Why does the cabin smell of gasoline

Everyone knows how gasoline smells. And although some people find its smell quite pleasant, it must be unequivocally recognized that it is very unhealthy. In fact, it is one of the most dangerous poisons that a person has to deal with in everyday life. Inhalation of automotive fuel vapors causes headache, dizziness, drug intoxication, nausea, and a feeling of severe fatigue. Due to the frequent exposure to small doses of toxic substances contained in gasoline fumes, chronic poisoning can develop, in which the central nervous system, liver, reproductive system, and brain are affected. Large doses can lead to acute poisoning, which is manifested by shortness of breath, convulsions, hallucinations, loss of consciousness, and sometimes even ends in death. Depending on the concentration of gasoline vapors in the air, symptoms of poisoning may appear within a few minutes. In addition to an immediate health hazard, driver poisoning can lead to loss of vehicle control with all the ensuing consequences. Therefore, the presence of a gasoline smell in the passenger compartment of the car should by no means be ignored.

Under normal conditions, the cabin should not smell of gasoline or diesel fuel. However, the smell sometimes appears. Where it comes from and how to deal with it, let's try to figure it out in this article.

Gasoline leak in the engine compartment

Everything under the hood is in plain sight, so a close inspection will most likely determine whether the source of the problem is here or should be looked for elsewhere.

Fuel may leak at the fuel line and filter connections. The rubber tubes themselves are subject to aging and the damaging effects of the lubricant, cracks appear on them, from which gasoline leaks. Its vapors accumulate in the engine compartment and then penetrate into the cabin thanks to the ventilation system.

If the fuel vapors come out somewhere in the engine compartment, then the "aroma" in the car will be preserved regardless of the amount of gasoline in the tank.

This is the most dangerous source of smell, as there are many electrical wires here. The slightest spark due to poor contact can cause ignition and a fire that can completely destroy the car in a matter of minutes. Therefore, if you smell gasoline in the cabin, you should first of all look under the hood.

Make sure that the power system hoses are connected tightly, tighten the clamps if necessary. Replace hoses that are cracked or bulging. Vulcanizing tapes or other similar methods of repairing rubber tubes are likely to have only a short-term effect. Remember about safety and do not skimp on the little things.

Should also be checked. A defective or loose spark plug can let gasoline vapors through, which will quickly be sucked into the passenger compartment.

Depressurization of the fuel line

For safety reasons, the engine and fuel tank in the car are separated by some distance from each other. Fuel enters the engine through a fuel line located in the bottom of the body. It may also leak. Since there are no electrical wires nearby, a fire in this case is unlikely. Nevertheless, a random spark cannot be completely excluded here either.

Fuel filter

A leak in the fuel supply system can be caused by a clogged fuel filter. The pump pumping gasoline has to work at increased power, which leads to an increase in pressure in the supply system and an increase in the likelihood of leakage. If the fuel pump hums louder than usual, check and replace. If its quality is beyond doubt, but it becomes clogged too quickly, then it is worth changing the refueling location. Clogging is also indirectly indicated by loss of power and interruptions in engine operation, especially during acceleration.

Fuel Tank Surprises

The main volume of fuel is concentrated in the gas tank, so it is logical to assume that it is potentially the main source of gasoline smell. And there are reasons for such an assumption. There may be several specific reasons for this.

Neck

The filler neck is attached to the tank by bolting or welding. The tightness of the weld can be compromised over time due to vibration or other reasons. A bolted connection usually lasts longer, but its gasket also does not last forever and may leak sooner or later.

Filler cap

In good condition, the cap prevents fuel from flowing out of the tank and the penetration of gasoline vapors into the environment. If it has a crack or is loosely twisted or the gasket is worn out, fuel and its vapors will seep through the cracks. Since the lid is usually covered with a hatch, the smell will not so much erode outward as it will be drawn into the cabin.

If the gasket is cracked or deformed, the cover must be replaced.

In older cars, there may be an exhaust valve in the cover. Gasoline vapors are removed through it at excess pressure in the tank. If the valve is stuck open, the vapors will also come out. In more modern models equipped with a fuel vapor recovery system, the cover is usually equipped with only an inlet valve. It passes air from the outside to compensate for the pressure drop in the tank as fuel is consumed.

tank body

The fuel tank housing itself can also be the source of the problem. Due to mechanical impact, such as impact, a crack may form in it, through which gasoline will leak. A defect in a gas tank, especially in older cars, can also occur as a result of corrosion.

The way the tank is attached can also cause damage to the tank. Usually it is suspended from the bottom of the body and pressed tightly against it with metal strips. Those, in turn, are bolted to the chassis. This design, supplemented with gaskets, securely holds the fuel tank and does not allow it to hang out. However, for one reason or another, the gaskets or the steel strips themselves can be damaged, the tank will acquire some mobility and will gradually rub against the body. A lot of weight and constant vibration will speed up the process, and after a while, friction will lead to the formation of a hole.

The leaky tank will need to be replaced. But of course, as always, the best repair is prevention. Periodic inspection of the condition of the fuel tank and checking the reliability of its fastening will avoid unnecessary hassle and money.

Fuel pump

In modern cars, a submersible type gasoline pump is usually used. The fuel module with a pump and a fuel level sensor is located inside the gas tank and is fixed in a flange hole in its upper part. The tightness here is provided by a rubber gasket, which over time can become unusable and cause leakage of gasoline fumes. The tightness can also be broken as a result of improper installation of the gasket. A damaged gasket must be replaced.

There are fittings on the top of the fuel module. Through them, fuel is supplied to the fuel line, and its excess is returned to the tank. The likely place of leakage is the connection of pipes with fittings. Since the fittings are made of plastic, the possibility of damage cannot be ruled out. The rubber tubes connecting the fuel pump to the fuel line are also vulnerable.

It can leak on its own. In it, worn gaskets and a damaged diaphragm can be possible sources of the problem. They can be replaced by yourself using the appropriate repair kit.

Depressurization of the fuel pump is most pronounced immediately after refueling, especially if the tank is full. As the engine uses fuel, the vapor pressure in the tank drops and the smell becomes weaker.

Fuel tank ventilation system

Malfunctions in the evaporative emission system are another possible source of unpleasant smell in the vehicle interior. This system serves several purposes - it reduces harmful emissions into the atmosphere, reduces fuel consumption and vents the fuel tank, preventing a dangerous increase in pressure in it due to the accumulation of fuel vapors.

When the pressure in the tank (6) rises, the vapors through the mechanical check valve (8) enter the adsorber (4). It is a container containing a special substance - an adsorbent, capable of retaining and accumulating fuel vapors. Activated carbon is the most commonly used adsorbent. The system has an electromagnetic purge valve (3) controlled by the ECU according to a special algorithm. During engine operation, the valve periodically opens at the command of the control unit, allowing the vapors accumulated in the adsorber to pass into the intake manifold (1). There they are mixed with the main portion of the fuel and subsequently burned in the engine cylinders.

The adsorber is the same consumable item as filters, candles, grease, and so on. Over time, the adsorbent loses its working properties, becomes contaminated and ceases to perform its functions. Although the adsorber is subject to periodic replacement, many simply ignore it or simply do not know about its existence.

Another vulnerable element of the system is the purge valve, which often fails.

The serviceability of the valve can be checked independently. It is removed very simply, for this you need to remove the two tubes suitable for it and disconnect the block with wires.

In normal condition, the valve should be closed and not allow air to pass through. You can check this by blowing, for example, using a pear. When voltage is applied from the battery to the connector contacts, the valve should open. If the solenoid valve is not working properly, it must be replaced.

A faulty fuel tank venting system not only contributes to the appearance of a gasoline smell in the cabin, but can also cause engine malfunctions.

Reasons for the smell of gasoline in the cabin, not related to a technical malfunction

The smell in the cabin does not always indicate a malfunction, and the reason for its appearance may be quite commonplace.

During heavy traffic on city streets, exhaust fumes from other vehicles may enter through gaps in door seals or through open windows.

At high speed, air turbulence can occur, and then your own exhaust can be sucked into the cabin thanks to the air conditioning system air intake or the same open windows.

If you are bringing a spare fuel canister with you, make sure its cap is sealed. Do not fill the canister to capacity, especially in the warm season, leave a few centimeters of free space on top so that fuel vapors do not escape under pressure.

Gasoline-soaked rags in the trunk, floor mats, covers and other things can smell if fuel has been spilled on them. Do not take this lightly - a small spark or cigarette ash can start a fire.

How to neutralize odor

If the smell suddenly appeared in the direction of travel, you need to stop as soon as possible, ventilate the cabin, determine the source of the smell and fix the problem.

After that, you can begin to neutralize the smell. You can use several methods.

Ventilation

You can open all the doors and let the smell go away on its own. Individual items soaked in gasoline can simply be taken out of the car. The problem with this method is that it takes at least a day for complete weathering. If you do not have a garage equipped with ventilation, then this method will not work for you.

Salon dry cleaning

This is the most radical and effective way to get rid of unpleasant odors, and at the same time bring the interior of your car in order. Professional dry cleaning is not cheap, so it is worth resorting to if your car needs serious cleaning. And if we are talking only about eliminating odors, you can first try cheaper folk methods.

Use of absorbents

Various substances can absorb the smell of automotive fuel. The most affordable of them are ground coffee and activated charcoal. They need to be placed in the interior of the car, but it is better to scatter them in problem areas and leave them for several days, then remove them with a vacuum cleaner.

A good effect is also the use of baking soda. But it can not be left for more than a day.

Vinegar can be a good helper. A mixture of vinegar and water in a ratio of 1: 2 can be used to treat rugs, floors and some other places. Airing after applying vinegar will take several hours.

Flavours

The use of aromatic oil is justified in residential areas. But it in no way eliminates the smell of gasoline, but only masks it, and therefore it makes no sense to use it for this purpose in a car interior. As for aerosols, they are completely harmful in themselves.

Conclusion

It is quite possible to search for the source of the smell of gasoline on your own. In many cases, it is also possible to eliminate the malfunction without resorting to the services of a car service. If in garage conditions it is not possible to solve the problem, then you will have to turn to specialists. 

It's not worth the hassle with this. In addition to the health hazards and fire hazards discussed above, there is another factor to consider. Vapors of gasoline, getting into the interior of the car, are absorbed into the finishing materials and spoil them. If nothing is done, after a while the interior of the cabin will take on a rather unsightly appearance. To restore its former shine, a replacement may be required, which means that you will have to fork out extra.