Engine and Gaas Smell

[aplusboy]

I own a 1988 240DL Station Wagon. Latley I have been smelling what
seems to be an exaust or gasoline smell inside the car. A friend of
mine suggessted it might be a leaky gas line or something to do with
venting in the car. I'd like to get some ideas before I take it to a
mechanic. Thanks in advance.

 

[tlr1000]

I own a 1988 240DL Station Wagon. Latley I have been smelling what
seems to be an exaust or gasoline smell inside the car. A friend of
mine suggessted it might be a leaky gas line or something to do with
venting in the car. I'd like to get some ideas before I take it to a
mechanic. Thanks in advance.

I had the same issue with my sedan so I'm not sure if the wagon is
the same. My problem was a small vent tube in the trunk had come loose
and small amounts of gas was getting in the trunk. After securing I
havent had any issues. You might also check your fuel filter.

Haynes recommends checking the connection between the filler neck and
the tank as well as fuel feed and return lines.

 

[James Sweet]

I had the same issue with my sedan so I'm not sure if the wagon is
the same. My problem was a small vent tube in the trunk had come loose
and small amounts of gas was getting in the trunk. After securing I
havent had any issues. You might also check your fuel filter.

Haynes recommends checking the connection between the filler neck and
the tank as well as fuel feed and return lines.

The wagon is just the same, the filler is behind the side panel in the
cargo area right where it is in the sedan. The sheetmetal is virtually
identical in that area.

 

[clay]

I had the same issue with my sedan so I'm not sure if the wagon is
the same. My problem was a small vent tube in the trunk had come loose
and small amounts of gas was getting in the trunk. After securing I
havent had any issues. You might also check your fuel filter.

Haynes recommends checking the connection between the filler neck and
the tank as well as fuel feed and return lines.

I had trouble at the opposite end on my '83. The fuel rail cracked and
was spraying fuel all around under the hood. Got everything nice and clean.
Epoxy fixed it for a day or two. When it started spraying again, figured
it was time to replace it (or start carrying a bag of marshmallows and a
couple coat hangers.)

 

[Gary Heston]

I own a 1988 240DL Station Wagon. Latley I have been smelling what
seems to be an exaust or gasoline smell inside the car. A friend of
mine suggessted it might be a leaky gas line or something to do with
venting in the car. I'd like to get some ideas before I take it to a
mechanic. Thanks in advance.

Check the gasket around the hatch for damage; it could be allowing
exhaust fumes into the interior. Also verify it's latching correctly;
if it's loose, that could allow fumes to get in.


Gary

 

[Dale Prince]

Another potential cause of gas smell inside the car can come from the soft
metal fuel filler opening becoming oblong from the weight of fuel nozzles.
The cap doesn't seal it properly and the fumes will enter the trunk area and
then the car. Careful reforming with channel locks can help resolve this.