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Classic/Antique Car Repair/1971 RR Corniche Coupe - strong gas smell

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Expert: - 7/14/2008


Question
Hello Vern, Five years ago I bought a 71 RR Corniche coupe.  The car always smells of gasoline.  My mechanic (who specializes in RRs and Bentleys) has not been able to identify the problem (though he's done a great job fixing other problems with the car - timing, etc.).  Do you have any suggestions?

Answer
Hi Sean:
Since you had a RR/Bentley mechanic look at it, I am sure he had explored many of the obvious possible causes, such as fuel lines leaks and leaks around the carbs. Assuming none of those are the problem, it could be your fuel return unit or your fuel pump. The fuel return unit returns unused fuel back to the gas tank. Sometimes it may just dump excess fuel on the ground if there is too much to return. I had that happen when I was having fuel pump problems, so if you have the original Pierburg fuel pump, it could be malfunctioning and feeding too much fuel from time to time. I developed a humming noise in my pump that would come and go, before I finally replaced it.

So, check it good for any apparent fuel leaks and if you are sure all fuel lines and carbs are tight, then check the fuel pump and the return unit.

Hope this helps...

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Vern Bullock

Expertise

Visit my website at: http://www.classytransportation.com/ I can answer most questions about autos built in the 60's 70's and 80's. Specifically, Lincolns, Rolls Royces and the Excaliburs. Mechanical issues and technical questions are my expertise. I also have a general knowledge of most older automobiles. Keep in mind, I can only provide answers if the questions are very specific and complete. Without details, I can only speculate and that's not good for solving your problem.

Experience

I have owned and maintained Silver Shadows for over 10 years now. I find most mechanics and even Rolls Royce mechanics have very little knowledge about these automobiles. I have researched these cars in quite a bit of detail and can pretty much tell you what is wrong, if you can describe the behavior in detail. I have saved quite a few RR owners a lot of money and aggravation due to improper diagnosis. I am the owner of Classy Transportation, LLC a luxury limousine service specializing in antique cars, classic cars, vintage cars and exotic cars.

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Classy Transportation, LLC Limousine Service.

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All around the Internet

Education/Credentials
I hold a BS degree in computer science and a MS degree in mechanical engineering.

Awards and Honors
I regularly compete at car shows and average around a dozen awards annually.

Past/Present Clients
See Web site at: http://www.classytransportation.com/

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