Raw Gas Smell

[Hokie76]

The strong odor of raw gas enters through the A/C vents when I drive my '95 Park Ave. (103,000 mi.). It's especially noticeable when I come to a stop at a traffic light. The smell disappears when I start moving. Recently, I backed the car out of the garage and left it running for a few minutes. I smelled gas from about five feet away. The Buick dealer replaced the fuel pressure regulator less than a year ago. They put a pressure gauge on the fuel rail and drove it, but didn't see any drop in pressure--nor did they find a leak. Does this sound like leaking fuel injectors? The car runs fine and is otherwise in good shape. I'd like to keep it for a couple more years; however, I'm afraid to drive it and risk a fire. Thanks.

[parkavenuechrome]

If Your smelling it, then its leaking.. If its coming thru the vents then its probably coming from under the hood. I would check the fuel rail and or lines first. Also check the gas tank, the oder can travel under the car to the front. let us know... Its not a big issue.. quick fix, nothing to discard the car over...

[lglm]

one more thing.. no smoking

[parkavenuechrome]

Originally Posted by lglm

one more thing.. no smoking

LOL, YEA GOOD IDEA THERE!

[Hokie76]

Cars + fire = no fun. My Dad once had a Ford wagon burn after a wheel bearing overheated and ignited brake fluid - roasted everything from the rear bumper to the firewall.

[lglm]

yep.. my dad burned up his studebaker ( back when they still made them) fuel line break leaked onto exhaust manifold

[parkavenuechrome]

So what was the cause of the leak? DID you fix it??

[Hokie76]

Before I could take it in for the fuel leak problem, the A/C compressor blew out. The compressor clutch won't disengage, so the car can't be driven and will have to be towed. Since compressor replacement runs about $800-900 for this model--in addition to whatever the fuel leak repair will cost--I'm now deciding on whether to keep it or trade it.

[parkavenuechrome]

Originally Posted by Hokie76

Before I could take it in for the fuel leak problem, the A/C compressor blew out. The compressor clutch won't disengage, so the car can't be driven and will have to be towed. Since compressor replacement runs about $800-900 for this model--in addition to whatever the fuel leak repair will cost--I'm now deciding on whether to keep it or trade it.

Who told you 800-900 dollars for a compressor.. WAY WAY out of range in the $$ category. The most that compressor goes for is 2 bucks AT THE MOST. If you replace it yourself its cheap, even so having replaced there is no way its 800 bucks. Not a chance. If some shop told you that, your getting ripped off..

[Hokie76]

My local Buick dealer quoted $925 - with a rebuilt compressor. I'd trusted them up until that point. When I took the car in, they said they found a very small compressor leak. When they gave me the quote, I told them to charge the system and I'd get back to them. I'd only driven about a mile from the dealership when a cloud of freon and oil erupted from the compressor (makes me wonder if they did something.) I'll get an estimate from another shop, which I'm sure will be much lower. Needless to say, I'm not going back to that dealer again.

[parkavenuechrome]

I would say they did something. That is why I never take my car anywhere. Dealers always rip you off. let me know what you find.