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Model specific boards => Golf mk2 => Topic started by: jamrock on 16 October 2010, 23:08

Title: smell of petrol in the car
Post by: jamrock on 16 October 2010, 23:08: :huh: im getting petrol smell in the car. i dont think the car is running rich. could it be anything to do witht the fuel tank or pump? i have not changed the fuel filter which is on my to do list, would it help??

thanks
Title: Re: smell of petrol in the car
Post by: Diamond Hell on 16 October 2010, 23:55: Be more careful with the nozzle.
Title: Re: smell of petrol in the car
Post by: mwep201081 on 16 October 2010, 23:58: Quote from: jamrock on 16 October 2010, 23:08
:huh: im getting petrol smell in the car. i dont think the car is running rich. could it be anything to do witht the fuel tank or pump? i have not changed the fuel filter which is on my to do list, would it help??

thanks

I'd put it right at the top of your TO DO list!!!

What car you got?
Title: Re: smell of petrol in the car
Post by: DarnPB on 17 October 2010, 10:37: Don't smoke! :shocked: :laugh: :laugh:

I would look at the tank breather first. Those hoses get very tired after a while.
Title: Re: smell of petrol in the car
Post by: EwarWooar on 17 October 2010, 11:52: Hi,

Check the lines under the bonnet especially if they touch anything, if its an old car they can chafe through. Worth doing it with the engine running help you spot any leaks.. Mine had chafed through under the air filter, took a while to spot....

Laters...
Title: Re: smell of petrol in the car
Post by: Ben Lessani on 17 October 2010, 11:53: Is it exhaust fumes or raw petrol? They've got a different smell, but fumes are more likely to be the case. If its petrol, then its got to be a leak, if you can smell it - it will probably be pretty visible.
Title: Re: smell of petrol in the car
Post by: jamrock on 17 October 2010, 12:08: the car is a 16v

Quote from: Ben Lessani on 17 October 2010, 11:53
Is it exhaust fumes or raw petrol? They've got a different smell, but fumes are more likely to be the case. If its petrol, then its got to be a leak, if you can smell it - it will probably be pretty visible.

i would say its exhaust fumes. tank breather sounds like a good place to start. under the bonnet the lines all seem fine. there does not seem to be any leaks or any raw petrol itself in the car. could it be a problem with the exhaust?? possible crack in the manifold or somewhere along the exhaust??
Title: Re: smell of petrol in the car
Post by: Ben Lessani on 17 October 2010, 12:14: If its fumes, then it could be anything.

If its burning a little oil, the smell is usually so strong that even if there isn't a leak in the exhaust, it can still be smelled in the cabin. Mine used to burn oil, and even though the exhaust was solid, the car would stink when I put the heater on. After I sorted the stem seals = no more smell.

Smell what's coming out of your exhaust pipe and compare the smells.

Easiest way to spot an exhaust leak is to start the car on a cold day, then have an assistant cover up the tailpipe - if its leaking out, you'll not only feel little back-pressure, but you'll see it leaking out the exhaust. You can use the tissue paper trick around the exhaust manifold to check that.

Mine is now weeping a TINY amount of fuel from the fuel pump 'O' ring - but enough to spot a small mark when I go to move the car - but I can only smell that when I'm outside of the car.
Title: Re: smell of petrol in the car
Post by: Wayne on 17 October 2010, 21:36: Check your fuel lines and see if any are weeping.
Title: Re: smell of petrol in the car
Post by: Mew on 17 October 2010, 21:41: Is the car an original 16v or has it been converted?
Title: Re: smell of petrol in the car
Post by: Mr Blue on 17 October 2010, 21:56: I would put my money on fuel lines as you smell fuel. Common problem. Just replace them if leaking.

Very scarey when they let go
Title: Re: smell of petrol in the car
Post by: clipperjay on 17 October 2010, 22:36: I would check the injectors also just incase the rubbers get perished over time?