Warning! Remember that gasoline is a highly flammable liquid - when working with fuel system components, observe all accepted fire safety measures. Do not smoke or approach the work area with an open flame or unprotected portable lamp. Do not service the system in a room equipped with heating devices operating on natural gas and equipped with a pilot flame (such as water heaters and clothes dryers). Remember that gasoline is a carcinogen that can cause cancer - try to avoid fuel coming into contact with exposed areas of the body - use protective rubber gloves, and in case of accidental contact, wash your hands thoroughly with warm water and soap. Collect spilled fuel immediately and do not store fuel-soaked rags near open flames. Remember that the fuel system of models equipped with fuel injection is constantly under pressure. Before disconnecting the fuel lines, release any residual pressure in the system (for more details, see Chapter Power and exhaust systems). Wear safety glasses when servicing fuel system components. Always keep a class B fire extinguisher on hand!
1. If the smell of gasoline appears in the car while driving or after a long period of parking in the open sun, you should immediately carefully inspect all components of the fuel system.
2. Remove the fuel filler cap and inspect it for damage and corrosion. There should be a continuous trace of tight pressure around the entire perimeter of the gasket. If any defects are found, replace the gasket/cap.
3. Check the fuel supply and return lines for cracks, cuts and other damage. Check the tightness of the metal line fittings and fuel hose clamps.
Important! All models covered in this manual are equipped with a fuel injection system, therefore, before disconnecting fuel lines or removing any components, it is necessary to relieve residual pressure in the system (see Chapter Power and exhaust systems).
4. If possible, inspect the injection injectors for signs of fuel leaks. If necessary, replace damaged sealing rings (see Chapter Power and exhaust systems).
5. Since many of the fuel system components, such as the fuel tank and some fuel lines, are located under the vehicle, you should lift the vehicle by hoisting it, driving it onto a ramp, or placing it on supports to check their condition. Make sure the vehicle is securely fixed in the raised position.
6. Check the fuel tank and its filler neck for punctures, cracks and other damage. Pay special attention to inspecting the junction of the neck with the tank. Sometimes the rubber of the neck begins to leak fuel due to loosening of the fastening clamps, or as a result of aging of the material (see accompanying illustration). Listed here are only those possible problems whose diagnosis and elimination of causes are within the skill level of the average amateur mechanic.
Warning! Do not attempt to repair the fuel tank yourself under any circumstances (except for the replacement of its rubber components) – contact of residual fuel vapors contained even in a carefully ventilated tank with a gas burner torch or any other source of open flame can cause their detonation!
7. Carefully inspect all rubber hoses and metal tubes of fuel lines coming from the gas tank (see accompanying illustration). Check the condition of the tube/hose material and the reliability of all fittings. Also check the fuel lines leading to the fuel injection system. Make the necessary repairs, replace defective components (see Chapter Power and exhaust systems). 8. Components of the fuel vapor recovery system can also be a source of gasoline odor. The system's task is to remove fuel vapors from the gas tank to the carbon adsorber, where they accumulate while the car is parked, and from where, after the engine is started, they are removed to the intake manifold for burning in the combustion chambers.
9. The most reliable symptom of a malfunction in the fuel vapor recovery system is the appearance of a strong smell of gasoline in the engine compartment. Check the condition of the carbon adsorber located in the compartment and the hoses connected to it (see accompanying illustration).
Material obtained from the website HONDABOOK