All of a sudden we smell fuel inside the car after it is started, HELP!
When we first started the car this morning we smelled a strong fuel smell. Didn't think much of it then. Made 2 stops when we were out and again smelled it. When we got home I got out and walked around it after it was parked and could smell it strongly on the driver's side but, not on the passnger side. We looked under the hood nothing untoward. Under the car the only thing dripping was the a/c.
Any ideas?
Sounds like either a leak in one of the fuel lines where you can't see it, or perhaps a fuel injector o-ring is leaking. You may also have a problem with your evaporative emissions system allowing some fuel vapor to escape. Have this checked out ASAP as any fuel odor is BAD NEWS.
possibly a fuel leak at the fuel injector , and/or fuel rail. Chrysler has had problems with the fittings leaking at the fuel rails , there might be a re-call for it. You can search the NHTSB website to see if there are any recalls ,or TSB's about this problem. There are some Chrysler sites devoted to keeping track on problems like this, you will need to do some searching around to see if any more info is available .
sometimes the fuel dampner will leak at back of fuel rail, normally only when the vehicle sets overnight and system pressure drops, then when restarted will leak only for a few minutes, try pulling the air snorkel and plumbing when cold and use a mirror to look at fuel rail, watch the bottle cap looking part of fuel rail, watch as helper starts car, or spray with leak detection powder, and test
I have the same problem on my 2001 M 300. The temporary solution is to open the gas cap for a second or two each time you stop the car. It drops the fuel rail pressure so that the leaky injector does not leak gas in the cylinder when the engine is shut off.
removing the cap will not drop fuel pressure as above comment indicated. it is on the wrong side of the fuel regulator.
If anyone has this same issue of a strong gas smell with any of the Chrysler models from 99 through 04 (about) ...... Stop driving he car immediately. I had the same issue and discovered there is a small black plastic piece of fuel line that connects the steel line that comes from the gas tank to the fuel injector rail. This plastic piece was cracked and leking fuel all over transmission and other components below. To fix it, buy 12" of 1/4" rubber fuel line hose and a couple of clamp.... clamp on to the steel fuel line from the tank to the plastic quick connect elbow that pushes onto the fuel injector rail. There are videos out there saying that you have to take off the intake manifold to get to the end of the injector rail... This is not necessary. You need to disassemble the plastic and metal cowl components under the windshield and at the back of the engine compartment. It is a tight spot to get to, but you can fix it without disassembling the intake manifold! See attached picture.
How much does it typically cost for this repair?
I fixed it myself. Took a few hours, but cost 2 bucks in hose and clamps.
My Chrysler had the same problem. I could see it leaking from the drivers side using a flashlight. I did not even take anything off. I actually bought the actual replacement part from the Dealer for over $100.00 out the door. This included the whole assembly from front to rear. when I took the air cleaner assembly off along with the windshield wipers and plastic under them. ,Then the metal cross-member for a lack of a better term. I did NOT have to remove the plenum... After looking at the issue I simply took a piece of 5/16 fuel tubing cost = $1.60 and it has been working perfect. I then took the Dealer part back. NOTE; I used a couple of different exacto knives to cut off the old and defective tubing it is a tight fit but it can certainly be done. The fitting near the motor is still on since it was the hose that cracked (pin-hole). If you need to take it off release the fuel pressure first from the rails. then use your fingers to press the two green release tabs on the connector and pull off. Mine was tight so I could not get it off but I didn't need to any way. Hope this helps. Respectfully, Kerry
I am grateful for the tip and detail from Mark. This was the exact issue with my car too! I totally removed the plastic elbow and its leaking hose from the metal lines. The one foot of 1/4" gas line fit perfectly. Good thing it did because access was cramped.
A video would be great next person that does this shoot the video
Just completed this on a 2000 Concorde. Nonstop fun ! Thanx to Mark and others for being kind enough to post the help. CHEERS
im new here I have a 1999 Chrysler 300m with bad gas fumes coming from fuel rail area. i cant do anything till payday . I am going to a friends house tomorrow he is going to check the fuel pressure. can I bypass the pressure regulator in the rail? I cant afford a new one that is if i can even still get one. Is it possible its just a bad o ring on an injector and i can just replace the o rings?. as for not driving the car anymore that is no option this has been going on a while. i am a single house hold and need to work to pay bills or i will be living in the car. can some body help. if it runs out to be the fuel rail does any one here have one that is good? Thanks for the help. I don't think its the fuel line more likely as i thought a leaky o ring? i guess if i connect a fuel gauge to the rail and shut the car off and fuel pressure drops its a leaky o ring or maybe not. a leaky o ring would be on the other side of the injector. any ideas how to test for leaky orings dont see any wet fuel
