Hi, my problem is just what the title says. There is no leaks or any loose lines, but When im driving, or even when it sits for a little while you can smell gas, sometimes it a faint smell, and others its reaks pretty badly. I for one dont mind the smell of gas, but you can def smell if a few feet away.

Anyone have any suggest to what might be the problem?

 

Nick, I have a 1993 Maxima SE and i too have the gas smell. It is strange though as it only happens when it is very cold weather. Never happens in the summer months. Haven't been able to figure it out either. Will check back for more posts to see if anyone knows why this is happening.

 

Its been very weird up here with the weather. few days its cold, then very humid, then cold again. So maybe with the weather changing so much, that might effect it?

 

i had that as well. it eventually went away on it's own. BUT -it was before i knew that you shouldn't use fuel injector cleaner on the max and sometimes put in some with the gas. i stopped doing that and it stopped happening, though i'm not sure as a result of me doing so.

-M

 

If you are smelling gas, chances are good you have a leak SOMEWHERE. Common places are at the filler neck and around the tank area. You probably have a cracked line and the heat/cold is causing it to expand and contract- that's why you only smell it at certain times. Double check the injectors, too. They are prone to leaking.

 

the 3g max is also known for the fuel filler tube to rust...nissan recalled it many years ago...that could be it...one of the signs was a gas smell...my max also has this problem...i have yet to check it though...but i know the trunk is rusted very badly

 

another common fuel leak area on the 3rd gen VG's is the fuel rail hoses. with age the hoses form small cracks and gas will leak out when they're cold. once the engine warms up, the rubber hose expands and the leak is sealed. it's also common to see the hose clamps which hold the rubber hose to the fuel rail back off. this will also cause a leak.
normally for the leak i'm talking about, you won't notice it until winter. because when first start up the car and turn on the heat, you'll smell the gas coming through your vents. that's the fuel rails leaking.

 

I had the same problem with my max. It was one of the fuel rail hoses. I found the prob. by starting the car and started wiggling the the fuel rail hoses around.

 

I had the same stmptoms and it was the fuel rail:

I had the two hoses replaced.

 

I have the same problem. it probably is the fuel line under the car. I looked one day after seeing my car parked and leaking after getting a fill uyp. it looks like the line that goes to the tank is leaking but i dont see a torn or ripped part of the plastic. I smell the gas or fumes smell especially when im driving at fast speeds. It also doesnt leak if tank is halfay or i fill it up halfway only when i fill it up iy will leak.I want to try to fix it but i dont kknow if its just the chore of replacing it? If anyone knows of a tutorial or lives in my area it will be great if you can help me out being that the shops are talking 200- 300 dollars just to replace it. It looks pretty simple but dont want to take any chances. thanks.

 

Hello all, I own a 1991 Nissan Maxima SE and just a few days ago noticed that I am having the very same problem.

I live in Connecticut and it is just about winter here, so lately the weather has been dippin below freezing at night, and barely above 30-40 during the day. Anyway, I noticed for the past few mornings in a row, that when I turn my front windshield defroster on I smell gasoline coming through the vent, rather strongly. (This is when the car is first started and is still VERY cold, mind you).

After the car is warmed up and I begin to drive, the smell dwindles away and then is no longer existent. I don't really notice the smell through my other vents (like the face and foot heater) just mainly through the defroster when the car is still very cold.

Even though I did not start this post, I want to thank everyone for the feedback because I now at least have an idea of what could be the cause of this problem i am having. (I am a 19 yr. old female who doesn't have a clue when it comes to cars)..Thanks everyone, for doing what you do on here!!

 

I live in Brooklyn in the Flatbush section. Shoot me a PM.

 

Does anyone know the size of the fuel hoses on the fuel rail. I think I am going to replace it. It is leaking and I cant reach the screw to tighten it. It is under the manifold so it looks like I am going to have to remove the maniflod so I might as well replace the hose.

I need to go get the hose and I want to make sure I get the right size the first time.

This is for a vg. Dont if it makes a difference.

 

http://forums.maxima.org/oldthread.php?t=349895

Probably will see a "gas smell" once a week until March or so.

 

Well, I just replaced the hoses that connect the fuel rails. The hose on the drivers side was leaking so I had to remove the intake manifold to get to it.

The hose that you need is 5/16 ID. Make sure you use fuel injection hose ONLY.

Here are some PICS I took when I did it. It wasnt so hard to do. It took about 1 1/2 hours. Not bad for the first time. But it is a lot of work to replace a 2" hose. You can use the pics for reference to see what you need to do if you want to do the job yourself.

 

It seems like everyone is having this problem. It got cold and now I smell gas! I know this is a stupid question, but where exactly are the fuel rails in the engine bay? Also, how much are replacement parts?

 

Great pictures! really helps to see where the problem is. Are there any other problems I need to watch out for when unhooking all those hoses etc. Thanks for all your help.

 

starting a fire.
spraying gas in your face.
smelling like gas for a day or so.
screwdriver slipping and you ramming your knuckle on the car.

 

Pull the fuel pump fuse and crank the car over a few times until after it stalls to release the fuel pressure. Then use a rag to catch the fuel that will come out when you disconnect the hose. Also make sure not to drop anything into the intake runners. Also make sure to get a hose that is for fuel injector lines. Not just the hoses that say fuel/emissions. Oh ya and disconnect your battery.

 

After removing upper manifold to replace leaking fuel hoses , do I need to cement the new gaskets in place? Dumb question but I have never done this before. Thanks to all you experienced maxima repairmen.

 

no the OEM gasket should be sufficient in sealing.

 

Could this kind of thing happen if the temperature is 60 degrees during the day?

 

the car is naturally aspirated therefore as small leak would not create a huge problem. Check to make sure all the vacuum lines are connected afterwards. The lines on the right rear can easily come apart when moving things around in the engine bay.

 

Um yes is would. na or fi, any time you have a highly combustible gas (especially vapor) in/near a running engine, it is a hazard.

 

aziphrale,

There is an overflow line by the tank that cracks and leaks. Only a problem when you fill all the way. Nissan wanted like $30.00 for the line, I paid $1.00 for some fuel grade hose at an auto parts store (Autoquest). EASY DIY fix. Do a search, I found the answer here from another member with a good diagram.

 

there is a sticky on the main page by DanNY about the gas smell.

 

If you smell gas, it means gas is escaping from one or more of its areas of containment. It may be leaking from one of the engine gaskets if it is not being burned. If it is a weak gasket, the pressure generated by the engine will force it through that point. You may want to check all of your plugs to see if any have gas on them which would be the clue its not being burned. Then you have to just figure out where the gas is coming out.