New Owner: Strong fuel smell in cabin

[smcguiga]

I've only owned my car for a few weeks and the first week or so of driving was fine. Lately I've noticed a VERY STRONG fuel smell in the cabin while driving. I've replaced the gas cap but that didn't seem to resolve the problem. I've removed the covers inside the trunk to inspect lines, etc and there is a noticeable fuel smell there. From what I can see there are no leaks and everything looks normal. Any ideas on what to check out next? I did notice the fuel lines come off of the pump from the opposite side of where the metal lines go back to the engine and the rubber hoses are a bit kinked in this configuration. The engine seems to be running rich as the exhaust has a strong smell as well, but my main problem is that the car is basically not drivable without being asphyxiated. I've never had pressure on the cap when opening it to refuel.

[opethmike]

Is the charcoal canister hooked up properly?

[Bitsyncmaster]

The most common fuel smell problem is caused by the fuel pump boot not being seated and clamped tight. So you need to remove the rubber cover and check that the boot is seated and then re-clamp tightly.

Sometimes the fuel level sender may have the same problem.

It also helps that you not top off the tank. I usually only top off the tank when I'm driving long distances.

[smcguiga]

I don't have anything to compare it to, but take a look at the attached image. The pipe on the far left in the picture has a rotten piece of hose stuck to it.

IMG_0416.jpg

--Steven

[Michael]

If there are no obvious signs, do the easiest first: replace the fuel cap.

[smcguiga]

Michael, I already replaced the cap. Still smell gas all around that area. When A/C is on MAX is REALLY Bad inside, when on Norm is not quite as bad. Also, yesterday I ordered a couple of transmission filters from you on ebay.

[refugeefromcalif]

Steven, which fuel pump and sender does your car have?
Mine has the New combo unit but, I had to replace the fuel hose after 2 years. The *New* ones that came with the unit started leaking.
How i noticed was the same as you, The gas smell in the cabin was Overpowering.
George

[smcguiga]

Its the new combo unit. DMCFL replaced it a few years ago. I think I found my problem though. I was pressing on the tank to make sure everything was fastened well and I heard hissing noises coming from under the filler pipe. As I pushed and pulled, it was breathing...LOL. Behold, a crack in the small hose that goes from the filler pipe to this plastic valve (whatever it is supposed to do).

IMG_0417.jpg

[refugeefromcalif]

Glad you found the culprit!
When you replace it, make certain you use High pressure fuel line.
I posted a video and pics, (somewhere here), when I had my issue. I got my hose from O'Reillys on Skyland and Greensburro.
(Of course, I'm on the southeast side of T-town from you)...

George

[opethmike]

Holy crap!

That's the rollover valve; this link explains it better than I can:

http://www.onallcylinders.com/2015/0...er-vent-valve/