Classic VW BuGs How to Stop Fuel Odor Gas Fumes Smell in your Beetle 

my wife just told me today that she was getting a gas smell in our 70 bug. now i can pretend like i have known all along what the problem was. score 1 for me

great video - thanks Chris. I just want to add that the gas tank sending unit seal is also a common source of fuel odor. Especially noticeable when you fill your tank all the way. You can get a new rubber seal for $2 or $3 at Wolfsburg West or Jbugs and they're super easy to replace.

I have a 1971 Super Beetle. The cabin was always full of gas fumes, and I tried most things - like examining every cotton-braided 5mm hose for leaks. There is one place where I didn't look - until some years later. I went underneath the car, and noticed that the Main Fuel Hose (on the base of the Tank) was slightly 'weeping' and by touching this, there was definitely fuel moisture there! This is just one of those items that may get overlooked, so thought to mention here. Even after owning the beetle for 20 years, there was always a slight fuel smell inside the cabin. I eventually solved the problem completely in 2019. It was converted to EV, using the Hyper 9 Motor, and the Tesla Model S Battery Pack. I restored the Beetle in 2004 to almost new condition, even arranging leather seating upholstery. Today, I smell the leather - and fresh air. Beetle was always used as a 'local' car, so it's no hardship with 150 km range, and to charge in my garage. The fuel smells was just one area of a fine classic car that I didn't get quite right. Greetings from Australia.

Another place for fumes on the 61-67 tanks is a rubber boot on the mechanical sending unit float where the fuel gauge hooks on. The boot that encircles that lever to actuate the fuel gauge can crack and leak fumes. That is where I found the source of fumes on my '66 Beetle.

Thanks Chris, you may be a lifesaver, thanks to all your top tips. Here in Ireland we unfortunately have up to 15% ethanol in our petrol, so I fear its speeding up destruction of oe spec. braided hoses. VW back in the day Always recommended replacing all rubber parts every 4 years for safety! I think this is good practice for Brake hoses and tyres, but overkill for the rest!

Great vids. I'm restoring my 73 Super. Been a long time since I've tinkered with these cars so this is very helpful. And get me interested in driving my old VW again !

My bug only gives me the vapors (90s rap reference, sorry) just after filling up. And usually only when I go around a left turn. So I imagine the gas is sloshing around in the filler neck and leaking out somewhere. I haven't spent any time trying to figure it out yet but this video has me thinking about it. Maybe I'll check it out this weekend.. As always, thanks for sharing Chris!

msmithstud, check your exhaust mainfold gasgets and the heat exchangers. also check any and all seals in the engine compartment.

I believe it's called an Enfield loop

that braided line is not ethanol safe, it will fail quickly if you use pump gas, rather than ethanol free gas. But it does fit the clips better and is probably fine for a vent hose.

Also check the soft line from under fuel tank to hard fuel line. That’s where mine was leaking

Ordered a 8inch piece, cut it in half. Removed 4inch tubes & replaced, took away the smell!! My bug is a '71

Thank you! Going to try to gas-proof my 73 Super convertible

Brilliant very well explained

man and I was having that same problem but only after a fill up 71 stnd

all videos are very useful for beetle owners

I've read that the arm seal on a mechanical fuel sender is another common source.

great video Chris

This is a great video. I am trying to track down a gas smell in a 67 I suspect my overflow hose because it is very bad after fill up. I try not to over fill the tank I notice I have what appears to be a check valve on the over flow and small chrome fitting and I thought that might be stuck open but I can’t find a replacement part so I’m assuming it’s an aftermarket piece. The other issue I suspect is my electric fuel pump It never shuts off if I turn the key without starting the engine the pump will continue to run. I feel this is suspect to a problem. I’m new to VW’s and looking to get this sorted out

My '74 super beetle has factory installed AC making it difficult to get to the gas tank and check the hoses

Good info and explanations, thank you.

Thank you verry helpful , I wish I could say Bess Doesn"t Smell Some times when I fill her right up , But i can"t

Thanks for another great video Chris. Now I know what to do with the 1970 VW I recently bought. But I am wondering why I couldn't just use one long tube between the filler neck and the gas tank neck rather than two short pieces connected to that metal tube that goes in between them. Is there a reason for that? Thanks!

I am about to purchase a 1960 VW Beetle. No gas gauge. Where do I purchase a Gas Gauge Stick?

How can we clean a 1972 super beetle gas tank? Any inside diagram, how it looks? I'm having hard time flushing out

I think the loop is for when you are turning your gas just doesn't spill out

Hi Chris , I’m working on a 1974 super beetle convertible and cant find anything that covers restoration of a convertible. Would appreciate ur help--Tony

Nervous about changing/disconnecting if have gas fumes and accidentally hit something and create a spark. Do you do this when tank is empty, or is it safe to swap out?

Thanks for the video. Do you have a link to that braided cable that was on the 67 Beetle

Can you swap the rubber hose with full steel hose?

So the vent hose just sticks out he bottom of the car? About an in or two through he hole?

Helpful- wasn’t sure about all those hoses and canisters on my 73 standard beetle. Is there a return fuel line when the engine has dual carburetors?

I am interested in hearing more about the newer models that have the (as your referenced it), "the plastic tube" that is fixed to the backside of the dash under the hood there. Mine is leaking and needs replacing but I don't even know the name of the part or have been able to find anything online even remotely similar looking. I have a convertible 78 super. Any help is greatly appreciated.

Looks like my first 67. Just purchased a 63

I had a 1969 beetle, I loved it but we called it stink bug because the gas fumes were so strong.

Mines leaking inside the tunnel where the shift linkage is, is there anyway to fix that the fuel smell is very strong

Where do I buy the entire assembly for gas tank hoses for a 72 super beetle, thanks ,

Chris , does the expansion tank behind the air box on a 71 super actually fill with gas - or does it just pass the fumes threw ?

Awesome, I needed this it's great to know.my 77 always smells like gas,😂

my bug has a strong gas smell in the rear, i think it's the carburetor or gas lines

This is super helpful but I'm starting at your car and wondering why you have a 68- vehicle with the filler inside the trunk!?

Hi Chris - May I ask where you got the trunk liner for the 1970?

my 72 superbeetle dumps gas out the fuel door everytime I take a left turn. I have replaced the cap 3 times buying from jbugs. An older man told me that over time the neck where the cap screws onto over time will begin to warp which is why new gas caps don't work. any ideas?

Ethanol resistant hose.

Do you know anyone who sells fuel line kits for Super Beetles ? I'm restoring my 73 and i'm having fuel pressure issues, and fuel smell. I'd love to replace all the lines, or even put a fuel cell in and simplify the system.

Thanks!!!

What's the total length of that hose on that 67?

Can you route the fuel breather the same as the earlier one on a later one ?

Great Videos Chris, any idea on sourcing the smallest braided hoses for the fuel tank vent? Mine are shot, and would rather get the right ones, rather than some rubber hose from NAPA!

Where do you find the windshield wiper reservoir?

Hi Chris was about to order the vent hose for my 67 Beetle from lane russell but after watching your video I wonder how much do I need to order ? And thanks for all your videos ! Ciao ciao Robbie

Hi Chris. I just got a '73 Ghia. Its great, but it does smell gassy. Is there a blow-out diagram online that you can direct me to make sure its all connected right? Appreciate it!

Where do I get that blue fender beading? I want to paint my 67 vw blue but I need the correct beading before I do it otherwise I'm going with lotus white

I have a 67 beetle and wanted to get a new fuel vent hose. What size in diameter do I purchase and where to buy?

old bugs are ok using regular gas?

Hi Chris, I am interested in where you got the trunk liner for the 1970 Beetle in this video (at around 4:14). I have a 1969 Beetle and need a trunk liner but I've never seen one with the wiring cover that just slides out like that...I've only seen the wiring cover that bolts in, and this one seems more convenient. Thanks. Your videos have immensely helped me in my resto.

I have a 66 vw Beetle, need to know what to put on before I do head liner. also where can I find the rubber that goes between the quarter panel and the car and do you have a video showing how to place that on. Mine are bad and coming off. (outside of car)

Hi Chris. Got the Wolfsburg west kit with the rubber bands. The rubber bands go inside?! Seems crazy but I'm doing it lol

If exhaust fumes are coming into your cabin when the heater is on, what's causing that?

What is the latest year bug you have restored Chris?

Hey chris ive been working on a 72 super beetle autostick. There is a small metal line that runs down the passenger side and into the engine compartment at the top of the rear wheel well passenger side. Any idea what it is?

I've owned my 69 since the early 80s and have never smelled gas fumes, must be just luck.

Where do I get that blue fender beading? I want to paint my 67 vw blue but I need the correct beading before I do it otherwise I'm going with lotus white