Gas smell
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 74
Likes: 7
2002 C32
Gas smell
I've had the car 6 years and for the last 3 I have been able to detect an odor of gasoline when the outside temps dropped to 40F and below. I do not believe that it is coming from the fuel tank under the rear seat. What would cold temps affect, as far as fuel system leakage?
thx
M
thx
M
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2010
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From: USA
2005 Mercedes Benz C55 AMG..1967 Lotus Europa..1987 Lotus Turbo Esprit HCI..2020 Mercedes Benz E350
godpossessed......
Simple physics show that cold temps facilitate shrinkage in ever so small increments; hence, a potential leak of gas fumes. You may want to install a new gas cap and, just to be sure, take a look at your fuel pump and sending unit plastic nuts to see if they're leaking. You should also check the charcoal canister and its hoses (located behind fender liner in right rear fender well) and purge shut off valve/hoses located on left front fender in engine bay. Other than those items, I don't believe there's any other reason to smell gas UNLESS the fuel tank's seams are starting to come apart but that's highly unlikely.
Lastly, you should perform a smoke test leak just to be sure. You'll have to remove the back seat, open the gas tank filller neck door, remove the right rear fender liner to expose the charcoal canister and attached hoses, and then plug your smoke test machine into the most-forward hose on the purge shut off valve in the engine bay, shove the pointed tip of the very hot smoke machine and let the fun begin. The smoke will show where the leaks are, if any.
Good luck and let the forum know what you find.......
Rob
Simple physics show that cold temps facilitate shrinkage in ever so small increments; hence, a potential leak of gas fumes. You may want to install a new gas cap and, just to be sure, take a look at your fuel pump and sending unit plastic nuts to see if they're leaking. You should also check the charcoal canister and its hoses (located behind fender liner in right rear fender well) and purge shut off valve/hoses located on left front fender in engine bay. Other than those items, I don't believe there's any other reason to smell gas UNLESS the fuel tank's seams are starting to come apart but that's highly unlikely.
Lastly, you should perform a smoke test leak just to be sure. You'll have to remove the back seat, open the gas tank filller neck door, remove the right rear fender liner to expose the charcoal canister and attached hoses, and then plug your smoke test machine into the most-forward hose on the purge shut off valve in the engine bay, shove the pointed tip of the very hot smoke machine and let the fun begin. The smoke will show where the leaks are, if any.
Good luck and let the forum know what you find.......
Rob
Last edited by Robjr; Jan 21, 2024 at 11:58 AM.
