Itinerant Air-Cooled

I finally figured out why my '71 Beetle with the 34 PICT 3 carb always smelled of gasoline after driving. The carb gaskets at the top and the base are wicking gasoline to their outside edges!

I bought a carb rebuild kit with new gaskets. Would applying Permatex aviation sealant to the new gaskets a few days prior to assembly be a good or bad idea? Can this stuff withstand gasoline?

vwlover77 wrote:I finally figured out why my '71 Beetle with the 34 PICT 3 carb always smelled of gasoline after driving. The carb gaskets at the top and the base are wicking gasoline to their outside edges!

I bought a carb rebuild kit with new gaskets. Would applying Permatex aviation sealant to the new gaskets a few days prior to assembly be a good or bad idea? Can this stuff withstand gasoline?

Totally bad idea. There are holes in these gaskets, calibrated orifices on some cases. A fresh gasket with a light application of grease gently worked into the fibers is perfect.

This weeping is a perfectly normal consequence of people who refuse to check the tightness of the screws every blue moon or so.
Colin

(I would not necessarily declare that the fuel smell is because of gas weep at the gaskets, keep us posted on any recurrance)

Further investigation showed that the intake manifold boots (the orange ones) apparently became porous over the few years they were installed and gas was migrating its way through them. That's all I can figure as the clamps were all tight. Also, the driver's side manifold gasket at the head showed signs of gas having leaked out around it.

I have now replaced the intake manifold boots and the manifold gaskets and have noticed a HUGE reduction in gas smell.

vwlover77 wrote:Further investigation showed that the intake manifold boots (the orange ones) apparently became porous over the few years they were installed and gas was migrating its way through them. That's all I can figure as the clamps were all tight. Also, the driver's side manifold gasket at the head showed signs of gas having leaked out around it.

I have now replaced the intake manifold boots and the manifold gaskets and have noticed a HUGE reduction in gas smell.

Ethanol deterioration?
Colin

Amskeptic wrote:

vwlover77 wrote:…intake manifold boots (the orange ones) apparently became porous over the few years they were installed and gas was migrating its way through them.

I have now replaced the intake manifold boots and the manifold gaskets and have noticed a HUGE reduction in gas smell.

Ethanol deterioration?
Colin

My two most recent pairs both leaked after 7-8 months. Adrian @ Headflow Masters told me to try some special Gates 1.5" hose that was a beast to get on, but is holding up nicely. I'll report more formally after a year of use.

asiab3 wrote:

Amskeptic wrote:

vwlover77 wrote:…intake manifold boots (the orange ones) apparently became porous over the few years they were installed and gas was migrating its way through them.

I have now replaced the intake manifold boots and the manifold gaskets and have noticed a HUGE reduction in gas smell.

Ethanol deterioration?
Colin

My two most recent pairs both leaked after 7-8 months. Adrian @ Headflow Masters told me to try some special Gates 1.5" hose that was a beast to get on, but is holding up nicely. I'll report more formally after a year of use.

We should provide feedback to our vendors
ColinSure