Fuel Smell

[71_340Challenger]

I just recently completed a conversion of my 71 Challenger from the original 340 to a 440. In the process, I swapped from the stock 5/16 fuel pickup and fuel lines to a 3/8 pickup and -6AN lines all the way to the carb. The stock 5/16 pickup did not have a vent line and all of the 3/8 pickups that I found did. So, I bought one and ran the vent line from the pickup to the closest of the 4 fuel/vapor seperator lines. Now, when the car sits in the closed up the garage over night or for long time, there is a significant fuel odor. I looked around and did not see any charcoal canisters or anything similar. Is there a charcoal canister on 71's? There was no fuel odor prior to the change, and no visable fuel leaks in the new AN lines, so I am assuming it has to do with the routing of the new vent line. Does anyone have any suggestions on where/how to run this vent line or what to do about this fuel oder? Thanks for the help.

[matt63]

I just plugged the vent tube by clamping a short piece of hose with a bolt in the end.  It's not pretty but...
If I have fuel smells it is usually the electric fuel pump fittings leaking for the hoses on the vent tubes seeping.

[Oldschool]

If you are venting to the atmosphere, the smell is normal.      If it is an annoyance, plug the vent.....         

[71_340Challenger]

Thanks. I am running a mechanical fuel pump, and I have checked all of the fitting and hoses for leaks/cracks and have found none. I had thought about simply plugging the vent line, but it just seems like there should be a nicer way to do it. Then again, it is all tucked under the car where no one can see, so what difference would it make.

Did factory 3/8" fuel pickups have vent lines? Anyone know how were they done?

Thanks again for the response and help.