Beetle Fuel Smell and Tank Venting

A summary of things to look at if you have a fuel smell inside your Beetle. Don't let anyone tell you "that's normal" or "that's how Beetles all smell." That is completely untrue. The folks that say that never took the time to look into the issues. Typically it is simply rotted and cracked gaskets and/or vent lines. All very easily replaced. Extremely simple to do yourself too. I hope my video helps.
NOTE: VW was in some transition phases in terms of fuel system ventilation so this is specific to this time period and this style of tank however the concepts are the same throughout. Vent lines need to ensure any fuel it sees will drain back to the tank and not out to a low point. Vent lines need to run high, be clear and in good condition. If your car smells, look it over.
Cheers!
Feel free to comment - good or bad I don't care.

[@markfixitright]

Thanks for the straight talk normal guy way you explained my 74 vdubber gas smell. The people I bought it from replaced the fuel tank and just coiled the extra vent hose on top of the tank. Fuel kept dribbling from it on each drive and I knew it had to vent SOMEWHERE! Didn't know gravity and a simple hole up front would slove the issue. Thanks again and I hope Spring has sprung for you up north. It has here in Tennessee. Best to you...

[@philrogers433]

Nice video, love the paint color! Thanks for sharing this. I'm restoring a 71 Standard Bug and still have a lot to learn about how they were put together.

[@davidtuley5898]

You are the only one who nailed this problem. This was driving us nuts. Now we can enjoy cruzin in our baby.

[@jackp160]

This video was completely helpful to resolve a fuel smell issue with my 1969 Bug. Well done, to the point, and a great example for KZbin Volkswagen beetle how to videos.

[@surlycrosscheck1]

Comments like these always make me feel good. I’m always so happy that I’m able to help and give back (as little as it may be) to the VW community. Glad you got your issue resolved. 👍 Thanks for the feedback.

[@danlandry953]

Great video, thank you. Just purchased a new tank for my dune buggy and always wondered the proper way to vent the tank. Well done Sir

[@vegaskid6678]

Thanks dude. That helped me a lot! Saved me from buying a new fuel pump and all new lines and other parts for my 68.

[@kyrecluett]

Thanks so much for the video. We have a '79 with no venting whatsoever and we need to install the entire system. You're video helped get things started! Keep posting please. This is our first VW!

[@surlycrosscheck1]

Kyre Cluett glad you found the video helpful. In saying that, your ‘79 will be very different than the earlier models. I very much recommend joining thesamba.com It’s a VW / Aircooled website with very specific forums and most importantly a very knowledgeable group of people willing to help out. It’s an incredible resource especially if you’re just starting out into the VW world. You’ll find TONS of information there for sure. Again, glad you enjoyed the video but definitely check out thesamba You’ll love it.

[@jdblack9703]

Great video. I have this problem on an early ‘70s bug. If you are still a VW owner, post lots more. Your detail points about how to run the fuel lines make all the difference. Thanks!

[@surlycrosscheck1]

Glad it helps out. 👍 Still own the bug. Fun machine. 😉

[@kentmckinnon288]

Great video! I have a 68 ghia with gas fume problems. I've discovered that the 68 was an "Odd Ball" year for the ghia with some modifications. Trying to find good and accurate information is difficult. Your video just simplified things for me. I appreciate it!

[@surlycrosscheck1]

Perfect!! Really glad to hear that. 👍

[@billyboy326]

Great video, thanks!

[@robbyd.4037]

Looks nice and neat. I'll be doing the same on my 69....Thanks man!

[@TheIsuruSL]

Thank you bro. Nicely explained very helpful

[@ladyTiger0714]

I’m recent to vw beetle world, and have been educating myself and purchasing the needed hose replacements for the fuel lines. My question is; what size of fuel breathe hose do I get for my 70 vw beetle sedan? You seem to know allot and I just viewed your vid on the subject.

[@reynaldoroyo3027]

Thanks for the video. I bought a new tank for my 69 and although it had the right shape and fit perfectly, the venting was different. So, not being a mechanic and new to the bug scene, I didn’t know how to hook up the hoses. Took it to an old German mechanic that is well versed on VW’s (supposedly) and he hooked up the lines. I thought he had done a good job except that the vent line on the drivers side he had capped off and said it wasn’t needed. But I see from your hook up that it is. I also don’t have the lines looping and going higher so I’m going to do that as well. Like you I’m not a professional and do this for fun. I’ve posted a couple of videos and will do one on this as well. Wish me luck.

[@gilbertpro6750]

Cheers!👍

[@followyourbliss973]

Thx. I have a 73 super beetle that mechanic 'repaired' twice but still has smell. One mechanic replaced fuel lines, the other replaced rubber hose and clamp at filler neck. Seemed to work at first but after 2 weeks, smell returned when making left turns...frustrating! I can feel some gas around filler neck but can't tell where its leaking.

[@dainiusgad9994]

Thanks

[@surlycrosscheck1]

You’re welcome! 👍

[@emilyencinias1090]

Does that 3rd vent line that goes out of the veh connect to anything or just exits the veh???

[@surlycrosscheck1]

Just exits the vehicle to atmosphere yes. It was 1969. In ‘70 I believe they added a carbon filled canister to help absorb some of the hydrocarbon.

[@deandye3255]

thanks im building a 69 rod i notice when i removed the tank where the vent tube on he driver side of the tank ( opposite of the fill side) the small vent tube was bent over and smashed closed off with no holes Do you have any ideal why its like that

[@surlycrosscheck1]

I remember you. You're the guy building for your grandson! Once a gain, too cool. To answer your question, all sorts of crazy things have been done to these cars over the years. In your case, if you mean the hose to the hole in the front wasn't even there and the port on the tank itself was smashed closed my guess is this: At some point in its history, the cab reeked of fuel. Upon inspection, the vent line may have been suspect and the person investigating wasn't aware of the significance of that line. Instead of repairing properly, as has happened countless times, they plug them off however they can and in this case, quick and cheap. A shoddy thing to do of course and, ironically, makes their situation far worse. That port and vent are there for a specific reason: you'll need to repair that and open it back up for sure.

[@thestove2407]

Physically, while all beetle fuel-tanks have the smaller vent hose on the passenger side .. many do not have the extra vent on the driver side. What I have noticed is that most beetles with the single vent .. run the1/4" vent hose up under the windshield, above the wiper motor. There are clips up there to hold it up. While the tanks with the extra port on the driver-side have their hoses running under the glove-box and fuses. Hope that helps, cheers !

[@Dj-ve2hx]

Problem is finding the right size metric fuel hoses to fit.

[@surlycrosscheck1]

As mentioned in the video, I purchased everything I needed from Wolfsburg West. They have everything you need in the correct size. I’m sure other reputable VW parts suppliers do as well. It’s out there.