Took a day off and went to see a mate in Hay on Wye yesterday and had loads of fun chucking the snail round the country roads, particularly on the way back in the dark.

One thing, though: I got a distinct whiff of petrol and oil in the cabin. I've checked the exhaust clamps and they're all tight and snug... What would be causing the smell to enter the cabin?

leaking petrol?


check rubbery bits, float level and carb gasket
if you pressed the accelerator pedal once you had stopped and the engine was still hot it smells

Fumes psuhed out between the barrel and head.

Checked for leaks, and I'm pretty sure all is OK.


How can I check for this, and what is the remedy?

Tighten your head bolts?

The real remedy is to lap the joint between the head and the barrel. However a leaking head joint shouldn't smell of raw petrol, it has a sickly sweet exhaust smell.

There is a rubber pipe on top of the tank that is prone to failing (but normally causes bad starting). Also have a look at the fuel pipe joints themselves, look if the float bowl is trying to fall off. Petrol leaks will leave tell tale stains.

That's a better description of the smell than my unimaginative "petrol in the cabin". In which case gents, I'm pretty sure we have our diagnosis!

Now, how would I "lap" the joint between the head and the barrel?

Hold on a minute there bro!

James hasn't paid a visit yet

Sean
(we loves ya really JW )

Fair point!