2001 GA SE Smell Of Gas

[Crystalion]

Its my wifes car that I traded with her since I only drive like 10 blocks a day. She was complaining of a gas smell whenever she put the fan on. The few times I was in there I didn't smell it. Now that I'm using it I can say that THERE IS a gas smell a little more than 1/2 the time. Its only there after the car sits overnight or for several hours. When using the heat you don't smell it right away cause the vapors are heavier I guess and settle on the floor. It maybe last 1-2 min but its enough to be concerned. I used the search and the only thing that popped up was the charcoal canister.

Anybody have a hit on this. I have already spent a gajillion $$$ on this car as most might know with the GA but my wife loves it --TILL NOW.

[doctorhrdware]

It sounds like you may have a problem the fuel pressure regulator. To check it I think you make sure that you have the fuel system pressurized and pull off the vacuum line off, and if see or smell gas the regulator is bad.

[Crystalion]

Ok checked what I could and the smell of GAS is worse. I can smell it sometimes when I'm just standing near the car. What Exactly should I be checking again. Since The friggin thing is makin me sick..thanks...

[discnik]

Does it have the 2.4 or 3.4 L ?

If it is the 3.4 L can you see any pooling of gas around the injectors ?

With the engine running, being careful to stay away from moving parts, follow the fuel lines up to the fuel rail. Any signs of leakage ? What injectors you can see, is there any pooling of fuel around these ? Remove the vacuum line from the fuel pressure regulator, (On end of fuel rail), is there fuel present ?

Has there been any work done on the vehicle recently ?

Just some thoughts.

[Crystalion]

Its the 3.4 and i just swapped the car back to my wife so her daughter could use it cause her 98 GA blew a water pump. I'll have it back on Sunday after I swap back and check everything again. No recent work was done. Its friggin cold here in NY so I can wait the extra day. thanks for the reply .Will stay in touch.

[doctorhrdware]

Look out NY the -20 degree weather is on the way to you.

[3100]

I know what you are talking about it is not smell of raw fuel it is more like smell of exhaust gas but much stronger, smells like a extremely rich mixture in the morning when you start the car and lasts about 1-2 min I always have to open windows to ventilate it and then it is fine for the rest of the day. To me it only happens in the morning. I was never able to figure that out if you do please let me know it is killing me every morning I start the car in the garage. Does this happen to you in the morning when you exit your garage?

[Crystalion]

Its more the smell of GAS not so much exhaust. yea usually in the morn after it first starts up . I can actually smell the gas standing outside the driver door sometimes. Its does go away after awhile but those first few minutes are killers and some other times no smell at all but those are rare. Its snowing here now. I'll wait til monday and check the whole fuel rail- injectors for pooling of gas. It seems to be getting worse from what I'm seeing/hearing. Anyone who gets in the car who hasn't been in it recognizes it right away. We shall see..-Chris

[xeroinfinity]

Do you use gas that contains methanol or ethanol ??
If so it will eat your O rings in the fuel system.

A couple things not mentioned is the charcoal canister filter in the EVAP system is clogged.
OR it could just be vapors leaking from the Evap system.

Overfilling the tank can cause these problems.

Good Hunting!