Thread: Gas leak detector

Originally Posted by Chucaro

So, chances are that the smell of gas after the engine has switched off is for residuals in the engine bay components?

There will be a solenoid ( electric fuel switch) at the tank & one before the Mixer on the carbies. If the smell goes away after a while, then it probably is gas leaking from the line past the converter. I would give it a run then immediately spray soapy water over the suss area's after engine stopped. The problem is tho, they are liquid lines & soapy water might not bubble up.

Originally Posted by DeeJay

There will be a solenoid ( electric fuel switch) at the tank & one before the Mixer on the carbies.

Chucky. Is this carby or fuel injected? You will find the shut off solenoid before the convertor, not before the mixer.

It has a fuel injected 3.9 V8 (ex Disco).

Ok, find the shut off solenoid on the convertor. Stick a test light on the positive terminal. Now get someone to turn on the ignition. If the test light lights it should go off after about one second.(option one)

If it doesn't light, start the car. If it lights after a few seconds and stays on this is what is happening.(option two)

If you get option one this means the car starts on gas.
If you get option two, this means it is starting on petrol and then automatically switches to gas. This is what happens on later cars(mid 90's on) but don't know how yours works.

If you have option one, by getting someone to repeatably cycle the ignition switch you will flood gas to the convertor and possibly beyond and you might be able to find the leak.

If it is option two, gas will only flow with engine running, controlled by an ECU