soon as I take off, the cabin started to smell of evaporating fuel. I did 2x 15 minute drives, and not ALL the time, but probably 1/2 the time, I smelled fuel. I stuck my head in the front trunk and engine bay, and couldnt smell it at all. I checked for leaks, and nothing. Any ideas on the cause of this, or is this normal? My other DMC does not do this. I don't know if it's related, but I am also still having the experience in which starting the car almost anytime takes 20-30 seconds of cranking. Once it starts, it runs fine(it hunted for an idle today for longer than expected but not a big deal).
Thanks for any tips on the fuel odor issue.