Where'd the gas go?

by "Chairman Kaga" (mike-mckinnon)
Published 06/02/2017 at 17:31

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As some may know, I’ve been battling a non-running Alfa Romeo GTV6 for several months. After doing everything suggested by the AlfaBB crew, I decided to start over - AGAIN - with the basics. After checking compression, visually verifying spark, bypassing various failure-prone components, etc. I decided to drain the gas tank and refill with fresh gas.

I drained about 2.5 gallons.

Maybe three weeks prior I’d put in almost 5 gallons.

The car has only been cranked, with occasional starting, but not driven. I can go at least 60 miles on 2.5 gallons of gas.

So - where did it go? There are no leaks. I don’t think it’s possible for that much fuel to be pumped through the injectors, even if all six were somehow stuck open (which WOULD explain the start stall, if the cylinders were flooding after a few seconds).

I even dropped the banjo bolt from the tank and emptied the hoses. No gas hiding anywhere.

This is sorta weird, y’all. But I think it means something with regard to the car’s condition.

Replies (6)

"aberson Bresident of the FullyAssed Committe" (emaxxbl)
06/02/2017 at 17:38, STARS: 1

it could be evaporating through the vapor system if you have any cracked hoses

"Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo" (akioohtori)
06/02/2017 at 17:40, STARS: 0

Hmmm running WAY rich could do that. But if the tank was dry I could see the fuel system having drank a couple gallons too. Fuel lines, accumulators, rails, etc probably hold a lot of fuel.

As for unsolicited advice: If you think you’re running lean, try starting fluid. If you think you’re running rich, try unplugging the fuel pump and using starting fluid. Also, have you checked the MAF? Should be doable with a multimeter.

"RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht" (ramblininexile)
06/02/2017 at 17:43, STARS: 1

I routinely lose gas in my parked Rover, but then, it’s likely got a leaky tank drain plug and has no sealing on the gas cap to speak of...

"Chairman Kaga" (mike-mckinnon)
06/02/2017 at 17:46, STARS: 0

I thought so too, so I pulled the return line and hotwired the fuel pump until it ran dry.

"gmporschenut also a fan of hondas" (gmporschenut)
06/02/2017 at 21:12, STARS: 0

replaced mine and noe seals with a nice firm twist.

"SantaRita" (SantaRita)
06/29/2017 at 12:29, STARS: 0

i had a shit problem like this, super rich running car, used 4 gallons to idle a half hour....pulled the engine and even rebuilt the bastard and it ended up being my Mass Air flow was stuck at 30% open.