• From: Finksburg, MD
  • Registered: 2010-05-30
  • Posts: 1

Topic: Fuel leak - 79 Super Beetle conv. PLEASE HELP!!

I have a '79 Super Beetle conv (fuel injected) that gives off a nice gas smell.  When I fill it above 1/2 tank it leaks gas from somewhere in the front right hand side.

Any ideas what I should look at first?  I need to find a way to  fix this so I can let my girls ride in the car and enjoy the FRESH air!

Any advice will be greatly appreciated. 

THANKS!!!

  • From: Brevard, NC
  • Registered: 2004-03-27
  • Posts: 513

Re: Fuel leak - 79 Super Beetle conv. PLEASE HELP!!

wstorm,
Welcome to volkswebbin.
Your leak/gas smell is likely coming from the fill hoses or where the gas gauge sender goes into the tank, a failing gasket. It could be as simple as loose hose clamps or as bad as cracked hoses. Airhead Parts sells the replacement hoses and gaskets as well as other vendors.
Good luck and let us know what you find out.
David

David
'69 Bug & '71 Ghia
No matter where you go, there you are.
Every day may not be good, but there is something good in every day
  • From: Cincinnati, Ohio
  • Registered: 2005-09-10
  • Posts: 2,318

Re: Fuel leak - 79 Super Beetle conv. PLEASE HELP!!

wstorm wrote:

I have a '79 Super Beetle conv (fuel injected) that gives off a nice gas smell.  When I fill it above 1/2 tank it leaks gas from somewhere in the front right hand side.

Any ideas what I should look at first?  I need to find a way to  fix this so I can let my girls ride in the car and enjoy the FRESH air!

Any advice will be greatly appreciated. 

THANKS!!!

There are many various fuel lines in the truck area (up front).  They become old & brittle over time...and start to leak (liquid & fumes).  You most likely need to replace these lines to eliminate the gasoline odor.

HTH,

- Nick

1979 Super Beetle Convertible
  • Registered: 2009-06-25
  • Posts: 554

Re: Fuel leak - 79 Super Beetle conv. PLEASE HELP!!

The experts have spoken! And if I could throw in my 2 cents worth, replace all the fuel hoses (including vent hoses) so you don't have to keep looking. Do it once, do it right smile
Rubber becomes brittle after 30 years. My VW had fuel lines that snapped in pieces like clay...

Paul

  • From: B.C.Canada
  • Registered: 2005-01-26
  • Posts: 2,586

Re: Fuel leak - 79 Super Beetle conv. PLEASE HELP!!

Definitely replace them all in the trunk and all the way back to the charcoal can to eliminate smells. You don't need to connect the charcoal can though unless your concerned about the environment. Then you would need to refill it anyway.

Blow through the long steel line down the passenger side, mine was plugged, and replace a couple of short (2") pieces of hose that connect sections of the steel line. #11 and #13 in the 2nd pic.

http://www.oldbeetle.com/pcat/T1_25-10.jpg

http://www.oldbeetle.com/pcat/T1_25-20.jpg

jim

'71 SB(DD only 79K(now 84K miles) & '78 FI Westy (project)
PO of '65 Beetle in '69, '70 Crewcab & '70 Ghia in '77
'71 Super inside rear vents now available
http://www.openroad.ca/volkswebbin/view … p?id=85915