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General Forums => The Mess Hall => Topic started by: jfrabat on January 09, 2013, 01:10:59 PM

Title: Fuel smell
Post by: jfrabat on January 09, 2013, 01:10:59 PM
OK, so I have had this for a while, but since the Jeep is now my daily driver, it is driving me nuts.  After I drive for a while, there is a fuel smell near the gas cap (it actually comes from inside the body, where the hoses are; keep in mind I do not have that little plastic part on the bottom that hides the inside of the tub from the elements thrown that way by the tires).  I lowered the tank a couple of times to try to find the culprit, but no luck; I have replaced all the lines (except the ones that go behind the frame, which I have not been able to track down, but those are farther front and seem to be in good condition), and I have moved the tank (while out of the jeep) around to see if there is anything that leaks (and there is not).  I have also checked and replaced the cap thinking that was the problem, but no dice.

I SUSPECT that the problem is the two little rollover valves' seal give a bit when the tank presurizes, but I have seen nowhere that sells the rubber gromets they sit on.  Any other ideas where the smell could be coming from?

Felipe
Title: Re: Fule smell
Post by: Jeffy on January 09, 2013, 01:31:46 PM
Fule smell?  Petrol?  My first guess is the fuel line that connects the hard-line to the fuel filter.  It's under pressure and doesn't usually leak unless the system is charged.  Gas dries fast so you have to look for it after you've driven it.  If it leaks a lot you can feel gas behind the plate that covers the filter.

Keep in mind the tank isn't usually under pressure.  Pulling fuel does cause a vacuum though.  Though, many years ago there was a recall for the o-ring seal around the pump.  I still say the 2" L shaped hose though.
Title: Re: Fule smell
Post by: jfrabat on January 09, 2013, 02:57:28 PM
Fule smell?  Petrol?  My first guess is the fuel line that connects the hard-line to the fuel filter.  It's under pressure and doesn't usually leak unless the system is charged.  Gas dries fast so you have to look for it after you've driven it.  If it leaks a lot you can feel gas behind the plate that covers the filter.

Keep in mind the tank isn't usually under pressure.  Pulling fuel does cause a vacuum though.  Though, many years ago there was a recall for the o-ring seal around the pump.  I still say the 2" L shaped hose though.

Sorry for the typo...  Was supossed to be FUEL, as in gasoline.

I replaced the hoses from the fuel filler neck to the tank (twice, actually), so I am pretty sure it's not that.  Could be the filter, I have not checked that...  I don't know if it is pressure or vaccum, but after I drive the jeep for a while, and I open the gas cap, you can hear a rush of air (always though it was coming out, but I could be wrong).
Title: Re: Fule smell
Post by: aw12345 on January 09, 2013, 05:30:25 PM
If somebody in your neck of the woods has an automotive style smoke machine have them take a go at it it should show where it leaks much better success rate then any other detection method
Title: Re: Fule smell
Post by: jfrabat on January 09, 2013, 05:35:05 PM
If somebody in your neck of the woods has an automotive style smoke machine have them take a go at it it should show where it leaks much better success rate then any other detection method

I Dont even know what that is...  much less if they have it!
Title: Re: Fule smell
Post by: grumpygy on January 09, 2013, 05:40:22 PM
The fuel Gauge Pump cover could be it.  It was a recall for that year.  Its a new Gasket and a thicker Plate with longer Screws.
Title: Re: Fule smell
Post by: jfrabat on January 09, 2013, 07:00:10 PM
The fuel Gauge Pump cover could be it.  It was a recall for that year.  Its a new Gasket and a thicker Plate with longer Screws.

I replaced that gasket like 4 or 5 years ago, though...
Title: Re: Fule smell
Post by: grumpygy on January 10, 2013, 08:37:03 AM
I replaced that gasket like 4 or 5 years ago, though...

It was the Plate that was needed cause the other warped to easy.
Title: Re: Fuel smell
Post by: sharpxmen on January 10, 2013, 08:53:29 AM
you can put some pressure in it slowly and listen for hissing (i mean 1 or 2 psi, a hand pump is probably ok for that), you would probably want to use the return line and block the evap line, the main fuel line is fine since is holding a lot more than that at the regulator
Title: Re: Fuel smell
Post by: neale_rs on January 10, 2013, 09:31:44 AM
The fact that the tank hold pressure of vacuum shows that it is fairly well sealed.  Mine does the same thing and I haven't figured out it is pressure or vacuum.  If it is pressure, then the vents might be blocked and the tank probably only smells when the pressure builds up a lot.  If it is vacuum, then why would it smell?  You would think the vapors would be pulled to the source of the vacuum.
Title: Re: Fuel smell
Post by: sharpxmen on January 10, 2013, 09:47:45 AM
the fuel cap won't hold vacuum, will only hold pressure but to a certain limit (the fuel cap is built that way).
Title: Re: Fuel smell
Post by: neale_rs on January 10, 2013, 11:16:16 AM
Thanks, that is a good thing to know.  On my YJ it only smells once in a while but it would be good to track it down.
Title: Re: Fule smell
Post by: jfrabat on January 11, 2013, 09:45:45 AM
It was the Plate that was needed cause the other warped to easy.

It would probaby be good to get a new fuel assembly then... Could even take the opportunity to finally switch the sending unit to the 20 gal tank that I now run!  I would still like to take the opportunity to replace all the tank's seals (including the rollover valves o r whatever those two little valves at the sides of the sending unit are).  Any idea on where to order all this stuff?  Like the cheapest reputable place to order the sending unit and gasket?
Title: Re: Fule smell
Post by: grumpygy on January 11, 2013, 03:54:47 PM
It would probaby be good to get a new fuel assembly then... Could even take the opportunity to finally switch the sending unit to the 20 gal tank that I now run!  I would still like to take the opportunity to replace all the tank's seals (including the rollover valves o r whatever those two little valves at the sides of the sending unit are).  Any idea on where to order all this stuff?  Like the cheapest reputable place to order the sending unit and gasket?

No but if you find it post it. :slapfight:
Title: Re: Fule smell
Post by: jfrabat on January 11, 2013, 04:29:47 PM
No but if you find it post it. :slapfight:

I found the fuel sending unit (http://www.4wd.com/Jeep-Engine-Performance/Fuel-Sending-Unit.aspx?t_c=74&t_s=433&t_pt=7986&t_pn=CRO5003861AA), fuel sender unit gasket (http://www.4wd.com/Jeep-Engine-Performance/Fuel-Sender-Unit-Gasket.aspx?t_c=74&t_s=433&t_pt=101426&t_pn=CRO52127833), the fuel vapor valve (http://www.4wd.com/Jeep-Engine-Performance/Fuel-Vapor-Valve.aspx?t_c=74&t_s=433&t_pt=101425&t_pn=JEPJ5360058), and the fuel check valve seal (http://www.4wd.com/Jeep-Engine-Performance/Fuel-Check-Valve-Seal.aspx?t_c=74&t_s=433&t_pt=101425&t_pn=CRO52018823) in www.4wd.com.  I think I may just order the whole thing there and call it good!  I will also change the filter just in case this is the cause, but I can get that in Panama.

You can see the schematics and the parts themselves here (http://www.4wd.com/hardparts/HP_PartList.aspx?hpDID=237).
Title: Re: Fuel smell
Post by: sharpxmen on January 11, 2013, 07:29:49 PM
just a thought - did you ever try with a new gas cap? just wondering as it would be the easiest thing to swap, dunno if that's it but might be worth a shot. You could also try to take it off and see if the smell is worse while driving, if it is then the cap might be a good candidate.
Title: Re: Fuel smell
Post by: jfrabat on January 12, 2013, 01:35:27 PM
just a thought - did you ever try with a new gas cap? just wondering as it would be the easiest thing to swap, dunno if that's it but might be worth a shot. You could also try to take it off and see if the smell is worse while driving, if it is then the cap might be a good candidate.

Yeah, I tried3 of them...
Title: Re: Fuel smell
Post by: Jeffy on January 12, 2013, 02:04:44 PM
Where does it sell the worst?

In CA we have EVAP tests where they pressurize the tank with nitrogen and test the evap valve as well as the gas cap.
Title: Re: Fuel smell
Post by: jfrabat on January 12, 2013, 02:24:24 PM
Where does it sell the worse

Right behind the rear drivers side wheel (underneath the Jeep), so it COULD be the filter...
Title: Re: Fuel smell
Post by: Jeffy on January 12, 2013, 05:30:35 PM
I'd probably say fuel filter or that stupid rubber hose.  I replaced mine with high pressure straight line with a gradual bend.  The bend attracts dirt and dust and the bend stresses the rubber.
Title: Re: Fuel smell
Post by: jfrabat on January 12, 2013, 07:10:27 PM
I'd probably say fuel filter or that stupid rubber hose.  I replaced mine with high pressure straight line with a gradual bend.  The bend attracts dirt and dust and the bend stresses the rubber.

Which hose?  The one to the filter?  In or out?
Title: Re: Fuel smell
Post by: Jeffy on January 12, 2013, 07:28:44 PM
Which hose?  The one to the filter?  In or out?
The one going in is the L shaped one but it could be the output or the filter itself.  If you smell it in the driver rear wheel well, it's probably one of those.
Title: Re: Fuel smell
Post by: bukdwn on April 09, 2013, 10:46:45 AM
Yes, I know this is a 60 day old thread.   I had the exact same problem with my 95 2.5.   I looked and smelled everything. Removed the fuel tank.  Could not find the problem.   So i took out the Fuel Pressure Regulator.  The small O-Ring had a pretty good rip in it,   i must have done it when last installed.
 Went to the local Hardware store and found the one i needed.  put some grease on the o-ring and installed it.  NOW,  no more smell and it runs alot better.   I hope this can help somebody.