Smell of petrol

[grimbo]

As the subject suggests - I have a smell of petrol in the cab. It's generally only when I have the sunroof or windows open - especially if I push on.

I pulled the backseat up and removed both panels. Both were completely dry and there wasn't a smell of petrol at all from these spots.

I have had a look under the bonnet and haven't noticed any loose/perished hoses. Again I haven't noticed any neat petrol or a strong smell of petrol there either.

Is there anything else I should check?

[tezk]

Have you checked around the fuel filter? They are around the back on later models and under the bonnet on earlier models.

The fact it smells more when moving suggests something up front. Are you sure the hoses are all ok? Try bending them - if any cracks appear then they need replacing.

As an after though, do you have the standard fuel pressure regulator fitted?

[E30Mark]

What engine?

M40 / M42 engines suffer from the small lengths of rubber hose under the inlet manifold perishing...

[buster]

m20s have been known to leak at the fuel pressure regulator or the rubber fuel lines themselves.
Also ,on all models,the fuel filler pipe corrodes and leaks there.It can be seen from the osr arch.

[grimbo]

I had a good look over the weekend and I think it's my exhaust. It's an original 2 part system and the back section is worse for wear. I think that the fumes build up under the car and then make their way into the car through the windows etc when I come to a stop at lights or whatever.

What are my options in replacing the back section? (with prices if possible)

Thanks for the input guys!

[tezk]

Your exhaust wouldn't smell of fuel unless its running rich? Has it been using more fuel lately?

You still haven't mentioned the engine.. GSF quote £42 (+ tax + p&p) for a 320 2 part back box..

[grimbo]

Sorry!

It's a m20 (I think) 325.

Are the GSF exhausts decent quality?

I think it is running rich, I've only had it a few weeks so I have no baseline to jusge it against but shes to go through petrol pretty quick! The fumes smell pretty rich, I wasn't sure whether it was raw fuel or rich exhaust but after a full investigation at the weekend I'm pretty sure it's the exhaust.

I've discovered another problem but I'll make a new post about that.

[Ziggy]

There's a fuel pipe from the fuel filter to the injector rail, under the inlet manifold. Chances are it's just getting old...

[grimbo]

I was under the car and checked all the lines. There was no sign of petrol or a smell of it so I don' think it's that.

[Ziggy]

The line I'm referring to is not under the car, & probably won't smell when there's no fuel pressure in it...

[grimbo]

Is the fuel filter not under the rear passenger side of the car?

[Ziggy]

Is the fuel filter not under the rear passenger side of the car?

Quite possibly on your car, but not on mine! The fuel hose will still go from somewhere near the N/S inner wing (where the fuel filter is on some cars), up under the inlet mani to the injector rail though - that's the one that often cracks as it gets old

[e30kev]

there is also a strong smell of petrol coming from my car too but i only notice it when i stop with the window down, dont know if i have a leak yet. my mpg is about 120-140 miles for half a tank of petrol.