[DeTomaso] gas fumes

[JDeRyke at aol.com]

Stevem you don't say what model Pantera you have. A number of gas-fume smells 
in L models are from a deteriorated connecting hose between the tank fitting 
and the outside fuel cap. The hose is a 2.25" dia fuel-proof unit but a few 
owners mistakenly use plain radiator hose, which lasts about a year, then 
splits. And following Murphys Law, the crack in the hose will be on the underside 
where its not visible. This is not an easy repair because the tank and gas-door 
pipes don't align very well, theres little space to work and the big hose is 
quite stiff. On the plus side, the hose is cheap.... In pre-Ls, the gasket 
between tank and filler neck can crack or shrink, or the fume hose from tank vent 
to charcoal cannister cracks. Both can cause the gas smell. Note the stock 
fume hose may be plain rubber covered by a metal braid, but its NOT the good 
Aeroquip stuff. Good luck- J DeRyke


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