Obespalov

Hi, since the cold weather started, I'm getting some smell of gasoline coming through the vents (I think). I have a 96 I30 w/ 183,000 miles on it. A google search says it could be a bunch of stuff. Does anyone know what is the most probable cause of the smell so I can start there first. If on the fuel line, where should I look and what should I look for?

Thanks

99se5speed

iTrader: (8)

It could be your Catalytic Converter.

Obespalov

I meant 'gas' as in gasoline, not as in farts or rotten eggs

2da mizzax

iTrader: (4)

glad you said it and not me. anyhow, check for moisture around fuel lines and connectors under the hood. if you can jack up the car, look at fuel lines for rust. there is no reason for the smell to be coming from the vents unless there is a leak under the hood. if it is under the car, you will still smell it in the car and perhaps the heat will make it seem stronger. another thing to check is the seal for your fuel pump cover under your rear bench.

Obespalov

cold weather + looking for some obscure leak= bad times.

mad greek

iTrader: (1)

The fuel supply and return lines to the injectors on the engine or the most likely cause.Sometimes the clamps can be tighten but thats a temp. fix only. The hoses and clamps should be replaced w/FACTORY hose and band clamps,not aftermarket,for proper fit.Use caution when removing lines,cool engine, relive fuel pressure,no smoking.Id suggest not holding off to long,under hood fires are a ***** to repair.

Obespalov

Easy repair? Or should I just pay shop to take care of it? If so, how much does it cost?

Digitized

iTrader: (9)

does the smell go away or it stays in the car even when driving?
if it's only on startup, could perhaps also be leaky injector or 1 plug not firing?

Obespalov

Well, I smelled today the car under the hood and it seems the smell is coming from there. Does that narrow down where the source is?

Digitized

iTrader: (9)

Check your spark plugs
Check your fuel pressure

like others said also, check your fuel line connnectors..

Obespalov

Is there a diagram available of where all the fuel lines are. I'm looking at the engine and I can't figure out what line goes where with what. I also have the Haynes manual for reference if anyone has a page number to look at.

clive

Gah. . . nobody mentioned the obvious.
If the smell only occurs once in a while, and usually when you switch off, it is probably the . . . ermm. . . can't recall the technical name, the EGR valve is it? Anyway the purge valve that's connected to a charcoal can that regulates gas tank purging. It's a fairly common problem on 10 yr old cars.

2da mizzax

iTrader: (4)

if it is the EGR valve, or bad plugs etc or anything that is internal and he smells it then he has more than one big problem as it is a closed system and should not be smelling. more likely than not it is one of the hoses that is a part of the fuel feed.