Question:

Hello,

I own a 93 Nissan Altima. 2 winters ago I noticed a strong smell of gas
inside and outside of the vehicle, along with a drop in mileage. The smell is at all
times when its very cold out (not just at start-up but until the outside
temperature is warmer) I took it to my garage twice. the mechanic looked, felt
and sniffed at the fuel injectors and the fuel lines all the way back to the tank,
including removing the back seat (I believe to check the fuel sending unit).
The filling pipe was suspect. In the end some clamps were tightened, the fuel
filler cap and the filler pipe was replaced. Spring weather became warm and the gas
smell disappeared.

As soon as it became cold this winter, the strong gas smell returned. I can
only figure that the outside temperature has an effect, but what that means I
don't know. The dealer indicates I might need to replace fuel injectors or the
tank. It appears that until they are changed I won't know which, which means
I may again be saddled for parts and labor I don't need and the problem still
occuring. Is it not true that if it was the fuel injectors that the smell would
be there even when its warm out (ie. that a fuel smell from bad fuel injectors
would not be dependant on temperature). Also, if it was bad fuel injectors
would there be other symptoms or ways to check before just replacing them?

Other thoughts have been, the charcoal vent-valve, the fuel filter and a metal
to rubber pipe contact where the cold contracts the metal.

I'd appreciate your thoughts and recommendations on the items in order to
proceed, so I can avoid such costly 'trial and error' solutions. I would gladly
pay to have the problem fixed, if the problem area is isolated and diagnosed.

Thanks,
Mike

Answer:

Yes, leaaking injectors will smell all the time. Without seeing the vehicle it is difficult to make an accurate diagnosis. Questions, such as, do you smell it at start-up or when it's running should be investigated. We recommend you consult your local dealer.

Answered By: Rob Mews

More Questions & Answers ...