Q: Gas smell inside cab

asked by on August 18, 2016

I have a Werks turbo kit on my 2.4. When I lifted my foot off the pedal after a firm acceleration I smelled gas for a couple of seconds. Then it was gone right away. It really bothered me. I looked under the hood a couple of days ago and noticed one of the 10 mm bolts holding the fuel rail down was coming loose by approximately 1 cm. I just tightened that when I put the engine in at about 2500 miles before. I went to the gas station this morning and while I was pumping gas I opened the passenger door to get the garbage out from the floor of the car and noticed a gas smell inside the cab. I didn’t smell it before filling the tank. I just remembered that during a hail storm a few weeks ago the driver’s quarter panel was hit by a high velocity softball sized piece of hail just to the left of the gas cap. Now the gas cap door doesn’t close. I remembered seeing on the dashboard a Check Gas Cap warning light. And when I am coming to a stop the engine will rev up to 2500- 3000 rmp for a few seconds. I noticed the Blow Off Valve stuck open. I turned the car off and the BOV was shut. I turned the car on and the BOV was slightly open. I revved the engine up got out of the car and the BOV is open about an inch. Do you have any suggestions or ideas? I don’t see any other damage except near the gas cap. The fuel rail looks good. I don’t see any cracks.

Engine idle speed is high Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote
Smell in the car Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

Hi there, thanks for writing in about your 2006 Pontiac Solstice. It’s possible that something on the turbo kit was installed improperly, such as hoses were crossed in the process, or if there are vacuum leaks causing components to malfunction. As far as the fuel smell, it could be caused by a damaged filler neck near where the hail damaged the car. Have an expert diagnose the high idle speed as well as the fuel smell, in order to have these issues resolved properly.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

How do I use the navigation system?
If your vehicle is equipped with a navigation system, it will help you find directions where you need to go. Your navigation will appear on the center display. To use the navigation system. Type in the address you need to...
iPhone not charging from car receptacle
Hi. You should have your lighter port changed to a 12 volt charging port. The older ports were only meant to be used as cigar lighters and are not capable of getting a good connection for chargers. They sell these...
Driver's door not opening
Hi there. Chances are the latch assembly is either faulty or the lever linkage has become detached. The door panel will need to be very carefully removed from the inside and the latch and linkage assessed. If the latch is...
Cylinder eight misfiring on a '96 Ford Thunderbird
Unfortunately, there really isn't. You're getting them drenched with oil and putting the new one and it runs okay for a while. That means that it's burning oil back there. It probably has bad piston rings on number eight being...
engine noise after starting
This may be an indication that the starter drive is not disengaging from the flywheel after the engine starts. The danger in this is that the starter drive may fly apart and damage the flywheel or engine aside from destroying...
Cruise control quit working
Thanks for writing in about your 1998 Chevrolet C1500 Suburban. I would want to diagnose the brake pedal switch (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/brake-light-switch-replacement) first so I wouldn't replace one that is working fine. A technician using scan tool will easily be able to...
New installed ECM, vehicle won't turn on. Does it require key programmed? Doesn't even crank. Please help
The ignition does not need to be programmed in order for the engine to crank over. You should check the starter relay (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/starter-relay-replacement) on the fender near the battery to see if it is getting power from the ignition switch...
Locked brakes - 2004 Cadillac CTS
Hi there. From the description you have provided, your vehicle's left front and right rear caliper locking would have been a combination/proportioning valve before ABS (anti-lock brake system). The EBCM (electronic brake control module) controls the valves in the hydraulic...
Remanufactured engine running lean
Since you are using a cold air intake and most likely an air filter that is oil sprayed on it. These air filters are known to pass some of the oil that is put on it and will contaminate the...

Related articles

How to Make an Air Freshener for Your Car
No one likes riding in a smelly car. Make your own car air freshener with simple items and your favorite scent to keep your car smelling fresh.
How to Start a Car After Filling With the Wrong Fuel
Everybody Everybody makes mistakes, and putting the wrong type of gas (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-to-know-what-type-of-gas-to-use-by-jason-unrau) in your car is one of those accidents that can cost a lot of money and become a huge inconvenience if not handled properly. If you put regular...
How to Replace a Fuel Rail Sensor
The fuel system has a fuel rail sensor which fails when the engine operates erratically, has difficulty starting, or the Check Engine Light comes on.