Gasoline smell

[Black94Jay]

After driving my J30t and parking it in my garage with the door closed, the smell of gasoline is present in the garage. I have checked the engine compartment, run my fingers over fuel line connections, etc. and find no evidence of any gasoline leaking. I had the fuel filter changed about two weeks ago, but all the connections are secure with no gasoline residue. I am stumped on this. Any ideas out there as to what to check.:help

[I30T]

got any angry neighbors?

[Black94Jay]

Angry neighbors?? No, I'm okay on that account. Regardless, that was good. This has got me stumped. Will continue looking, but if any one out there has any suggestions, please let me know.

[PalmerWMD]

Come one J30 guys, you can do better.

Fred...

[Black94Jay]

Thanks PalmerWMD for the support. I am confident that someone will post something that I have neglected to check. Could a backed up catalytic converter do something like this?? Just thinking out-loud hoping to get a suggestion.

[GeeThreeFive]

Even my coupe smells like gas when it is idiling in the garage.

[HeavyDuty]

Does your gas cap make a "whooooosh" noise when you open it? Well, not the cap itself, but is there built up pressure in the tank when you loosen the cap?

[Q451990]

Depending on how much care they took to bleed off the gasoline pressure before pulling your filter, it could just be residue from when they changed the filter. Even after pulling the fuse first, I still had a good cup or so spill back out of the rails, etc... I could smell it for a few days afterwards. If it's still a problem in a week or so, then I'd be more concerned.

Heath

[Black94Jay]

There seems to be a great amount of pressure when releasing the gas cap. I have to unscrew the cap slowly when refilling the gas tank to release the air. There is a strong "whooshing" sound. Seems to build up quickly. Could my gas cap need replacement, or is it unusual to have such pressure. Regarding the spilled gas on the rail, I drove in a rather hard rain last evening. Perhaps that will wash off any residue, if that is the culprit. Will keep you guys posted and appreciate the continued input.

[HeavyDuty]

If it's pressurized, that's good, I'd give it a week & see if it dissipates on it's own.

[VA99Q45]

If you did not replace the two fuel hoses that connect the fuel filter, then try to replace it now. While you at it, replace the four fuel hose clamps also. See if that would help.

[Black94Jay]

Problem seems to have disappeared. Appreciate all the input. If it occurs again, am going to have it put up on a rack and inspect the fuel line from tank to injectors.

[cwb11698]

Hey guys, im having a similar problem in my car. In the morning when my car is cold, ill start it and run the heater and by the time i get in my car the gas smell is so strong that I must open the sunroof and crack a window. I check the ground, no obvious gas leak and I looked around under the hood and did not see any gas. I dont even really know where to look. Where is fuel filter at so I can change it and look over all the hoses and thier connectorsThanks Chris

[Black94Jay]

Fuel filter is located on passenger side of engine compartment. It is visible from the front of the vehicle. It is round with a single fuel line exiting at the top running to the top of the engine. Should have some protective hose around it with holes in it. Replacement filter should cost you right around $15.00. Don't think the filter would be causing the gasoline smell however, unless there is a small hole in one of the hoses, in that case, just replace the damaged hose. Good luck on solving your problem.

[cwb11698]

Ok thanks for the help. Well now I can also trace the fuel lines and check for maybe bad connection of leaky hose. If its not any fo those things its probly my injectors which would be preety expensive to fix I bet. Thanks again for your help.Chris

[J-Owner]

Mine has had that smell for four or five years now and nothing has ever happened. especially in a garage obviously you can smell it more.

Perhaps it is burning off excess fuel or something. Honestly I have no idea but it is something I have never worried about. The dealer tells me it is fine and if something does happen it will be the dealer whose A$$ I chew.

Good luck though

[msudawgs98]

maybe the smell is due to a faulty catalytic converter. cars that don't have catalytic converters usually emit a gasoline smell due to unburned gas. does the check engine light come on? if it does then it is likely to be an emissions problem (catalytic converter, O2 sensor, egr valve, etc.)

[Jeff Williams]

My good friend, with a 300ZX TT, found out his driver's side plenum was filling up with about 3/4" of gas, every time he shut of the engine. It was some kind of fuel damper sticking open. (Don't you love my techincal knowledge - it's been a month since he told me, and I don't remember the correct terms).

The car was hard to start, and got terrible fuel economy. IT had to dispense with all the fuel, before it could fire. The passenger side plugs were all fouled. He found it, while replacing the plugs. He pulled off his intake hoses, and shining a light in the TB's.

You might want to check this.

[tiggermarty]

I had this on my J awhile back - a friend/mechanic changed out two 4 inch sections of hoses on top of the engine block and replaced the hose clamps - no more smell here Hope this helps...

[cwb11698]

Hey guys thanks for all the help. Those sound like some good suggesions to try. I think im going to take it to the shop soon if I cant find it. Now for some really heart breaking news for all the J lovers such as myself, in the year I have had the car its been nothing but trouble to me and im only 17 years old. I love the car but I just cannot afford to drive it anymore. So if anyone is looking for a 94' J30T thats got brand new brakes(Brembo slotted rotors with akebono pads), new stock suspension, timing belt, water pump, and alot more by the time im done fixing it all up give me a shout and we can talk. Im really sorry that I have to part with my T but its the best thing. Thanks for all the help, hopfully I will be able to find the problem.Thanks againChris