Strong Petrol smell

[Skywalker80]

Hi Guys

For a while now I've noticed a strong petrol smell coming from the car (89 8v GTI). For most of the time I keep the car in the garage, when I open the door the smell hits you straight away, and seems to be coming from the rear of the car. I haven't noticed a real change in MPG or running or starting, just this strong smell of fuel.

Has anyone ever had this issue and can recommend some places to start looking? So far I've looked at the fuel line pipes under the bonnet and they seem fine, so must be round the rear of the car somewhere.
Any suggestions would be great.

[sparkplug]

have a look under the car around the in line fuel filter & pump

[ians]

As above, the pipe can perish and start leaking.  Mine got weak and blew up like a balloon 🎈😃 now I check it regular

[Waspy]

Yep. Check the the fuel line where it joins/leaves the fuel rail. Mine perished causing a big old fire while I was driving one day.

I sure as hell wouldn't drive it while the smell is still around/you find the cause

[Skywalker80]

Cheers everyone, have had a hectic few days so haven't had a good chance to have a look at it. I did stick my head under the wheel arch and could see that the hose that comes from the rear of the filler neck looks a little wet at the top. So maybe its starting to perish and the petrol smell is venting from that?