Fuel smell in cabin

[porsche_addict]

I get a moderate smell of fuel into the cabin on my '87 911 from time to time. It seems to be most noticeable when cold and I have the heater blowers on. What are some common areas for fuel leaks in the engine compartment?

[quozl]

I had a strong fuel smell in the cabin every time I refilled, searched high and low for leaks near the tank and in the engine bay, turned out the gasket on the gas cap was missing. Purchased a new one from Porsche for a couple of bucks slid it on the cap, smell gone. Maybe check to see if yours is perished or missing?

Cheers Al

[darrin]

Originally Posted by porsche_addict

I get a moderate smell of fuel into the cabin on my '87 911 from time to time. It seems to be most noticeable when cold and I have the heater blowers on. What are some common areas for fuel leaks in the engine compartment?

The Carreras are notorious for developing leaks in the engine compartment fuel supply lines -- since you're smelling yours when the heat is activated, it sounds like your fuel lines may well be leaking (onto the engine) -- this can be dangerous -- vaporized fuel on a hot engine can cause a fire real quick -- and the source of the problem should be tracked down before driving the car further.

Conversely, fuel filler gaskets and rotting evaporative emission lines up front can also cause a fuel smell, but are MUCH less apt to be fire-problematic. These leaks can generally be confirmed by a fuel-smelly front trunk.

There are a number of good threads on the Carrera fuel line leaks and replacement options.

[SilberUrS6]

Originally Posted by porsche_addict

I get a moderate smell of fuel into the cabin on my '87 911 from time to time. It seems to be most noticeable when cold and I have the heater blowers on. What are some common areas for fuel leaks in the engine compartment?

The fuel lines that run across the top of the engine. On 3.2 cars, this is a known issue, and has caused fires for folks who ignored the warning signs.

[SilberUrS6]

Originally Posted by darrin

The Carreras are notorious for developing leaks in the engine compartment fuel supply lines -- since you're smelling yours when the heat is activated, it sounds like your fuel lines may well be leaking (onto the engine) -- this can be dangerous -- vaporized fuel on a hot engine can cause a fire real quick -- and the source of the problem should be tracked down before driving the car further.

Conversely, fuel filler gaskets and rotting evaporative emission lines up front can also cause a fuel smell, but are MUCH less apt to be fire-problematic. These leaks can generally be confirmed by a fuel-smelly front trunk.

There are a number of good threads on the Carrera fuel line leaks and replacement options.

You are a faster typer than me.

[Jdub]

Wait - wasn't it the early CIS SCs that use the soft lines instead of the hard lines (later SCs and I thought Carreras Motronic used the hard lines)?

[88911coupe]

I have replaced all the engine bay fuel lines in my '88 including the connections at the fuel pump and I STILL get a very faint fuel smell in the morning if the car has been closed up for several hours. I suspect it has something to do with the lines in the left front wheel well since I once found some fuel on one of the connections, which I replaced. I think this is a vapor/charcoal cannsiter but someone can probably verify that. I may do a little more digging to confirm this.

[darrin]

Originally Posted by 88911coupe

I have replaced all the engine bay fuel lines in my '88 including the connections at the fuel pump and I STILL get a very faint fuel smell in the morning if the car has been closed up for several hours. I suspect it has something to do with the lines in the left front wheel well since I once found some fuel on one of the connections, which I replaced. I think this is a vapor/charcoal cannsiter but someone can probably verify that. I may do a little more digging to confirm this.

I've had the same issue, replacing some of lines around the charcoal cannister and the fuel cap helped, but I still get the occasional wiff.

Since the OP indicated that his was most prevalent when the heat was on (and drawing air out of the engine compartment), his seems to have a more urgent source.

[RWebb]

You MUST replace all the old rubber fuel lines. Do that whether they are causing the smell or not. Also replace all rubber brake hose with new rubber & check the date codes on the tires.

Now, you also want to sniff around the sender on top of the tank & tighten the screws there a bit. Maybe replace the seal.

You also need to do a search on evaporative + emission + vapor to find the many threads on the hoses and containers in the trunk & fender. Replace hoses if brown; push on tanks to find hidden cracks.

[vancouver86/911]

I had this exact symptom in my 86 Carrera. Started out a small whiff and then it began to get stronger after a few trips. I finally traced it to a leaking o-ring on an injector. Take your finger and wipe it around each injector one at a time and smell it after. That is how I found mine. I pulled the injectors, had them serviced, reinstalled them all and I have not had the slightest problem since.

[Peter Zimmermann]

This engine compartment fuel line issue is well-covered on pages 101 and 102 of the 8th Edition of my book, The Used 911 Story.

[oh snap]

My fuel smell was from a leak at the fuel pump. The pump is near(below) the AC equipment in the smugglers box, so the smell was stronger with the fan on.

Good luck.

[dshepp806]

After the engine compartment inspection,..I'd look around the fuel pump area.

Doyle

[imcarthur]

Inspect your engine fuel lines as above. If it looks like this:



Replace it.

Ian

[Smoove1010]

Found the source of my fuel smell - here's the 4" supply line to the pump, split open to show the inside surface. It's a miracle this wasn't a gusher. The fabric cover was slightly damp, so fuel was being wicked out into the air and the cabin.

Amazingly, the PO had the fuel pump replaced just before I bought it. A mechanic actually kept this piece of hose in place. (Of course, the term "mechanic" gets thrown around a lot these days...)

[wwest]

Originally Posted by porsche_addict

I get a moderate smell of fuel into the cabin on my '87 911 from time to time. It seems to be most noticeable when cold and I have the heater blowers on. What are some common areas for fuel leaks in the engine compartment?

My fuel odor was the result of the re-use of both crush washers when the mechanic replaced the fuel filter. New crush washers solved the issue.

[porsche_addict]

I checked the engine compartment and could not physically see or smell any leaks. I looked closely at the main line that goes from the filter, under the intake and to the fuel rails (part # 930 110 595 05). It looks dry and there are no sign of visible cracking. I started and ran the car and could not see or smell any leaks from the compartment or cabin even with the defroster blowers engaged. What other lines can I inspect in the compartment?

[Dublinoh]

Check the lines by the fuel pump

[RWebb]

could be hard to smell unless you check while the system is still pressurized (i.e quickly after it is stopped - don't wait an hour or anything like that)

To find a leak on a VW I have considered making up an analog of a mechanic's stethoscope -- a mechanic's smelloscope: you need a nose or face mask and tubing attached to it - you could also use it as a Halloween costume

if all the above fails, get the wife pregnant and send her under the car

[SilberUrS6]

Originally Posted by RWebb

if all the above fails, get the wife pregnant and send her under the car

It would be cheaper to drop the motor and have the lines replaced in solid platinum.