What is the duration of gas fume venting from the fuel expansion tank after shutdown?

[smitemagistrates]

My 1972 350 SL Model 107.04 predates the January 1973 federal pollution requirements, hence it lacks a charcoal canister and catalytic converter, allowing fumes to escape directly into the atmosphere underneath the vehicle. The gasoline lines in the engine compartment were compromised due to rodent gnawing. As I store my vehicle under my home without a garage, I am now using a California Car Cover Storage Zip Up Bag to prevent cats, rats, geckos, insects, and slugs from entering. The problem is that this also traps gas vapors that might ultimately harm the vehicle. To mitigate the issue, I used a compact computer cabinet fan to expel any gas vapors.

Inquiries for the 107 experts:
1. What is your estimate of the duration of the positive venting flow after the park and shutdown procedure? I believe I read on this thread that I need wait about an hour, since the automobile must be cold to seal and store according to the specifications provided by Bag.
2. Should I postpone the reduction of leftover fumes?
3. Will the system resume vapor venting when the external temperature increases throughout the day? The average temperature range in Hawaii is 70°F at night and 85°F during the day (21°C to 29°C).

As a precaution, I consistently use a secondary cover for the automobile to maintain the primary cover free from dirt and droppings while handling. I use an inexpensive $18 cover over this storage bag, which I clean with a hose as necessary. It protects the underlying storage bag from my cat's claws and hairballs, as she sometimes prefers to lie on top.

Thank you in advance.

[chantana]

This item is featured in Hagerty Driver Club magazine and may warrant consideration. It is referred to as a vapor catcher, designed specifically for older vehicles without a charcoal recovery mechanism. The website is VaporTrapper.com.

I had a gasoline odor during extended drives and saw on a forum that replacing the charcoal with aquarium charcoal might be a solution. I removed my canister, which had a strong odor of gasoline. I emptied it and refilled it, and the problem has been resolved. I understand you lack one, but affixing it to your pre-emission 107 could be the solution.

[veinedpanty]

I am concerned about the fan. Any engine might generate an arc, perhaps resulting in an explosion of the gas vapors. Perhaps an overreaction on my side; my father was a supervisor of industrial electricians in a refinery, where everything was explosion-proof.

Fuel pumps are submerged in gasoline.

[smitemagistrates]

The fuel pump is located underneath the vehicle, connected via a fuel line that runs from the gas tank to the fuel pump and then to the engine; I do not believe there is a fuel pump situated immediately inside the gas tank. Nonetheless, if it really concerns me, I may connect an air hose to the vent end under the vehicle and direct it outside of the bag instead of using a fan.

 

[smitemagistrates]

The issue with only installing a Vapor Charcoal Canister is that it eliminates gas odor molecules but does not capture all gas vapors. Although it reduces gas vapors, they will still be discharged into the storage bag.

[veinedpanty]

I was alluding to the fact that in some vehicles, fuel pump electric motors are located inside a gasoline tank.
I appreciate my machine learning model. It is necessary to have oxygen for combustion to occur.

A gas tank contains neither air nor liquid; it consists only of gasoline and vapor.

In your situation, there exists vapor, oxygen, and a possible ignition source, namely a fan.

[Kix]

My 1973 450SL use this valve underneath the vehicle. Maintains a consistent pressure, since the valve requires pressure to discharge either to the crankcase or the environment. Uncertain if your system differs in a manner that permits venting without pressure. A further technique for promptly alleviating pressure to prevent venting is to open and then shut the tank fill cap. Venting ceases with the removal of pressure.

[infamousmelons]

Agree on opening the fill cap to equalize pressures. In-tank fuel pumps use a brushless motor, eliminating arcing, and are not always fully immersed. gasoline level senders, nevertheless, possess low amperage voltage that is directly exposed to gasoline and vapor; yet, any possible damage to the sender that may generate a spark is insufficient to cause ignition.
Explosions arise from the accumulation of explosive vapors; hence, it is crucial to mitigate this risk. I like the computer fan; however, it seems to be expelling air outside. I would have it draw in air, inflate your 'balloon', then position a tiny vent hole opposite the blower to expel any accumulated gasses.
I have installed almost 1000 furnaces. Initially, I would operate the new installation to purge air from the new natural gas line, followed by using a torch along the gas line to detect natural gas leaks. Occasionally, a fitting requires tightening; nevertheless, on two occasions, a sand-cast fitting exhibited a pinhole that emitted a flame around the size of a cigarette lighter. No detonations due to the absence of buildup. Hooray for Chinese workmanship.I consistently repurpose outdated fixtures wherever possible.

[smitemagistrates]

Another excellent suggestion! Thank you, GearheadGreg. 😁 Following your recommendation, I will put a screened grommet on the side of the trunk chassis opposite the fan, where gas vapor odors collect (none detected in the cabin or engine bay), in addition to a HEPA filter, and reverse the fan flow. Humidity in a tropical environment is constant, often about 73% throughout the year in my location, although it is far lower than in Florida. There is nothing I can do about that; thus, introducing humidity into the dust and rust-free bag will somewhat counteract the desiccant bags inside and the Zerust® anti-rust chemical integrated into the material. (For your information, this fan operates at around 53 CFM on high.) After 44 years of using rust prevention techniques including extensive waxing, periodic pouring of protective substances, and avoiding water cleaning in favor of quick wipe-downs with rapid waxes, while also refraining from driving in the rain, she remains intact!

[infamousmelons]

I have visited Maui, Waikiki, and other locations in Florida. I would refer to Hawaii as Paradise. I have never experienced humidity in HI, nor have I seen any rusting vehicles like I have in Detroit, amusingly. I will see you as the authority in managing your surroundings. My concept would ostensibly undermine the desiccant bag method by continuous air exchange. Indeed, nature has a propensity for disorder, persistently endeavoring to dismantle human constructs.