Fuel smell?

dac69er

Super Moderator
Just recently with the hotter weather, I have noticed my car smells a bit of fuel around the rear.

I have checked all the pipes, fuel pump cover and the tank as best I can without removing it and all is dry as a bone.
I have had a sniff around to see if I can locate the source of the fumes, but it has been inconclusive.

The tank seems sealed as when I remove the fuel cap I get a hiss as the pressure is escaping.
I have swapped the cap anyway to try and eliminate it and that made no difference.

It does seem to smell a little around where the fuel cap is though!?

I have no idea, anyone had a similar issue before???
I may drop the tank in the winter and give it a birthday anyway, but would like to sort this issue before It potentially gets worse!
 

Jay

Admin
Inspect the fuel filler pipes immediately after putting fuel in. Petrol evaporates so the signs of a leak can disappear.

Had to tackle the same job on our rx300 last month.
 

dac69er

Super Moderator
I only had it off last year to clean up and paint. They weren't that bad tbh.

I will give it a go though. Just need to find a petrol station with a forecourt that isn't covered in diesel spills so I get look underneath.
 

SKINY

Lifer
A naked flame will locate it :)

Tank on my GT was weeping at the seams and the filler neck was rotten, check all the rubber pipes too as they will perish over time, rusty clips not sealing them right etc
 

dac69er

Super Moderator
My tank isn't that bad yet from what I can see!!!!

I replaced the rubber hoses a couple of years back too, including the breather on me that joins on to the fuel filter. Also fitted new clips where I could. The only thing I haven't done it actually remove the tank.

I will keep an eye on it. If running the pump doesn't make it leak and it's holding pressure, it must be a pretty small leak. I may have to just wait until it gets worse!!!!!
 

RoyalDutchie

Member +
Mmmm I seem to have the same problem with mine, only noticed it when it was in storage under a cover. When removing it you can smell the fuel coming from the filler cap area mostly. Can't smell anything underneath the car. Without the cover on it, it isn't really noticeable.
 

dac69er

Super Moderator
0 smell from that car today and it was pretty hot (for the UK).

My fiat always smells of fuel, but I vent the tank to atmosphere ;)
 

dac69er

Super Moderator
Inspect the fuel filler pipes immediately after putting fuel in. Petrol evaporates so the signs of a leak can disappear.

Had to tackle the same job on our rx300 last month.

Just filled up and could manage to look underneath at the same time as filling and could see nothing.

I then went for a fast drive around lots of roundabouts to really slosh the fuel around and again, nothing apart from a slight smell still???

I am at a bit of a loss as to what it could be?
 

Jay

Admin
Check these pipes to the front topside of the tank as well. They are renown for rust. It's hard to see them with the tank in though.

20200502_154412.jpg

Failing that you might need it up on a ramp for a proper look?
 

dac69er

Super Moderator
Check these pipes to the front topside of the tank as well. They are renown for rust. It's hard to see them with the tank in though.

View attachment 8519

Failing that you might need it up on a ramp for a proper look?

I've jacked the car up and had a look at these hoses/pipes. I've also had a look from the top inspection hatch under the rear seats.

Not easy to see the whole way along though. They don't look too bad from what I can see. I doubt it is the feed or return pipes as these would leak all the time when the fuel pump runs. It could be the breather pipe that goes to the carbon canister. I can pressure test that and see if it holds.

I will just work through these potentials and hope it lasts the rest of the summer so I can whip the tank out and give it a birthday.
 
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dac69er

Super Moderator
Think I have found the leak. The braided breather hose that goes from the top of the tank to the fuel filler is all cracked and perished. If I rub my hand on the outside of it, I can smell fuel. It's not actually damp with it though.

Have ordered a replacement, so hopefully that will cure that problem
 

dac69er

Super Moderator
Nice 1 :)
Fecking expensive smell these days :( just filled the Caldina 95 notes fs
I know the feeling. My RX8 took £90 the other day and it does 16mpg so won't last long :(

The fumes I am loosing on the starlet is probably a few ££per day!!!
 
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