Intense fuel smell.

[Wootang]

I was driving my mum around today and we noticed a fairly strong fuel smell coming from the car. it was so strong that we couldn't have the windows up without getting a serious headache. I pulled over within a few minutes and checked a few things while the car was turned off:
- Under the hood where the charcoal canister should be (I know, I know, it's on the list!), but didn't see any waves in the air to signify a fuel vapor. I'm not surprised about this though since the car has never had one.
- I got on my stomach and looked under the gas tank, but didn't see any vapours, or any wet marks showing a fuel leak.
- Popped the trunk, and there was a pretty strong odor, so my immediate thought was that the gasket between the tank, and the fuel pump lid had gone. Grabbed my 10mm socket and removed the trunk access plate to the tank, and there was a really strong odor of fuel, but no wet marks, or vapour.... Figured it couldn't be the gasket
- I next checked the hose clamps on the fuel send and return line, and sure enough they were still super tight.

One thing that seemed odd was how tight the right side hose (the return line I think) seemed to be. I wigged it a bit and then BAM, it just started squirting fuel every where! This can't be healthy. The car has been turned off for at least 8 or so minutes, and any pressure in the fuel system should have equalized as fuel drained back into the tank, no?

My guess is that there is a blockage some where, and thats creating the pressure build up, and the fuel smell.
Any other hints though??

[amnash]

Injector orings or injectors themselves are leaking. Run car and watch injectors. Won't puddle for long because it will evaporate..

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[Wootang]

Really? That would cause a really potent gas odor in my trunk, and what seemed like an over pressurized fuel line?

I'll go check it out regardless!

**(After the hockey game)**

[h4X6]

its your gasket in the rear

trust me... dealt with this over the last couple months... over and over again... pull the pump, seal with gas safe sealant, and done...

[Dragon Humper]

When you start to pull everything apart remember to uncork the gas cap and leave it off while you work on the fuel system. Pressure in the tank will push fuel out of anything you have open. Change any and all lines you can, they are really old and crusty and will keep springing leaks as time goes on. Use FI rated line.



Jon.

[Wootang]

Checked the O rings when there was still ample sun light and I didn't see any pooling whats so ever. Dry as a nuns you know what.


I know that most of the lines are pretty new since the last owner upgraded the fuel pump, but I'll crawl under the car this weekend and try to get a better look just to be sure.
As for the gasket, I'll take your word on it. A tube of gas safe sealant from lordco can't cost that much.

[amnash]

if it is the tank gasket, i wouldn't use gasket maker.. i would get a new gasket (its a giant o-ring) and install that with a lot of lube (vasaline).

Fuel Pump/Tank O-Ring: Part # 17342-01A00.

[h4X6]

If you are careful enough you can use gas safe sealant. Just make sure you let it dry for 24 hours before moving the car.

I personally layered it on cuz I was sick of the gas smell in my car over and over again. No issue thus far.


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[Skym]

When you start to pull everything apart remember to uncork the gas cap and leave it off while you work on the fuel system. Pressure in the tank will push fuel out of anything you have open. Change any and all lines you can, they are really old and crusty and will keep springing leaks as time goes on. Use FI rated line.



Jon.

Not just removing fuel tank cap, have to run engine and pull fuel pump fuse (or shut fuel pump off via Consult) until engine stalls to remove pressure, fuel from fuel lines before working on fuel system.

Also, as far as I know you freeze that cap seal (where fuel pump goes) before installing. Also replace that seal with a new seal from Nissan if have removed that cap.

[Dragon Humper]

Yea, that too. Funilly enough, I always pull the fuse and bleed the pressure off with the engine running, its just what you do. Only about half the time I remember to pull the damn gas cap off.



Jon.

[Wootang]

I picked up a new gasket today, so it will be heading in tomorrow afternoonish. When I fire it back up, I'll update... on.. the smell of my car?

[amnash]

dont forget to lube it up. o-rings dont like to be dry.

[h4X6]

a little gas safe sealant wouldnt hurt either... just a small bead

[Dragon Humper]

a little gas safe sealant wouldnt hurt either... just a small bead

I know it worked for you to patch up your gasket but that is NOT the way to install it. Using sealer only makes life harder for someone else down the road and could make it very difficult to remove the locking ring. Petroleum jelly or WD40 are about the only things you should use, factory uses nothing. The gasket on my Nissan March is the same one and there is nothing like a new gasket, the old one had turned to goo.



Jon.

[h4X6]

What locking ring?? Gtst pumps are sealed with a metal plate bolted down by 6 bolts. Gtr are twist on cap. I was assuming it was a gtst tank. Hence why I suggested the sealant.


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