1990 Geo Prizm GAS SMELL

KATES725

MEMBER
1990 GEO PRIZM

Smells problem
1990 Geo Prizm 4 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic

WHILE MY CAR IS WARMING UP IN THE MORNING I CAN SMELL GAS HEAVALY. I DO NOT SEE A LEAK BUT IT IS ALSO HARD TO SEE ANYTHIGN IN THE MORNING. IS THERE ANYTHING THAT I CAN CHECK OR ANY SUGGESTIONS ON WHY I WOULD BE ABLE TO SMELL THE GAS SO MUCH. WHEN I DRIVE IT I REALLY DO NOT SMELL IT AT ALL. IT SEEMS TO BE DOING IT MORE WHEN IT IS IDILING.

1 Reply

MMPRINCE4000

MECHANIC
8,548 POSTS

Start with the fuel rail, inspect injector seals (two per injector) one in head and one in fuel rail. Look for leaks.
Inspect hose connection at end of rail to fuel filter, again look for leaks. Inspect fuel filter connections, one on top one on bottom, look for leaks.
Inspect steel lines from fuel filter back to tank for rust, leaks.

If all OK, then go back to rail, remove fuel pressure regulator vacuum line and look for gas present. If there, the replace the FPR.

Inspect cold start valve connections, one on fuel rail and one on intake manifold, again look for leaks.

Best test is to check fuel pressure with a mechanical gauge, but on this car it requires a special tool set.

Drain oil, if you smell the presence of gas, you may have a faulty injector. Refill with fresh oil (filter) and use noid lignt to confirm injectors are pulsing, if not (constantly on) then a wiring problem or bad ECM.