Gas smell in cabin.

[Larry1971]

On a few occasions in the past couple of weeks, I've been able to smell gas in the cabin of my 2002 Explorer XLT 4.6L V8.

I checked the gas cap for cracks, the rubber is good, but noticed the flange in the tank is not closed all the way. Could this be causing vapors to leak into the cabin?

I've only had my vehicle a couple of months, and I'm getting tired of all the "Common Ford Problems" I'm running into.

Thanks

 

[974X4BLACKSPORT]

Better check ALL your external fuel lines, hoses, evap plumbing, fuel rail, fuel filter. Any trouble codes, CHECK ENGINE light?

 

[Larry1971]

Better check ALL your external fuel lines, hoses, evap plumbing, fuel rail, fuel filter. Any trouble codes, CHECK ENGINE light?

No CEL. I'll run a scan later and see if I get any codes. I might have to take it to a shop as I live in an apartment and can't do any maintenance in my parking spot. I'm not too keen on looking under it on the street.

 

[gtyates]

Do you have nay problems starting the truck after fueling it up? My Sport Trac had a faint gas smell, on occasion, and was also hard to strartafter fueling. It was the fuel vapor purge valve, located under the main electric box in under the hood. Quick fix and problem was solved.

 

[Mbrooks420]

That’s your roll over valve. It’d certainly allow fumes to escape, especially as the tank warmed up and it pushed fumes out. The same for when it sloshes.

How rusty is it?

 

[Larry1971]

Do you have nay problems starting the truck after fueling it up? My Sport Trac had a faint gas smell, on occasion, and was also hard to strartafter fueling. It was the fuel vapor purge valve, located under the main electric box in under the hood. Quick fix and problem was solved.

No problems starting up, not noticed any problems while refueling. I'll check for that valve. Thanks.

 

[Larry1971]

That’s your roll over valve. It’d certainly allow fumes to escape, especially as the tank warmed up and it pushed fumes out. The same for when it sloshes.

How rusty is it?

It doesn't seem to be rusty.

 

[Mbrooks420]

It doesn't seem to be rusty.

I mean the trucks body overall.

 

[Larry1971]

I mean the trucks body overall.

Oh. The body seems ok...the roof had a few rust spots on, but the rest seems good.

 

[kcblakely]

Inspect your fuel system for leaks, particularly on the engine at the injectors. It's an old car; the injector seals and adapters are likely brittle & cracked.....

 

[Larry1971]

**Update**

Yesterday afternoon, gas started to leak from under the engine. I drove to one place, they said the mechanic is not in, drove to another, they said they don't do fuel systems, drove to a 3rd place just as the last of the gas ran out. I lost a 1/4 tank doing 2 miles. When we lifted the hood, the plastic cover with the V8 logo on was dripping wet with gas under it. The guy said someone had replace the fuel rails, but not the seals (cheap *******s). Anyway, he said it would be $311 with parts and labor, I said ok. He called about an hour later, said his mechanic was taking it apart and found that a brass insert or thread was cracked and it was causing the fuel rail to lift, and it would take the cost up to $812. Fuuuuuck. Should have kept my minivan! lol.

Gotta laugh, otherwise I'd cry!

 

[kcblakely]

Jesus. You lost 1/4 tank of fuel LEAKING ONTO YOUR ENGINE while driving around? You're lucky you're not dead.

 

[Larry1971]

I realized that after I got to the last place. I wasn't thinking properly when it started leaking.

 

[Larry1971]

Got Dora back last night...final cost with tax was $999.01.

New intake manifold, and a few other bits.

The shop called yesterday afternoon and said they noticed that the other 6 coils (or something) were going a bit spongy and would I want them replaced while it was apart. He said it'd prevent misfires in the future, I asked how much more it would be, he said $82, so I said might as well while it's apart.

All in all, it's 1 less problem to worry about (for now anyway). We could barely afford the initial $311, but the final total was a real kick in the nuts!

Ford....Found Out Really Dear!