fuel smell

[ford460bigblock]

i have a 96 2.2 cavalier i have been smelling fuel for the past coup of days it is on and off the smell. today i got under the car by the gas tank and i could smell it all the fuel line are good but the smell is there want can this be??

[chuckeieio]

I had a similar problem on a car i owned. the smell came and went and never leaked anywhere but stunk none the less.. My problem turned out to be a rotted sending unit mount. On top of your gas tank your sending unit sits. it is indented on the top of the tank there. I live in toronto CANADA, so in the winter the salt from the roads gets kicked up around the indented unit an it's mount and sits there. Add moisture and a bit of water and BAM! it rots. So whenever i'd fill the gastank too much it would spill out the top of the tank around corners or jerking the gas or brakes. The gas wouldn't actually make it to the ground most times. It would just sit on top of the tank (some drains back) and stinks! Also (if this is your problem) you need to watch car washes that spray from the bottom as it will work it's way into the tank and give you problems later. Also check your fuel filter for the tell-tale signs of sand n silt build up.

I'm not saying that this IS the problem that you are having, but it sounds similar.

good luck buddy!

[ford460bigblock]

thanks

[deadBird]

Also, a simple solution, try replacing your gas cap. Simple if not cheap guess.

[ford460bigblock]

what else can i do casue today the nidile was at e but then after a quick brake it went up a bit also the smell is mostly when i come to a stop? how can i fix this

[deadBird]

Place some large pieces of (construction?) paper that covers the ground under your car. Let it sit for some time, and you should be able to tell if it's a leak or not. If not leaks, then it could be your fuel injectors, the gas tank or it's neck.

[amandab]

Originally Posted by ford460bigblock

i have a 96 2.2 cavalier i have been smelling fuel for the past coup of days it is on and off the smell. today i got under the car by the gas tank and i could smell it all the fuel line are good but the smell is there want can this be??

I have a 96 cavalier and had the same problem. It turned out to be my fuel injectors. they are about $70 each and everyone said i needed to replace all four although only two were leaking. I only replaced the two and things have been fine for about two yrs. now.

[rockdude]

fuel smell is actually coming from vapor canister under car close to fuel tank replace it ...charcoal canister ...