Issues on startup and shutdown smell

[Millertime1987]

After running my Ex for any amount of time shutting off and turning on it takes quite a few seconds to start. She does crank but takes a 3-4 rotations before it starts. I don't notice any other issues once it does start.

Then every time i turn the vehicle off i have a very strong gas smell. Don't see any gas leaks but think this could be part of the issue.

Do you think replaceing the spark plugs should be the first thing to try, I have a new fuel filter but couldn't get the old one off at all. So will need to get that done from the shop.

Any help with the startup and gas smell would be great though.

Thanks All!

 

[Dono]

Any idea where the smell is coming from? Engine bay? You could have a leaky injector O ring.

Im just guessing here.

 

[Millertime1987]

I can't figure out where its coming from. I have smelled it in the air box and just all around the vehicle.

 

[Lube]

Forget about the plugs...they won't cause your truck to catch on fire, leaking gas will.

 

[Millertime1987]

I was thinking the plugs if they were not sparking enough to burn the fuel which is now flooding them.

 

[Dono]

id expect the catallytic converter to take care of un-burnt fuel. If the motor isn't running rough, id say the plugs are doing their job.

A plug that is fouled and not firing tends to throw an engine code pretty fast. I think you have gas leaking somewhere.

 

[Lube]

id expect the catallytic converter to take care of un-burnt fuel. If the motor isn't running rough, id say the plugs are doing their job.

A plug that is fouled and not firing tends to throw an engine code pretty fast. I think you have gas leaking somewhere.

Bingo!

 

[ranger7ltr]

Look at your gas tank...

Do you see any stains on the sides of it? If you do, you have a leak there...Does it smell more after you have filled the tank? There are 3 areas to leak on the tank...The sending unit, the evap valve, and the vapor valve...Each has a gasket or o-ring that can leak...

 

[Millertime1987]

The smell is the same no matter how full the tank is. I was hoping the plugs were not helping those are alot cheaper to replace. I guess the next time i go the shop will have them check the o-rings.

 

[Dono]

I just spoke to a guy and he had his gas filter leaking when the motor was running (Under higher preasure). Maybe check that also.

Changing the o-rings on the fuel injectors is no quick job. The upper intake is a bit of work to get off it you have an egr valve.

Starting with the easy stuff is preferable, for sure.

 

[dimension12]

Most likely it is the fuel pressure regulator.

 

[dimension12]

The regulator is vacuum controlled and this is why you smell it around the air box.

 

[ranger7ltr]

If this is a 1999 Explorer...

The fuel pressure regulator is in the tank not on the fuel rail...So that cannot be the source of the odor...

If the engine is running rich, I would check the fuel pressure and the engine coolant temperature sensor...If this sensor fails it can enrichen the fuel amount going to the engine and can cause hard hot starting...