22 replies to this topic

[PAWL3Y]

There is the smell of petrol in my car and was wondering if anyone had any advice on finding what's causing it? It literally smells like a petrol station although not as strong, but after long periods in the car I've noticed my eyes will start stinging

I think it might be coming from the boot, and after searching the forums it seems it might be a leak or a breather pipe? But I am a complete novice at things like this and am unsure what's the best way to safely check for a leak or where the breather is?

If anyone has any ideas or advice it would be greatly appreciated, can upload pictures if needed

Cheers,
Chris

[Remylebleu]

my car smells of petrol for a couple of days after ive put a full tank in haha

dont know if that helps

[Dan]

Lift the spare wheel out, you might find a lake of petrol in there. If you do, lift the rear seat out as it's probably soaked in fuel. If you do it could be a leak from the fuel line or the gauge sender, or the tank itself as they rust through. If you don't it's probably a venting problem. But unless you tell us what Mini it is, it's hard to say how the vent should be connected.

DO NOT GO ANYWHERE NEAR THE BATTERY OR REMOVE THE COVER FROM IT OR TOUCH ANYTHING
ELSE ELECTRICAL BEFORE FINDING OUT IF YOUR CAR IS FULL OF FUEL VAPOUR.

[PAWL3Y]

Lift the spare wheel out, you might find a lake of petrol in there. If you do, lift the rear seat out as it's probably soaked in fuel. If you do it could be a leak from the fuel line or the gauge sender, or the tank itself as they rust through. If you don't it's probably a venting problem. But unless you tell us what Mini it is, it's hard to say how the vent should be connected.

sorry forgot that it's 1992 Mini City

Whilst installing speakers in yesterday there was no sign of any leaks under the spare tire or rear seats, probably be being a bit dumb but could it be coming from the carb/? There are a few holes that are left open around the carb and air filter? :S

[MINI WILL]

I had the same thing it was leaking from the carb i think it was a worn out spindle?

[Remylebleu]

you did say the smell came from the back......but now you mentioned the carb, i had a similar issue where my carb needed a refurb because i hadnt filled the dashpot with oil and it f**ked the needle up and i had a small crack in the back of the outlet pipes down to the exhaust, so some fumes where escaping at the front and coming in through the dash.

[PAWL3Y]

you did say the smell came from the back......but now you mentioned the carb, i had a similar issue where my carb needed a refurb because i hadnt filled the dashpot with oil and it f**ked the needle up and i had a small crack in the back of the outlet pipes down to the exhaust, so some fumes where escaping at the front and coming in through the dash.

I thought it might be coming from the boot but the smell is all around, infact my brother had said it might be coming through the wire hole in the dash, I can upload pictures of my carb and tank when its light because knowing me I am missing something painfully simple

[PAWL3Y]

and thanks for the help everyone I really appreciate it

[Dan]

Does it smell strongly of fuel when you open the bonnet? It shouldn't.

[PAWL3Y]

Does it smell strongly of fuel when you open the bonnet? It shouldn't.

I will double check tomorrow, but I only ever remember a very slight smell

I apologise for the vagueness but the more I drive it seems the more I become used to the smell, I am constantly reminded by friends how much it smells though

Tomorrow I will check for any petrol smells around the car and upload any pics that might be helpfull

Yet again thanks everyone for the help

[Dan]

I think we can understand an increasing vagueness if you are inhaling a lot of petrol.

[PAWL3Y]

I think we can understand an increasing vagueness if you are inhaling a lot of petrol.

that's what worries me, If I pass out any time soon ill let you know

Edited by PAWL3Y, 06 February 2012 - 09:23 PM.

[MINI WILL]

Have a looked under the boot floor it might be the rubber pipe from the fuel tank it might be split and leaking or you might have knocked off the breather pipe whilst installing speakers maybe ?

Edited by MINI WILL, 06 February 2012 - 09:50 PM.

[bmcecosse]

As others have said - worry about any neat petrol - search hard and long because that could be fatal.......... Otherwise - any sign of dripping from the carb when the engine is running? Sure it's petrol - not oil fumes?? Are the engine breathers connected to the carb - to suck away the oil fumes from the crankcase?

[PAWL3Y]

After looking today I am pretty sure the smell of petrol is coming from the boot, I took the spare tire out and checked for any petrol on that but it seems fine and there are no obvious puddles or leaks in that area.

I've attached 2 pics of some tubes at the top and bottom of the petrol tank, what are these and could there be a leak in one of them causing the smell? :S

Attached Files

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•  DSC_0066.JPG   3.2MB   52 downloads