Terrible fuel smell

[Patchy]

So I have a strong fuel smell coming from the front of my 77 CJ5 . I do not see any visible leaks anywhere. The whole fuel check valve/rollover valve/charcoal canister system has been removed and just have a single bit of hose coming from the drivers side of the tank. I don't believe the bad fuel smell is coming from this as it seems to be coming from the front of the Jeep.

Been doing some research on here and reading a few other threads and I've read that the fuel filter is supposed to have 2 lines on the output, one to the carb, the other is to the tank. Guess the previous owner removed that too because it doesn't exist and in it's place is a fuel filter with a single in and a single out. It's hooked up to a Holley carburetor but I'm not sure what kind. Still trying to find some ID numbers on it. Is the fuel filter more than likely the cause of the raw gas smell? Does it sound like step 1 needs to be to install the correct fuel filter and run a return line back to the tank? Thanks.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Plug that line, and see if the smell goes away.
LG

 

[Torxhead]

You could also check the air/fuel mixture by checking a spark plug burn deposit. Making sure that they are not black or wet.

 

[EchoWars]

I've read that the fuel filter is supposed to have 2 lines on the output, one to the carb, the other is to the tank. Guess the previous owner removed that too because it doesn't exist and in it's place is a fuel filter with a single in and a single outs.

Earlier CJ's had a three-line fuel pump..in, out, and a 'vapor return'. In reality, fuel not needed to fill carb bowls returns through this line. Keeps fuel cool and helps prevent vapor lock. The same can be accomplished by using a two-line fuel pump and a fuel filter with one input and two outputs, with one output running back to the fuel tank. I'd get under the vehicle and see if the vapor return line is dangling free somewhere.

Heard of others removing the charcoal evap cannister & valve systems, but I don't get the point. It reduces pollution & smog at zero cost to performance. Removal of stock pollution systems may have unintended negative consequences, and this may be one. Or if there's a benefit that I'm apparently unaware of, I'd be curious to know about it.

(FWIW, not really a tree hugger, but some things make sense and some make crappy sense. I removed the air injection on my Commando and beat that thing to powder with a BFH when I first bought the car.)

 

[Heavychevy]

The hook up of the cannister will alleviate your fuel smell. No compromise of performance either. Early cj's had this problem, especially with tank under the drivers seat

 

[Patchy]

The hook up of the cannister will alleviate your fuel smell. No compromise of performance either. Early cj's had this problem, especially with tank under the drivers seat

Yeah this is probably what I'll do eventually. Problem is all of the plumbing for the fuel vapor, Check& Rollover valve, and canister are all missing. Time to start tracking everything down I guess.

 

[Idahododgeram]

I just finished my '77 CJ5 build. MTS Company has an all in one liquid check valve/roll over valve assembly that works awesome. The part # is JLCV-1. MTS COMPANY, L.C. - Jeep CJ/YJ Gas Tanks

For the charcoal canister I bought one from Delorean. It wasn't cheap but has the right # of ports. I still need to plumb it up but for now with the MTS check valve installed and my vapor line plugged I don't smell like gas.

Hope this helps.

 

[mriplaybass]

Check your choke. If it's and automatic choke, set it when the engine is cold so that it just barely closes with the throttle open. If it's a manual choke, just make sure that it is fully open when the engine is at operating temperature.

 

[ZEN357]

I would say the removal of the canister is causing the smell.

 

[DHugg]

(FWIW, not really a tree hugger, but some things make sense and some make crappy sense. I removed the air injection on my Commando and beat that thing to powder with a BFH when I first bought the car.)

Ditto AMC 1980 AMC 304 ! Never saw so many vacuum lines and ports in my life. All gone now and engine is happier!

 

[Patchy]

I just finished my '77 CJ5 build. MTS Company has an all in one liquid check valve/roll over valve assembly that works awesome. The part # is JLCV-1. MTS COMPANY, L.C. - Jeep CJ/YJ Gas Tanks

For the charcoal canister I bought one from Delorean. It wasn't cheap but has the right # of ports. I still need to plumb it up but for now with the MTS check valve installed and my vapor line plugged I don't smell like gas.

Hope this helps.

I'm going to have to look into that. Thanks!