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Fuel smell inside car

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Old Jan 8, 2004 | 06:12 AM
  #1  
Josh S's Avatar
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Fuel smell inside car

I just got a '93 SE 5-speed and have noticed that there seems to be a fuel odor inside the car coming from the vents/heat. The car has 94k miles on it.
Any ideas of what to look for? maybe Injector o-rings, evap system?

Thanks!
Old Jan 8, 2004 | 06:30 AM
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my carr does this sometimes too. i think i might have a leak in my exhaust line though and i smell more when i accelerate harder.
Old Jan 8, 2004 | 07:02 AM
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it's the hoses connecting the fuel rails. they're cracked. so when you turn on the car the gas leaks out but once the car warms up the hoses expand and it seals the leak. to check this, turn on your car after it's been sitting for a few hours or more. once you turn it on, pop the hood and take a look at the fuel rail hoses. you'll see the gas leaking out. that's what needs to be replaced.
Old Jan 8, 2004 | 07:14 AM
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Originally Posted by -shock211-
it's the hoses connecting the fuel rails. they're cracked. so when you turn on the car the gas leaks out but once the car warms up the hoses expand and it seals the leak. to check this, turn on your car after it's been sitting for a few hours or more. once you turn it on, pop the hood and take a look at the fuel rail hoses. you'll see the gas leaking out. that's what needs to be replaced.
Great thanks, sounds exactally like the issue as I think it is worse right on start up. Any idea how difficult they are to replace or the cost?

Thanks
Old Jan 8, 2004 | 09:24 AM
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Originally Posted by Josh S
Great thanks, sounds exactally like the issue as I think it is worse right on start up. Any idea how difficult they are to replace or the cost?

Thanks
you'll need 2 possibly 3 gaskets. and some fuel line hoses which you can find at napa. the fuel lines at the stealership are too expensive.
as far as the work goes. you'll need to remove the entire intake manifold. FUN!
once that is done the hoses will be readily accessible. tip: unscrew your gas cap to release some pressure from the fuel system. this may save you from getting hosed with gas when you pull off the old hoses.
it's really not too bad but it will take a couple hours.
Old Jan 8, 2004 | 09:59 AM
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another way to relieve fuel pressure is to remove the fuel pump fuse and crank the engine for several seconds.
Old Jan 8, 2004 | 12:47 PM
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Can anyone post pics of the hoses that need to be replaced? I have the same problem and am a noob to the engine area..
Old Jan 8, 2004 | 01:04 PM
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same as johnny, need pics and detailed installation instructions, also where can i get a fuel rail hose?
Old Jan 8, 2004 | 01:49 PM
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I just had mine fixed, but I have a GXE. Here are some pics of the problem:

You will have to remove the manifold to get to the fuel lines. Make sure you get the gaskets necissary before hand!!

Good luck

Originally Posted by johnnyo319
Can anyone post pics of the hoses that need to be replaced? I have the same problem and am a noob to the engine area..
Old Jan 8, 2004 | 11:37 PM
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Originally Posted by 94M@X
I just had mine fixed, but I have a GXE. Here are some pics of the problem:

You will have to remove the manifold to get to the fuel lines. Make sure you get the gaskets necissary before hand!!

Good luck

Awesome!! Thanks 94M@X!! Now i have an idea of what i need to do.. What gaskets do i need to replace? The manifold gasket? Also is that the fuel filter on the top right picture? Maybe i'll change that too while i'm at it..
Old Jan 9, 2004 | 07:05 AM
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Use the chilton's manual in the FAQ section... it covers this type of repair pretty well.

for your parts, call courtesy nissan 1-800-527-1909. ask for Kaleb. tell him what you're doing and he'll make sure you get the right parts.
Old Jan 9, 2004 | 01:02 PM
  #12  
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You will need tehe upper AND lower manifold gaskets. Yes that is the fuel filter. I had a leak on the hose leading to the front fuel rail, but there are two, so you may as well change both hoses while you have the manifold off.
Old Jan 9, 2004 | 01:11 PM
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mine was leakinf there too, I tighten the clamp a little more now it's leaking very little at start up. that will do for now.hehe
Old Jan 9, 2004 | 03:59 PM
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Never experienced that problem.
Old Jan 14, 2004 | 08:15 AM
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I'm glad someone posted about this because it just happened with my Maxima too...I just had my cousin put nitrous in and I thought something was leaking there cuz I smelled the gas inside the car and under the hood. How much will this cost to fix??
Old Jan 14, 2004 | 01:55 PM
  #16  
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I took rymo926's advice and tightned all the hose clamps I could get to on the fuel lines and it has seemed to fix the problem. Some of the clamps were very loose, I guess because the rubber hoses shrink a bit over time.
I think this fix will be ok until it gets a bit warmer here, then I'll go ahead and replace all the hoses.
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