The car stinks of gasoline. Why does the car smell like gasoline? Restoration of tightness at the installation site of the fuel pump consists in checking

There is a smell of gasoline in the car interior for various reasons, mainly related to a malfunction of the fuel system. To eliminate the pungent odor, fuel leakage must be prevented. This is especially important to do as a malfunction could result in a fire.

All elements of the fuel system of the car are located along the length of the body - this was conceived specifically for safety. The gas tank is located away from the engine, at the rear of the car, to reduce the risk of an explosion.

Of course, such a fuel system also has disadvantages: the gas line is very long and uses many connections and wiring. Most often, fuel leaks occur exactly where it is stored - that is, from a gas tank or other element that is located on or near it. You need to know how to eliminate such dangerous leaks.

The main causes of smell in the car interior:

Since the main part of the fuel is located in the tank, then the search must begin with it. Maybe it's just worn out or rusted.

The tank can hold up to 100 liters of fuel, so the mass when full can be very large, resulting in a large load on the fasteners. Most often, the tank is suspended from the body, and the suspension looks like curved iron strips, which are evenly passed under the bottom of the tank.


These strips are attracted to the body with high strength bolts, and ideally the tank should not move, but in the process of driving, due to the large vibration, it often rubs against the body of the car. The VAZ2110 designers thought about this, so they installed special rubber gaskets between the tank and the car body, but with intensive and extreme driving, these gaskets slowly wear out, and therefore the tank starts to move a little, which leads to wiping the tank.

Advice
Periodically inspect all elements of the fuel equipment and the gas line, as your safety depends on this.

The tank can also rust due to low-quality metal or fuel. This mainly happens with old cars, and is not subject to restoration. If the tank on your car is worn out or rusted, then you need to change it immediately, and for prevention, more often monitor the tension of the tank mounts.

This is the second weak spot. The neck is attached to the tank with a special gasket and bolts, as well as by welding. The latter method is less reliable, because the welds are often destroyed - a bolted neck will last longer, even when the tank swings strongly in different directions.


Therefore, the welding seams on the tank should be checked first of all when there is a smell of gasoline in the VAZ cabin.

  • neck cap

It should fit snugly against the neck, gasoline should not flow from under it, so keep an eye on the condition of the gasket.

The lid also has a special valve through which steam is discharged. s gasoline when the pressure in the tank rises (in summer). But due to the wear of the gasket, the vapors will freely escape into the atmosphere. Basically, in modern cars, the tank neck is recessed into the car body and is closed with its lid and on top with a hatch cover, as a result, when the gasket is worn, the vapor enters the passenger compartment, and not outside.


If the gasket under the tank cap is in good condition, then you need to continue searching for a leak further. If the gasket is dry or cracked, the cap needs to be replaced.

There is another rather vulnerable place in the tank - this is the cover to which the gas pump located in the tank is attached, this applies to modern cars, such as the VAZ2114.

The fuel pump cover is attached to the tank with bolts. There is also a rubber gasket under the lid, it is this that is the weak point of the structure. This gasket is exposed to gasoline, which quickly destroys the rubber.

Advice
Experienced VAZ 2109 car owners recommend that if there is a smell of gasoline in the cabin, first of all, check the entire gas pipeline for leakage, starting from the area under the rear seats and reaching the carburetor. However, if the car smells not of gasoline itself, but of exhaust gas, then Special attention should be given to the seals of the lamps and rear doors.

If the fuel pump broke down and the cover was removed and placed unevenly, then the gasket may break through or fail to fit snugly. In this case, it does not create the necessary tightness of the connection, which is why a fuel leak occurs. A torn or worn gasket must be replaced. You need to make sure the lid is level.


The valve of system of release of vapors of gasoline from a gas tank. Most often, a special valve is placed on the cover of the fuel pump to discharge gasoline vapors from the gas tank. A branch pipe is provided on the valve, on which a hose is put on - it is through it that gasoline vapors enter the adsorber tank. During the operation of the car, this rather fragile pipe may break, as a result, a leak may appear, and as a result, there will be an unpleasant smell of fuel in the car interior. To get rid of this, you will have to change the valve. Such a breakdown is especially typical for injection vehicles, including the VAZ2107 model.

  • Fuel line (clamps, branch pipes)

In the fuel line, flexible hoses are used in moving places, which can be frayed while driving on rough roads, and the clamps at the joints can also loosen on them. Because of this, gasoline will begin to leave through them, which will lead to the penetration of fuel vapors into the cabin. And this is the most common cause of the smell of fuel in the car.

As a result of improper adjustment of the carburetor, fuel will overflow, and gasoline vapors from under the hood will penetrate into the passenger compartment of the car. This does not apply to injection machines.


  • Fuel filter

During long-term operation, the filter may become clogged with dirt, as a result of which the pressure in the gas line will increase and cause leaks, for example, clamps. To prevent this from happening, you need to change the fuel filter on time.

Knowing everything vulnerabilities fuel system, you can quickly eliminate the causes of the smell of fuel in the cabin by performing a simple inspection of the car.

Advice
If the smell of gasoline appears after turning on the stove (in winter), then the leak occurs somewhere under the hood.

How to eliminate the smell of gasoline in the car?

Gasoline vapors can appear in the cabin as a result of many reasons, but there are few effective ways to solve this problem. Below are the most common ways to get rid of this difficult problem.


  1. Weathering. This method of elimination is the most effective, it allows gasoline vapors to quickly dissipate. If the smell in the cabin appeared in the summer, then you need to open all the doors, as well as the trunk, so that a draft forms. A fan can be used to speed up this process. If there is a smell of gasoline in winter, then turn on the stove at full power and open the rear and front doors alternately in order to ventilate the interior. Weathering will be useless if there are problems with the tank, as it needs to be changed.
  2. Adsorption of gasoline vapors. To eliminate the smell, you can use caustic soda, activated carbon, silica gel and natural coffee. One of these products is sprinkled on a stain of gasoline. After three days, the agent can be removed, but before removing the absorbent, you need to prepare a rag and detergent to wash off the remaining gasoline. The seats and instrument panel must be wiped with a damp cloth. If the first time you can’t get rid of the smell of fuel, then you need to repeat the procedure.
  3. Car upholstery washing. If you want to eliminate the smell of fuel in the cabin yourself, then you need to add lemon juice to the washing water, as well as a spoonful of ordinary baking soda. However, this method is quite laborious and does not guarantee that the smell will be eliminated.
  4. Car wash. Many car owners do not always have free time, so they solve the problem with a car wash and dry cleaning. Specialists select special products to completely eliminate the smell of gasoline in the cabin, as well as to wash gasoline stains. In addition, they can perform ozonation of the cabin. This will take 20-30 minutes, if the smell does not disappear, then ozonation can be repeated.


Important
Before trying to remove the smell of gasoline from the passenger compartment, you need to eliminate its cause, and for this, eliminate fuel system breakdowns or malfunctioning seals on doors, headlights, and other parts of the car.

To clean the interior from gasoline stains, the Miss Clean website advises using high-quality detergents, and in difficult cases, contact specialists at car washes.

The smell of gasoline in the car: causes and remedies 4.00 /5 (80.00%) 1 vote(s)

While driving suddenly appeared the smell of gasoline in the car. This is a signal that there are malfunctions in the car. A nasty odor causes discomfort, and besides, it can be a precursor to serious problems with the car. So what is the reason for the smell of gasoline in the car, and how to fix the problem?

Reasons for the smell of gasoline in the car:

The smell of gasoline may be due to a fuel leak, which is quite serious. A leak can cause a fire, which is why it must be repaired immediately. All components of the fuel system are not eternal, so sooner or later something may fail.

Leak in the fuel system

The problem can be in any node. The fuel system includes many nodes that are located throughout the car body. All this is done for the sake of general safety. The smell comes from gasoline leaks into the passenger compartment of the car or exhaust gases entering the passenger compartment. It is urgent to contact the service station, the use of a car is impossible and dangerous.

Fuel tank is leaking

Metal tanks, found in some older cars, are subject to corrosion. The result is a fuel leak. In more modern vehicles, the tank is made of plastic. The smell of gasoline in a car interior is most noticeable in station wagons and hatchbacks. Due to the fact that the luggage compartment and the interior are a single whole. Do not delay and do not neglect this malfunction, urgently eliminate it!

Fault in the filler neck

If the car has welded neck, you should pay attention to it. The weld point may crack and fuel leaks. In most cases, the filler neck is screwed to the body. For dense and tight fastening there is a rubber laying . Its damage allows the smell of gasoline to penetrate outside.

Rubber tubes (hoses)

The fuel supply to the car is carried out through rubber tubes. Acting as a transitional element between the tank and the line. Rubber starts over time crack, and leakage may occur through damage.

Fuel tank vent valve damage

The valve body is made of plastic. A branch pipe, also made of plastic, is fixed to this body, and hoses are attached to it to move vapors. Plastic deforms and leaks.

All is well with the fuel system.

In that case, you should inspect the interior of the car, the luggage compartment for fuel stains. If available, wash and ventilate the interior. fuel consumption .

  • Fuel ignition. Gasoline is prone to ignite, a small spark is enough for this.
  • Negative impact on health. Fuel vapors are harmful to the body.
  • In conclusion …

    The smell of gasoline in the car- this is a serious malfunction, it cannot be ignored, because. in the worst case, leads to bad consequences. Set aside all business, and inspect to identify the cause. Not only your health, but also life depends on it!

    This is not only a source of inconvenience, but also a real threat to the health of the driver and passengers. After all, these fumes can cause irreversible consequences in the body. Therefore, when a situation arises when the cabin smells of gasoline, it is necessary to start identifying the breakdown and correcting it as soon as possible.

    As a rule, the reasons for the smell of gasoline in the cabin are incomplete tightness of the gas tank cap, leakage (even insignificant) in the gas tank, leakage of gasoline in the fuel line, at the junctions of its individual elements, damage fuel pump, problems with the catalyst and some others. You can identify the problem yourself, but be sure to follow the fire safety rules!

    Remember that gasoline is flammable and explosive, so follow repair work away from open sources of fire!

    Causes of the smell of gasoline in the cabin

    To begin with, we simply list the main reasons why the smell of gasoline appears in the cabin. So:

    • the tightness of the gas tank cap (more precisely, its rubber gasket or o-ring) is broken;
    • a leak has formed from the gas tank body (most often it forms at the place where the neck is welded directly to the tank body);
    • gasoline flows from the elements of the fuel system or from their connections;
    • emission of exhaust gases from external environment(especially true when driving with open windows in heavy traffic);
    • breakdown of the fuel pump (it lets gasoline vapor into the atmosphere);
    • leaky joints of either the fuel level sensor or the submersible fuel pump module;
    • additional factors (for example, leakage of gasoline from a canister in the trunk, if such a situation takes place, gasoline getting on the surface of the seat, and so on).

    Why does the cabin smell like gasoline?

    So, let's start the discussion in order from the most common causes to the less common. According to statistics, most often the owners of VAZ-2107 cars, as well as VAZ-2110, VAZ-2114 and some other front-wheel drive VAZs, face the problem when they smell of gasoline in the cabin. However, similar problems occur with Daewoo cars Nexia, Niva Chevrolet, Daewoo Lanos, Ford Focus, as well as on old models of Toyota, Opel, Renault and some other cars.

    Leaky joints of the fuel level sensor

    Leaky fuel system joints are a very common cause of a car smelling like gasoline. This is especially true for front-wheel drive VAZs. The fact is that under the rear seat of these machines is the junction of the fuel cells. To perform an appropriate revision, you need to raise the rear seat cushion, tilt the hatch to get to the mentioned elements. After that, tighten all threaded connections that relate to the fuel line.

    If the tightening of the mentioned elements did not help, you can use the usual soaked laundry soap. Its composition is able to prevent the spread of gasoline, as well as its smell. Soap can even lubricate cracks in gas tanks or other elements of the fuel system, since the elements included in its composition reliably seal the joints. Thus, it is possible to smear with soap all the connections of the fuel system under the hatch located under back seat cars. Often this procedure helps in cases where gasoline smells strongly in the cabin. front wheel drive car VAZ.

    Crack between tank and neck

    In most modern cars, the design of the gas tank consists of two parts - the tank itself and the neck welded to it. The welding seam is made in the factory, but over time (from age and / or corrosion) it can delaminate, thereby giving a crack or a small pinpoint leak. Because of this, gasoline will get on the inner surface of the car body, and its smell will spread into the passenger compartment. Such a defect is especially often manifested after refueling or when the tank is more than half full.

    There are also models (although there are few of them) that have a rubber gasket between the neck and the tank itself. It can also crumble over time and leak fuel. The consequences of this will be similar - the smell of gasoline in the cabin.

    To eliminate this problem, it is necessary to revise the tank body, as well as look for fuel leaks on the tank body, as well as on the elements of the machine body located under it. In the event of a leak, there are two options. The first - complete replacement tank for a new one. The second is the use of the already mentioned softened laundry soap. With it, you can close the gap, and as practice shows, you can ride with such a tank for several more years. Which of these options to choose is up to the car owner to decide. However, replacing the tank will still be a more reliable option.

    An interesting and quite popular reason (especially for domestic cars) that the smell of gasoline appears immediately after refueling is that leaky rubber tube connecting the gas tank neck with his body. Or another similar option may be when the clamp connecting this tube and the gas tank does not hold well. During the refueling process, pressurized gasoline hits the rubber band and clamp, and some of the gasoline may be on the surface of the tube or said connection.

    Fuel pump manhole cover

    This situation is relevant for injection engines. They have a cap fixed on the fuel tank, on which the high-pressure fuel pump and fuel level sensor are held, which are located inside the tank. Said cover is usually attached to the tank with screws, and there is a sealing gasket under the cover. It is she who can lose weight over time and let gasoline vapors from fuel tank. This is especially true if recently, before the situation when there was a smell of gasoline in the cabin, the fuel pump and / or fuel level sensor or fuel filter were repaired or replaced (the cover is often unscrewed to clean the coarse fuel mesh). During reassembly, the seal may have been broken.

    Elimination of the consequences is correct installation or replacing said gasket. It also makes sense to use an oil-resistant sealant. Experts note that the mentioned gasket should be made of gasoline-resistant rubber. Otherwise, it will swell. It is also noted that the smell of gasoline is especially pronounced after refueling with a leaky gasket on the gas tank. Therefore, it makes sense to also check it geometric dimensions and the general condition (whether it has dried up or vice versa, has it swollen). If necessary, the gasket must be replaced.

    Fuel pump

    Most often, the carburetor fuel pump skips gasoline (for example, on popular VAZ-2107 cars). Usually the reasons for its failure are:

    • wear of the fuel gasket;
    • failure of the membrane (the formation of a crack or a hole in it);
    • incorrect installation of fuel line fittings (skewed, insufficient tightening).

    Repair of the fuel pump must be carried out in accordance with the reasons listed above. Car dealerships have repair kits for repairing the fuel pump. Changing the membrane or gasket is not difficult, and even a novice car enthusiast can handle this job. It also makes sense to check how the fittings are installed. In particular, whether they are warped and whether they have sufficient tightening torque. You should also pay attention to the presence of gasoline smudges on their body.

    To reduce the transmission of odors from the engine compartment to the passenger compartment, instead of a leaky gasket under the engine hood, you can lay a heater for water pipes on top of it.

    Fuel filter

    Actual for carbureted cars, in which the mentioned filter is located in the engine compartment. Two options are possible here - either it is very clogged and emits a fetid odor that is transmitted to the car interior, or its incorrect installation. Moreover, it can be a filter of both coarse and fine cleaning. In the first case, the filter is clogged with various debris, which actually emits an unpleasant odor. In addition, this situation is very harmful to the fuel pump, which works with excessive load. In carburetor engines, the fuel filter is located in front of the carburetor, and in injection engines - under the bottom of the car. Remember that it makes no sense to clean the filter, and it is necessary to replace it in accordance with the regulations for each specific model of the machine. In most cases, it is not allowed to drive with the filter installed for more than 30 thousand kilometers.

    The second option is incorrect installation of the filter, when gasoline leaks before or after the filter. The cause of the situation may be a misalignment or insufficient sealing of the connections (clamps or quick-release fittings). To eliminate the causes of failure, it is necessary to revise the filter. That is, check the correct installation, as well as the degree of contamination of the filter element. By the way, often when clogged fuel filter on a carbureted car, there is a smell of gasoline in the cabin when the stove is turned on.

    Incorrectly tuned carburetor

    For machines that have carbureted engine, a situation may arise in which an incorrectly configured one performs excessive fuel consumption. At the same time, its unburned residues will seep out into the engine compartment, while evaporating and emitting a specific smell. From the engine compartment, vapors can also enter the cabin. Especially if you turn on the stove.

    Drivers of older carbureted cars often use a so-called suction regulator to increase gasoline in the carburetor to facilitate starting the engine. Moreover, if you overdo it using suction and pump up excess gasoline, then its smell can easily spread into the cabin.

    The solution here is simple, and it lies in the correct setting of the carburetor so that it uses the optimal amount of fuel for its work.

    Absorber

    On those machines that are equipped with an absorber, that is, a gasoline vapor filter, (fuel pressure feedback system), it is this unit that can cause the smell of gasoline. So, the absorber is designed to collect gasoline vapors that evaporate from the tank and do not get back in the form of condensate. Vapors enter the absorber, after which it is purged, the vapors are removed to the receiver, where they are burned. With a partial failure of the absorber (if it is clogged), some of the vapors can enter the passenger compartment, thereby causing a specific unpleasant odor. Usually this occurs due to the failure of the absorber valves.

    If a vacuum occurs in the tank, a situation may arise when one of the rubber tubes through which the fuel flows is broken. Over time, it can simply crack, thereby passing gasoline in liquid or gaseous form.

    It is also possible that both valves located in the line between the absorber and the separator may fail. In this case, the natural movement of gasoline vapors is disturbed, and some of them may enter the atmosphere or the passenger compartment. To eliminate them, you need to revise them, and if necessary, replace them.

    Some car owners, in particular, owners of injector VAZ-2107, exclude one main pipeline valve from the system, leaving an emergency one instead. As practice shows, often the main valve begins to etch and let gasoline vapor into the passenger compartment.

    Loss of tightness of a cap of a gas tank

    The tightness of the lid is ensured by a gasket located along its inner perimeter. Some (modern) lids have a valve that lets air into the tank, thereby normalizing the pressure in it. If the said gasket is leaky (the rubber has burst due to old age or mechanical damage has occurred), then gasoline vapors can come out from under the tank cap and enter the passenger compartment (especially true for station wagon and hatchback cars). In another case, the said valve may fail. That is, it can pass back vapors of gasoline.

    The reason is relevant for a situation where there is more than half the volume of gasoline in the tank. During sharp turns or when driving on rough roads, fuel may partially splash out through a leaky plug.

    There are two exits here. The first is to replace the gasket with a new one (or if there is none, then it makes sense to add it to the plastic o-ring). It can be made independently from gasoline-resistant rubber, and put it on a sealant. Another way out is to completely replace the tank cap with a new one. This is especially true in case of failure of the said valve. The first option is much cheaper.

    An indirect sign that it was the gas tank cap that has lost its tightness is that the smell of gasoline is felt not only in the passenger compartment, but also near it. In particular, when driving with the windows open, the smell of gasoline is felt.

    Gas tank separator

    Some domestic front-wheel drive VAZs (for example, the VAZ-21093 with an injection engine) have a so-called gas tank separator. It is a small plastic tank mounted above fuel neck. It is designed to equalize the pressure of gasoline in the fuel tank. Vapors of gasoline condense on its walls and again fall into the gas tank. A two-way valve is used to control the pressure in the separator.

    Since the separator is made of plastic, there are cases when its body cracks. As a result, gasoline vapors come out of it, getting into the cabin. The way out of this situation is simple, and it consists in replacing the separator with a new one. It is inexpensive and can be purchased at most auto parts stores. Another way out, which, however, requires a change in the fuel system, is to exclude the separator altogether, and instead use a modern plug with a valve on the neck, which lets air into the tank, thereby regulating the pressure in it.

    Spark plug

    In particular, if one or more spark plugs were screwed in with insufficient torque, then gasoline vapors can escape from under it (them), falling into the engine compartment. Also, the situation is accompanied by the fact that not all fuel supplied to the candles is burned. And this threatens with excessive consumption of gasoline, a decrease in engine power, a decrease in compression, and worsens.

    In the event that the candles are loosely screwed into their seats, then it is necessary to tighten them yourself by doing in parallel. Ideally, it is better to find out the value of the tightening torque, and use a torque wrench for this. If this is not possible, then you should act on a whim, but do not overdo it so as not to break the thread. It is better to pre-lubricate the surface of the thread so that in the future the candle does not stick, and its dismantling does not turn into a painful event.

    Worn o-rings

    We are talking about worn o-rings located on the injectors injection engine. They can wear out due to old age or due to mechanical damage. Because of this, the rings lose their tightness and allow a small amount of fuel to pass out, which is quite enough to form an unpleasant odor in the engine compartment, and then in the cabin.

    This situation can lead to excessive fuel consumption and a decrease in engine power. Therefore, if possible, it is necessary to replace the mentioned rings with new ones, since they are inexpensive, and the replacement procedure is simple.

    Some modern front-wheel drive VAZs (for example, Kalina) occasionally have a problem when the O-ring of the fuel line suitable for the injectors partially fails. Because of this, the fuel enters the engine housing and evaporates. Then the couples can get into the salon. You can correct the situation by performing a thorough audit to determine the location of the leak and replacing the sealing ring.

    Clogged catalyst

    The task of the automobile catalyst is to burn the exhaust leaving the engine with fuel elements to the state of inert gases. However, over time (during operation or from old age), this unit may not be able to cope with its tasks, and pass gasoline fumes through its system. Thus, gasoline enters the atmosphere, and its vapors can be drawn into the passenger compartment by the ventilation system.

    Fuel system damage

    Vehicle fuel system

    In some cases, there is damage individual elements fuel system or leak at their junction. In most cars, the fuel system is mounted on the bottom and often its elements are hidden from direct access. Therefore, to carry out their revision, it is necessary to dismantle the interior elements that interfere with direct access. Most often, rubber pipes and / or hoses fail. Rubber ages and cracks, and as a result, it leaks.

    The verification work is quite troublesome, however, if all the verification methods listed above did not work to eliminate the smell of gasoline in the cabin, then it also makes sense to revise the elements of the car's fuel system.

    Rear door seal

    In most modern cars, the fuel filler neck is located on the right or left side of the rear of the body (on the so-called hind wings). During the refueling process, a certain amount of gasoline vapor is released into the atmosphere. If the rubber seal of the rear door, on the side of which the gas tank is located, allows air to pass through significantly, then the mentioned gasoline vapors may enter the passenger compartment of the car. Naturally, after this, an unpleasant smell will occur in the cars.

    You can fix the damage by replacing the seal. In some cases (for example, if the seal is not yet very worn), you can try to lubricate the seal. It will soften the rubber and make it more elastic. An indirect sign of such a breakdown is that the smell of gasoline in the cabin appears after refueling. Moreover, the longer the car refuels (the more fuel is poured into its tank), the stronger the smell.

    Entry of gasoline into the cabin

    This is a fairly obvious reason that can occur, for example, when gasoline is transported in a canister in the trunk or in the passenger compartment of a car. If at the same time the lid is not closed tightly or there are dirt on the surface of the canister, including traces of gasoline, then the corresponding smell will quickly spread throughout the cabin. However, the positive news here is that the reason is obvious. However, eliminating the smell that has appeared is sometimes quite difficult.

    Poor quality gasoline

    If low-quality fuel that does not completely burn out is poured into the gas tank, then a situation is possible when the vapors of unburned fuel will spread both in the passenger compartment and around it. Spark plugs will tell you about the use of low-quality fuel. If their working (lower) part has red soot, it is likely that low-quality fuel was filled.

    Remember that the use of bad gasoline is very harmful to the car's fuel system. Therefore, try to refuel at proven gas stations, and do not pour gasoline or similar chemical compounds into the tank.

    What to do after troubleshooting

    After the reason is found, due to which an unpleasant gasoline aroma spread throughout the interior of the car, it is imperative to clean this very interior. That is, to get rid of the remnants of the smell, which are probably present there, since gasoline vapors are very volatile and easily eat into a variety of (especially cloth) materials, making themselves felt for a long time. And sometimes getting rid of this smell is not easy.

    Car owners use the most different means and methods - fragrances, dishwashing detergents, vinegar, baking soda, ground coffee and some other so-called folk remedies. However, it is best to use chemical interior cleaning or ozone cleaning for this. Both of these procedures are performed in specialized centers using appropriate equipment and chemicals. Performing the mentioned cleanings is guaranteed to get rid of the unpleasant smell of gasoline in the interior of your car.

    Conclusion

    remember, that gasoline vapors are very harmful to the human body. Therefore, if you detect the slightest smell of gasoline in the cabin, and even more so if it appears on a regular basis, immediately take a set of measures to find and eliminate the causes of this phenomenon. Also, do not forget that gasoline vapors are flammable and explosive. Therefore, when performing appropriate work be sure to follow the fire safety rules. And it is better to work outside or in a well-ventilated area so that gasoline vapors do not enter your body.

    Residents of large cities can consider the interior of the car as a second home. Many people have to drive for hours to get to work, and the situation is similar on the way home. At the same time, with comfort modern cars complete order, and you can sit comfortably in them, both when driving and in a traffic jam. But it can seriously spoil the pleasure of driving a car with an unpleasant smell in the cabin. Fresheners help with many of them, but not with gasoline.

    If there is a strong smell of gasoline in the car interior, then the car is faulty. For a long time, inhaling fuel vapors is dangerous for the body, and if the problem lies in the malfunction of some vehicle components, there is a high risk that they will fail and require expensive repairs. To protect your health and wallet, you should figure out why the cabin smells of gasoline and eliminate the cause as soon as possible.

    Why does the cabin smell of gasoline: the main reasons

    It is quite difficult to unequivocally name the cause of the smell of fuel in a car. It is believed that for cars Russian production, especially with high mileage, this situation is the norm, but it is not. Most often, the unpleasant smell of gasoline in the car appears for one of the following reasons:


    The above are the most common reasons why the smell of gasoline appears in the car. There are more specific situations, for example, the problem may be related to the car door trim, near which the gas tank is located. If the lining or seal in the car door has become unusable, odors will be heard from the fuel tank hatch in the cabin.

    The easiest way to determine the cause of the smell of gasoline in the car is at the station Maintenance. Specialists can check the car using diagnostic equipment, and if no errors are found, it will be possible to exclude problems with the engine, fuel system and other units and look for a simpler cause to eliminate.

    How to eliminate the smell of gasoline in the car

    Often the cause of the appearance of an unpleasant smell of fuel in the passenger compartment of the car is the negligence of the driver himself. If you accidentally spill a little gasoline on the seats, floor, rugs, or even in the trunk, its smell will certainly penetrate the cabin. The detected hearth, from which the aromas of fuel come, must be cleaned and the smell removed from it. This can be done using car shampoos, but if the smell of gasoline continues to remain even after them, then you can try "folk remedies".

    To eliminate the smell of gasoline from the car interior, you can apply:


    The "folk remedies" described above for eliminating the smell of gasoline from the car's interior are quite effective, but specialized "chemistry" can also be found in stores.

    It becomes completely uncomfortable in the car if the smell of gasoline suddenly appears in the cabin. As a rule, it serves as a harbinger of trouble. Most likely there was a fuel leak somewhere. This can happen in many places, but you still need to find and eliminate the source of the smell.

    The smell of gasoline in the car

    There are several reasons for the smell of gasoline in the passenger compartment of a car. Sometimes it is difficult to determine where it comes from. Moreover, the smell of gasoline sometimes occurs only under certain certain conditions, for example, on a fully loaded car, or when the tank is filled. But, nevertheless, several places are well known that can serve as sources for the spread of fuel aromas:

    1. Car tank. It can leak, and then fuel will begin to leave through the hole formed, and its fumes will penetrate into the passenger compartment. The reasons why this happens can be very different, ranging from damage to the tank mount, as a result of which it begins to move, and ending with leaking welds.
    2. Tank cap. Sometimes the smell of gasoline comes from here. To ensure tight closure, it is equipped with a special gasket and a valve that relieves excess pressure when the fuel expands. If the gasket cracked over time, or the valve is faulty, then they will serve as a source of aroma.
    3. Fuel line, clamps and pipes. It is through them that gasoline from the tank goes to the engine, over time, hoses can begin to leak and their attachment points weaken. Then fuel will begin to leave through them, which will cause the penetration of fumes into the cabin.
    4. Gasoline pump. When it is defective or clogged, it may well become a source of unpleasant odors. On the injection machine the pump is in the tank, while on the carburetor it is outside it. And if in this case the gasket at least just leaks at the pump, then the smell of gasoline will be provided.
    5. Fuel filter. It is quite possible that during long-term operation it will be clogged with dirt, the pressure in the line will rise, which will cause leakage, for example, clamps. To eliminate the unpleasant and odorous fumes that occur, it is enough to replace the fuel filter.
    6. Carburetor. If the adjustment is incorrect, the fuel will overflow, and its fumes under the hood will serve as a source of unpleasant odors.
    7. The ingress of unpleasant odors from the outside. Particles of unburned fuel from an oncoming or passing car entering the passenger compartment through the outside air intake system while driving can also serve as a source of an unpleasant odor.

    The smell of gasoline when starting the engine

    The situation looks somewhat different when starting the engine, especially in winter. At the same time, the smell of gasoline is quite often felt, sometimes so strong that it gives the impression of a stream of fuel pouring out. However, if after warming up the engine it disappears, there is nothing to worry about.

    When starting a cold engine, the ignition controller in the car makes the mixture too rich. As a result, part of the fuel does not burn and is thrown out of the exhaust pipe to the street, which will cause the smell of gasoline.

    This can happen even due to one idle engine cylinder, but if this is a permanent defect, then it will be accompanied by other manifestations, such as loss of power or deterioration in driving dynamics.

    If a similar phenomenon exists only at startup and disappears when the engine warms up, then it is associated only with a cold start, when the temperature rises, the normal operation of the motor should be restored.

    The smell of gasoline from the exhaust pipe

    In this case, the situation is not so clear. Of course, the smell of gasoline coming from the exhaust pipe can also be caused by a rich mixture, as with a cold start, but this problem should be considered a little wider. The smell indicates incomplete combustion of fuel, but the reasons may be different.

    These include wires, candles, ignition coils, DMRV, lambda probe, catalyst and much more. Such a variety of reasons makes it difficult to independently determine why the smell of fuel comes from the exhaust pipe. Therefore, it would be best to call in for a diagnosis.

    Gasoline smell in engine oil

    It is especially worth mentioning the situation when fuel is found in the oil. This may be indicated by the smell of gasoline from the oil filler neck. The reasons may be:

    • incomplete combustion of fuel;
    • cold engine starts and driving on a cold engine for short distances;
    • idle cylinders;
    • frequent engine operation idling(mode of movement in the city);
    • hit through solenoid valves or nozzles;
    • worn or loose injectors.

    The consequence of this will be dilution of the oil and loss of viscosity, which worsens lubrication conditions, especially assemblies subjected to significant loads. Serious damage can occur when the engine is frequently started cold. If the engine is well warmed up, then gasoline evaporates and does not adversely affect the oil.

    Many drivers are familiar with the situation when, when starting the engine, it smells of gasoline from the exhaust pipe or its smell enters the car interior. This should serve as a factor indicating certain problems. In such cases, you must independently take the necessary measures or call on the service station for diagnostics.

    It is worth remembering that both gasoline itself and its vapors are explosive, and you should definitely not joke with such things.

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