Strong Fuel Smell After Driving

[robhauser]

I have a recently new problem with my 1990 Coupe that I am having a heck of a time tracking down. After driving the car, and parking it back in the garage, I have a very strong fuel vapor smell. It seems to be strongest to the rear of the car, outside.

The strange thing is that I do not smell fuel when driving and there does not seem to be any evidence of a leak under the car. Also, when I was investigating, I opened the filler cap and there was a release of pressure.

I'm bafffled as to where to look. Thanks, in advance, for any suggestions you can offer.

Rob
90 Coupe
Richmohnd, VA

 

[bill5674]

had the same trouble on my 90.look carefully at the fuel lines that come up the front of the motor.i had a slight drip where the lines go into the fuel rail.

 

[warp8]

Sounds like the vapor recovery vacuum line that goes to the charcoal canister next to the left headlight.

 

[robhauser]

Well, I am still struggling with this....

The fuel vapor smell is really only evident near the rear license plate area when the car is idling and no where near the vapor canister at the front of the car. I have pulled everything back there and all the lines look fine with the exception of a bit of rust on the metal tubes of the sending unit. The hoses look like they are in good shape, all the clamps are tight, the overflow drain hose is clear and the tank looks to be factory fresh.

I have decided to replace the obvious, cheaper items first and see if that clears up my problem. Specifically, I'll picking up a new gas cap, sender unit gasket, fuel filter and any hoses I can get my hands on tomorrow.

Wish me luck... I'll see if this clears up the problem.

 

[robhauser]

Another Tidbit of Info...

I think this is unrelated, but I'll throw it out there...

After searching the forum thoroughly, there does seem to be correlation between a fuel vapor smell and a hard start condition. My car starts within one or two cranks after it has sat in the garage overnight, but, for example, when I drive to work and the car sits for about 8 hours, it takes quite a while for it to fire up (embarrassing L). Could it be related to the problem?

It still throws me that I smell gas vapors near the tank. Hmmmmm.

 

[tonylong]

What kind of mileage are you getting?
If the leak is significant while you're driving you won't smell it then, but it'd still show up in low mileage. Check other posts here re likely mileage to expect.

 

[robhauser]

Actually, my mileage is pretty good... It is showing 19.1 right now. But with a few 30 mile highway round trips to work, it is usually around 21.

 

[vader86]

Hard starting when warm indicates bad fuel injectors, you'll have to replace them all. If theyve failed then you'd be rich on startup and it wouldnt all burn, so you might get a good vapor odor.

The check is to hook up a pressure gauge at the rail, shut the car off, and watch what happens. It should hold pressure for awhile.

 

[UB2 SLOW]

Have you checked your EVAP Cannistor to see if there is fuel in it?

 

[robhauser]

Thanks for your reply...

Is the EVAP canister the same as the fuel vapor canister?

I have checked all the lines from the canister to the tank and they are free and clear. So I am now assuming that my problem lies with either the canister, the purge valve or the solenoid. I can get all three for around $100 so I may just replace them all.

- Rob

 

[bill5674]

before you start throwing money away,did you check the fuel lines in front of the motor?there are two lines coming up that have o-rings on them.also fuel line going to the rails it is one piece and that was leaking on mine. start car and look real close. I had a very small drip with a very big smell.

 

[vee93]

One simple thing you might check---
How full are you filling up your gas tank? Are you leaving it when the gas pump auto shuts down? Or do you squeeze another gallon or two in the tank? Overfilling the tank can cause a strong smell.

 

[jiangtao]

I have had the same problem for 3 years!! I replaced the vac line to the vacuum cannister and the hard start was gone for about 3 weeks and then came back! The injectors hold pressure, but I have seen raw gas come from my purge valve going to the vapor cannister before. What would cause that?? I also have a heavy fuel smell coming from the rear of the car and also on decelleration. Any ideas???