11 replies to this topic

[ericutexas]

OK, so I just got my Speedtuning 17 psi a few days ago and installed it. I've had it on for less than a week and got a full tank of gas last night, and today I could smell gas through the A/C system in the cabin. I looked at the fuel rail and rubber hose connecting it, and there are no apparent leaks, but the gas smell is definitely more pronounced at the right end of the fuel rail close to the throttle body.

I did my PCV job a few months ago and took the fuel rail/injectors off at that time, put in new intake manifold grommets (the blue ones) and reused the o-rings for the injectors. At that time, I tore one of the o-rings where the injector attaches to the fuel rail and it was dripping fuel onto the intake manifold. Replaced that one. This time around, there are no tell-tale visual signs of leakage - just a strong smell of gas.

My best guess is that one of the o-rings are torn, probably on the intake manifold side where I can't see it, and is leaking raw fuel into the intake manifold. If that's the case, should I be smelling it in the engine compartment like I have been? Would this have something to do with running higher boost levels with the new ST ECU? Thanks!

[JHEIII874T5M]

maybe the higher fuel pressure (more boost) caused a leak or another o-ring wore out/cracked... contact Slater as I think he has sets of o-rings for sale.

[BeachRat]

After a full tank of gas, you say? Next time you top off, check your trunk. More specifically, the passenger side, near the rear seat. That's where your fuel pump is, and it often leaks due to a gasket wearing out. Unfortunately, it's not cheap to fix. Let's hope your issue lies in the fuel rail!

[James100]

After a full tank of gas, you say? Next time you top off, check your trunk. More specifically, the passenger side, near the rear seat. That's where your fuel pump is, and it often leaks due to a gasket wearing out. Unfortunately, it's not cheap to fix. Let's hope your issue lies in the fuel rail!

If you do it yourself its cheap..seal(Gasket) is like $5 from dealer....they also leak out of the wires going into the top and can be fixed with Seal-All (Walmart automotive or Autozone) for $3......Just have to know how to get the Plastic Ring off it( can be done with large needle nose pliers or the special tool)

Edited by James100, 12 March 2006 - 07:47 PM.

[ericutexas]

Thanks for the responses so far, guys. Strangely enough, I drove the car again last night and the fuel smell has gone away, similar to MadeinJapan's posts about the same problem a while back. The smell is definitely from the engine compartment and not from the rear of the car, and definitely somewhere around the FPR/fuel rail. I'm just confused because I'm assuming if I smell raw fuel, I should see it seeping out of somewhere (and I checked with the engine running and couldn't find any leaks visually). Ordered a set of o-rings from Slater and we'll see if that helps fix the problem, but if anyone has had a similar problem or has any input I'd appreciate it! -Eric

[MadeInJapan]

I haven't said anything on any post but my smell is back. I see no leaks...it's in the engine compartment. I'm stumped. I've been over the engine, under it, all over...changed hoses, cleaned the intercooler....nothing.
I really am starting to think that it's not gas as much as it is oil that's burning somewhere, but I see no drips either. I'm going to have to take it to my mechanic for diagnosis I guess because I'm out of options for this. I don't loose any oil and my gas mileage is where it's always been. Only thing I can say is that the smell started after a pcv hose and oil trap replacement. It went away for a short time but it's back again. However, I don't have it in my cabin...just in the garage after a heated drive...and if I lift the hood it's full force in my face until the engine cools down. No smoke from it either.

[RAzOR]

Just behind the right front wheel under the car are three nyon lines (black). One of them is the EVAP can line from the tank. The front subframe section connects to the midsection portion with a rubber hose. I've had mine come apart many times and it can smell like gas in the cabin.

[PullMyFinger]

After doing the PCV, are you sure you got all the vac. lines connected properly? Also, I thought the evap was under the battery on the driver side. I would check those lines.

Basically, check all the fuel lines to and from the tank, filter, fuel rail, fuel pressure regulator...etc.

When you replaced the one torn injector o-ring were you very careful to not lose the spacer that sits between the injector and the rail? I had one fall out when doing mine, leaks garrantied I would pull the rail and injectors and replace all 10 o-rings, cheap and easy. Have a look at the rubber fuel line from the fpr (under rail) to the return pipe. Its at a tight radius and is a somewhat weak spot since the rest of the lines are metal. Especially after pulling the rail a few times, it can become fatigued.

[MadeInJapan]

Checked all the vac lines...actually have replaced all of them with silicone ones except 2 that go down to the turbo, but I'll do them too in the next couple of weeks when I get time. I see no lines or gaskets loose (such as the evap. line for fuel), but then again mine doesn't smell in the cabin. I also don't see any leaks what-so-ever from the injectors or near them. So, I'm truly stumped. Mine smells like something between hot oil and gas....very strange, and I'm just living with it for now.

[Gioseppe]

fuel pump gasket is incredibly common on these cars.
volvo actually updated the design and they are pretty easy to install.
go in from the trunk, loosen the pump and pull it out, reinstall the seal and bam. goodness.

[ericutexas]

MadeinJapan ... my problem sounds exactly like yours. I drove from Austin to Dallas today (200 mi ... my spring break will be working on the car) and I thought that if the gas smell were to come back, it would be now - about 80F out today and plenty of full-throttle, 17psi passing exercises But nope, it wasn't there today.

It sounds about right if there's a purge valve/line in the EVAP system that decided not to work that day and thus causing the fumes. Slater's o-rings are on the way and I'm going to do those along with the short rubber hose on the fuel return line. I had no idea there were spacers between the rail and the injectors, but I think it's safe to assume that they're fine because there aren't any visible leaks - and none that I could feel with my fingers, either, with the engine running. Fortunately, my fuel pump is still fine, but I'm certain the smell is coming from around the fuel rail - if I stick my nose down where the fuel lines turn from metal to rubber, by the right wheel well area, there's no smell.

[MadeInJapan]

Hey, exactly the same as mine....let me know what you discover. I have begun thinking that the oil separator/trap's hose is not tight and I'm getting a bit of spill over onto the intake manifold area, but unfortunately I can't see anything in there without taking off the intake manifold. Id your smell stronger from that area or from the rail?