Gas smell inside cabin

L

Larry

Registered
We left Palm Springs at sea level and drove over the back way to San Diego. The road is very windy and goes from sea level to 6,000 feet in about 20 miles. We were driving the 1998 CE with 32,000 miles.
No mods except for metal matrix drive shaft and 255x50x16 Michelins.
At about 15 miles into the climb(Pushing hard) the strong gas smell came inside. VERY Strong! We opened the windows and turned off everything. It continued for 10 miles. The car would also stumble as out of gas. I was able to restart the engine by shifting down to 2nd gear.
I looked all over for a gas leak and found no leaks from the engine area, tank or on the rear bumper.
ANY ideas??? No lights were alarming on the dash.
After about 50 miles we returnrd to the freeway and it cruised at 85mph without any smell or problems and gave us 30 mpg as an average over the 500 mile trip.
 
RE: Gas smell inside cabin

By the way, if it ever stalls while you’re moving, you can move it into neutral to restart it... Dunno how it let you start it while it’s in 2nd.

I want to say fuel pump, but at that type of mileage, it’s unheard of. In the mean time, its probebly best to change the fuel filter.
 
RE: Gas smell inside cabin

The fuel filter, if clogged, might explain the stumbling. However, it wouldn't explain the strong smell of fuel in the cabin. I had a '93 Taurus once where I accidentally drove over a pothole and punctured a fuel line. It sprayed slightly and, depending on wind, etc., it would not have puddled beneath the car. It was immediately "smellable" from inside though.

I'd suggest getting the car up on a rack and inspecting the fuel delivery lines. If one got damaged, it could also also air to get it and perhaps wreak a little havoc with the fuel injection - thus the stumble. Just what I'd check. Good luck.
 
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