I've been getting a strong smell of fuel (not so much exhaust, but straight up fuel) and it appears to be strongest when the outside air vents are on.

I can't really smell the fuel from outside the car at all though which is odd. There doesn't appear to be any stains on the ground/snow that I can tell.

Are there any specific problem areas that are known and how can I tell if its leaking? Do they sell dye kits or anything?

If anyone could point me in the direction of the air intake vent for the a/c that might help me see where it might be coming from.

 

Pull up the rear seats, removes those rear panels and check to see if the plastic is cracked where your fuel tank is. The drivers side is the fuel pump, the passenger side is the fuel gauge/sending unit. If you have every run anythig over it's quite possible to crack one of those and it will leak or smell like gas when you have a full tank and some spills out.

 

From the air vents sounds like it's coming from the engine......

The most likely area is the fuel connectors, between the dipstick and the shock absorber tower.

 

Sounds or smells like you have exhaust leak.

 

Yes sir, check all three.

 

My 8 smelled like fuel last night.. That's because the damn fuel pump kept giving out gas and it wouldn't stop so I was like omg omg, and I sprayed gas all over the car and all over the floor. When it finally stopped I see 3 people staring at me..

 

Lol

 

I love driving a car and sometimes I go for a long drive. I am a new member of this community. I am glad to become member of this platform.

 

You're supposed to release the handle... LOL




Automatic cut-off in fuel dispenser
The shut-off valve was invented in Olean, New York in 1939 by Richard C. Corson. At a loading dock at the Socony-Vacuum Oil Company, Corson observed a worker filling a barrel with gasoline and thought it inefficient. The sound of a toilet flushing later gave him the idea for a "butterfly float." After developing a prototype with his assistant, Paul Wenke, Corson gave the suggestion to the company who later filed for a patent in his name. The initial intent of the device was to "allow a person to fill more than one barrel [of gasoline] at the same time."[7] This mechanism eventually developed into the modern gasoline pump cut-off valve.[8]
Most modern pumps have an auto cut-off feature that stops the flow when the tank is full. This is done with a second tube, the sensing tube, that runs from just inside the mouth of the nozzle up to a Venturi pump in the pump handle. A mechanical valve in the pump handle detects this change of pressure and closes, preventing the flow of fuel.[9][10]

 

They don't always shut off when they should. Which is why you need to stay next to it when filling up. On rare occasions one will stick on, and not respond to releasing the handle, which is why there's usually an emergency shutoff on the pump.

Ken

 

Got the same problem since i almost got fuel less on a weird road and since then i keep a 10L fuel copper bottle and it spilled out in my trunk somehow... since then it smells gas... sucks...

 

Guess that explains your fuel smell in the other post

 

I quite literally am having the exact same issue. Smell from the engine bay. smells like raw gas, not exhaust. Especially can smell it with the air vents going. (which would make sense since it is pulling air from the engine bay. I've noticed a small change in power and tone of the motor too. My check engine light just came on yesterday and I will be taking it to the mechanic in two days. I'll update to see what the issue ended up being.

UPDATE 3/30/14: Got All of the intake manifold and throttle torn apart. Side note, the injectors are such a pain to get to in the RX-8. Turns out it was a bad secondary injector (red). It was leaking raw fuel. Bought some original replacements from rock auto for 103 a piece. Replaced both of the secondary's for good measure.

 

Common failure is the line between the Primary and sec fuel rails especially if your engine has been replaced.

Another common place is the injector seals

If it was more from the back you should check the discharge nipple on the fuel pump

 

had that problem.. some problem with the wiring & ended up replacing my fuel pump coz they found a leak. Now i dont smell anything and my garage don't smell gas when i parked...

 

When I first bought mine about 2 months ago I would get fuel smell mainly when I really gassed my car. It's M/T. any ideas why I would get that sometimes?

Posted From RX8Club.com Android App

 

Mine had fuel leak after servicing, the O-ring was twisted when the mechanic rushed to close the cover back under the rear seat, and there was a hairline crack too on the cover, did not use a torque wrench. just brute force.. I paid for his lesson. you might like to check those 2 places.

 

Hey! I popped off the rear seat and there was gas around the top part...also went under the car and there was old gas around that pan. Can someone simplify the process to determine which part is bad. I just spent close to $5,000 for a new engine, but the dealership wanted to charge me even more to look at it!!!! The smell started a couple of months after the engine was replaced, but the guy insisted it had nothing to do with that....

 

Attempting to show pics....
Mobile Uploads Photos by donna101279 | Photobucket

 

usually it is the nipple on the fuel pump assembly where the fuel line attaches. It is a well known failure point.

It is a bit tricky to get the lid off...so unless you have the tool...or somethng similar it is easier to get the dealer to do it

It shouldn't take more than an hour to re/re---so about $100 in labor...and the fuel pump

You might want to source another assembly from Mazmart or someplace...the dealers love there markup on parts

 

I started my car up and it's leaking straight from that L-looking pipe...it's not a snug fit either...moves around....I took a video of it dripping, but I have no idea how to load it up...

 

I finally decided to be brave and started my car...it's leaking straight from that plastic L-piece on top...I took a video, but I have no idea how to load it on here

 

https://www.facebook.com/n/?video%2Feditvideo.php&v=10154500944855065&aref=47 9171708&medium=email&mid=a645fe8G294508b0G1c8f947c G3dGe06e&bcode=1.1408918202.AbmHwnwRZBfm7cva&n_m=d onna101279%40yahoo.com

 

My quick disconnect was actually leaking at the connector. Double check that before removing the pump housing completely. If that is the issue, even a new pump housing will not fix it. Someone should be able to tell from the video, but it's not working as it is so try using Youtube.

Also, don't start your car when it's leaking fuel, just turn it to ON (without starting), and the fuel line will pressurize and reveal the leak.