Fuel smell coming from somewhere on the car someone told me this is common?

Answer 1

It is not common to smell gasoline around a vehicle. Gasoline is highly flammable, and if you can smell it, there is probably enough to make a pretty good bang. The first thing to check is in the engine compartment, at the top of the engine where the fuel comes into the device that introduces the fuel into the engine. Most modern cars are fuel injected, which means the fuel is pressurized enough that even a small opening will pass a lot of fuel. Look for any spot which looks wet, or like fresh grease. Have someone turn the ignition key to the 'on' position without starting the car and watch for fuel leaking out of hose, pipes, or connections. If no fuel leak in engine compartment, check for leaking fuel under fuel tank. With engine running, look for leaking fuel between fuel tank and engine compartment. Also, insure that fuel cap is seating properly, as loose seal will allow fuel to evaporate.

----

Excellent general suggestions. Specific to the Mark VI, though, are two HUGE problem areas that cause the dreaded fuel smell inside the cabin.

# The canister purge system which takes the built-up, pressurized fuel vapors from the fuel tank and directs them to the engine under certain circumstances to be burned. When the canister itself becomes old and blocked, it needs replacing. This also goes for the purge valve. Also, check all lines going to and from it, as they are rubber and wilt with age. # The fuel filter -and- pressurized gas cap may need replacing. These endure an ENORMOUS amount of pressure when the filter goes beyond the end of its useful service life. Replacing the filter and the gas cap renews this and makes sure seepage is minimized. 3- in my case .was the pipe betwen the filler cup and the tank ,rusted