Warning! Do not forget that gasoline is a highly flammable liquid! Observe all applicable fire safety precautions when servicing power system components. Do not smoke, do not approach the work area with an open flame or an unprotected carrier. Do not service the system in a room equipped with natural gas-fired, pilot flame-equipped heaters (such as water heaters and clothes dryers). Do not forget that gasoline is one of the carcinogens that contribute to the development of cancer - try to avoid getting fuel on open areas of the body, use protective rubber gloves. In case of accidental unforeseen contact, wash your hands thoroughly with warm water and soap. Clean up spilled fuel immediately and do not store fuel-soaked rags near open flames. Remember that the fuel injection system is constantly under pressure. Relieve residual pressure before attempting to disconnect fuel lines. Wear safety goggles when servicing power system components. Keep a class B fire extinguisher handy at all times!
1. If the smell of gasoline appears in the car interior while driving or after a long stay in the open sun, a thorough inspection of all components of the power system should be carried out without delay.
2. Remove the fuel filler cap and check it for damage and corrosion. Along the entire perimeter of the sealing gasket there should be a continuous trace of its tight pressing to the tank neck. If any defects are found, replace the gasket/cover.
3. Check the fuel supply and return lines for cracks, cuts and other mechanical damage. Check the tightness of the fitting connections of the metal lines and the fuel hose clamps.
Attention! All models covered in this manual are equipped with a fuel injection system, and therefore, before disconnecting the fuel lines or removing any components of the fuel system, it is necessary to relieve the residual pressure in the system.
4. If possible, inspect the injection injectors for evidence of fuel leaks. Replace damaged O-rings if necessary.
5. Since many of the components of the power system (such as the fuel tank and part of the fuel lines) located under the vehicle, to check their condition, raise the vehicle above the ground by hanging it on a winch, driving it onto a flyover, or placing it on props. Make sure the car is securely fixed in the raised position.
6. Check the fuel tank and its filler neck for punctures, cracks or other damage. Pay special attention to inspecting the junction of the neck with the tank. Sometimes the neck rubber begins to leak fuel due to loosening of the mounting clamps, or as a result of aging of the material (see accompanying illustration). Only those of the possible problems are listed here, the diagnosis and elimination of the causes of which lies within the qualifications of the average amateur mechanic.
Attention! Never attempt to repair the fuel tank yourself (except for replacing its rubber components) - contact of residual fuel vapors contained even in a thoroughly ventilated tank with a gas burner torch or any other source of open flame can cause them to detonate!
7. Carefully inspect all rubber hoses and metal fuel lines coming from the gas tank (see accompanying illustration). Check the condition of the tube/hose material and the tightness of all fittings. Also check the fuel lines leading to the fuel injection system. Make the necessary repairs, replace defective components.
8. Components of the fuel vapor control system can also be a source of gasoline odor. The task of the system is to remove fuel vapors from the gas tank to the carbon adsorber, in which they accumulate while the car is parked, and from where, after starting the engine, they are discharged into the intake pipeline for the purpose of burning in the combustion chambers.
9. The most sure symptom of malfunctioning of the fuel vapor recovery system is the appearance of a strong smell of gasoline in the engine compartment. Check the condition of the under vehicle (in the back of it) coal adsorber and hoses connected to it (see accompanying illustration).