YACT: smell of gas while driving

[rh71]

With the sunroof open, there's a pretty strong smell of gas. What's the problem ?

It's a '90 Accord.

 

[episodic]

Check the injectors for wet areas after a drive. . .

 

[GalvanizedYankee]

I would think a bottle of Bean-O a good idea. Take one a day.

 

[fs5]

^ beat me too it

 

[rh71]

I already know how to take care of my own flatulence problems. The car... the car...

 

[Platypus]

Can you see gas leaking from the car? Idle it in drive for a min then back up and see if you can see leakage

 

[Kyteland]

If you have trouble seeing where it's coming from, light a match.

 

[rh71]

nope no leakage. It should be coming from under the hood since the motion is driving the smell back towards us... no ?

 

[rezinn]

Probably. Check the fuel lines for leaks, or just a general smell in the engine bay with the car idling in park. If you don't find anything, a fuel pressure test would be a good idea.

Unless you're going to fix it yourself, just take it to a mechanic. It's easy for them to prime the fuel pump and see if the fuel lines hold pressure/look for leaks.

 

[GalvanizedYankee]

Look for any signs of residue wherever there is a connection for fuel. In the olden day of lead an orangish red stain would be present. Modern fuel evaporates damn near clean but will leave a tell-tell sign behind look real close with a flash light. When the residues get hot thats when the oder really comes off. If the engine is dirty, look for a clean spot that the fuel has washed off. If the engine is spanking clean it will be harder to find. Wipe your finger under the fittings
or where you think it maybe leaking. Then sniff the finger. The drop will hang at the bottom where you can't see it.
If you really want to get into it. Get an aerosol can of dye penetrate developer, it sprays a white powder that sticks like paint, spray the area in question, let it dry(20 seconds), start on look for damp areas in the powder. The powder will wash off with water when your done.


Keep Bean-O in the glove box in case of a mis-diagnosis.

 

[FoBoT]

i had a car and a truck that had fuel leaks

the truck was at the line exiting the tank

the car it was around the carberator, fuel was puddling up on top of the engine

 

[teckmaster]

I had a car that did that. I had to replace the fuel filter and it went away

 

[blahblah99]

The fuel leak can only come from your fuel rail, fuel injectors, or your fuel pump gasket cover.

Try spraying carb cleaner around the areas you think is leaking to see if there's any response.