Hello to all; I've noticed a strong gas smell out in the garage, hours after its[37 MD] been shut off. I looked but didn't see a gas leak around the carb. or gas tank. Could the float in the carb. need adjusting? Thanks.
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Joes 37

I would suspect this is somewhat normal. The fuel left in the carb bowl is going to evaporate, at a fast pace at first as the engine is still warm, then more slowly until most, if not all, of the fuel is gone.

And/or, it could be that, if the gas tank is old, there may be pinholes in the top. Also, some evaporation at the gas tank neck.

Nonetheless, gas fumes are heavier than ambient air and the smell would be more concentrated at floor level until they are dissipated. I think. Do I have that right? Next time you smell it, you may want to get down low and see if it is stronger down near the garage floor.

While I think Ray has mentioned the most likely source, it, however, may not be the only one.

I hope you find where the odor, scent or smell (pick one) is coming from real soon.
Charlie

Thanks Ray & Charlie! I thought it might be the nature of the beast, but thought I might mention it here and find out. I had the tank out a couple years back to be cleaned and painted and a new rubber neck put on. They didn,t see any holes at that time. Agin, thanks for your info!!
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Joes 37

I haven't noticed a problem like that with my 37. I can put it in my garage with it warm without having a gas smell. I'm pretty sure that if there was a smell my wife would bring it to my attention! BTW, sure like the color of your car.

Hi Ed, I ran it for awhile,shut it off for a bit, went back out and the same thing - strong gas smell! Looked down the carb. and intake manifold and it was all wet with gas. So now what?? A carb. rebuild? Or the float re adjusted? Any help on this will be appreciated. About the paint job. Its a 25 footer!{Grin} But that's another long story. It needs a repaint of Toronto Blue, but I've yet to find my money tree. Thanks Agin,
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Joes 37

Joe,
I'm not a good carburetor guy, but if everything is wet with gas like you said, I would check the needle and seat as well as the float level. Sounds to me like it is running in after you shut it off.
Yes, my paint job was done in 1980 so it is a 25 footer also but I sure like the color. I have a 49 year old son who has been a body man for 30 years and he keeps saying we should repaint it but he doesn't get around to it. lol
Hope you can get the gas thing figured out, I really don't think it should do that.
Best of luck to you,
Ed

Joe
As Ed suggested check the needle and seat are sealing correctly and set the float level to specs. 1 of 2 (and possibley a combination) things are happening, needle and seat leaking after shut down or float level too high and fuel expansion overfilling the bowl.
Tony

Tony, How can I check if needle and seat are sealing when the carb. is all together?? Will have to wait till the weather warms up a bit anyway to pull the carb. off. I just looked at the re-build kit I bought and it doesn't have a needle and seat in it!! OH WELL, that's what I get for buying on E-bay. Thanks,
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Joes 37

I think you will have to take the carb apart, I would just buy a new needle and seat and have it ready when the weather warms up. I think if you can get one without the viton (rubber tip) it would be best.

You cant see the needle and seat with the carb assembled. Take the top off the carb and check float level and adjust to specs. Take the car for a 5 mile drive and check for the perculating. If it does fit a new needle and seat. You wont need to take the carb off the engine but will be easier if you do.
Tony

Hey guys, took the top of the carb. off today and replaced the needle valve and seat, metering rod and seat, etc, etc. Boy, was that needle valve wore out. The float needed to be adjusted a little too. Found a spare carb. re-build kit in all my spare parts stash that I didn't know I had. So ran it for about a half an hour then parked it. Later, went out in the garage and no gas smell!! Hopefully that's the end of it.
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Joes 37

Way to go Joe, sounds like you have it handled!