What is causing the raw gas smell coming from the car.

2002 FORD TAURUS
101,700 MILES
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RRCRA
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
It may be the emission control system that has gone bad, but the raw gas
odor is strong. I have checked and found no leaks, so I assume it is gas
vapors, but am not sure what to check. I would appreciate any insight
you can give me on this problem.

Thanks
Oct 29, 2011 at 8:55 PM
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CARADIODOC
  • AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 34,308 POSTS
Does the engine have to be running to smell the gas? If not, suspect the gas tank or filler tube. Look under the car for signs of stains running down from the top of the tank.

If you only smell it with the engine running, look on the top of the engine for wetness around the injectors. That would be a sign of leaking o-rings. They commonly shrink and leak in colder weather.

If you only smell the raw fuel at the tail pipe, suspect an engine misfire. The oxygen sensors will detect the unburned oxygen, then the Engine Computer will command more fuel to go with it. The unburned fuel, along with the additional fuel, will be present at the tail pipe.
Oct 30, 2011 at 7:28 PM
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