I have a 93 Maxima, looks and runs like new, but have recently notice gas fumes. When you open the window one can notice it. There is no leaks or wet spots anywhere visible. The smell doesn't appear to be coming from under the hood. Fuel filter is completely dry, no wet spots around engine. Basically I think the fumes are coming from somewhere near the gas cap. I tried changing the cap with another Maxima, and still the fumes are there. The neck doesn't appear to be rotted, and the hose connection to the tank is always dry. It smells whether it is full or almost empty. The tank appears to be completely dry underneath and on the sides. Is there a filter on the top off the tank??? Also, what is that little hole for below the gas cap?? If it is a breathing hole, there is a tube running down it along the neck and connects to another hose that goes to the tank somewhere on top. Are the fumes backing up on me??
If anyone can Help, please do, I don't want continue to drive this car until I can fix the problem.


Thanks

 

see this...
http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=349895

if you're 100% sure it's not under the hood then check around the filler hose and look for cracked/brittle hoses...change if necessary.

gas evoprates (sp?) very quickly...so you don't usually see it pool unless you have a BIG leak.

 

I had this problem. it was loose clamps on the fuel rail hoses. Get a screw driver out, pop the hood and tighten them all up. Then take it for a ride and see if that helps.

 

what he said...I recently had the same problem

 

when I was reading my haynes just to get more aquinted, under the EGR section it stated something about when youc an smell gas from in the car its a sign of some sort of EGR malfunction or leak, sorry i cant pull it word for work and I dont have it close to me but hopefully some one else can chime in and help out.

just wanted to offer a variety of potential trouble points.

 

I had the same problem last year. Had to replace the fuel lines under the manifold:

 

Thanks for the help, I will try all the things stated and hope for the best.