As title, over the last few weeks I've noticed a smell of fuel, usually just after ive started it. It's not every time and it's not just when starting from cold, in fact i think it's more when engine is warm.
I've also noticed I'm using a lot more petrol and sometimes its hesitant, usually when revs are low in 2nd gear.

Ive not seen any evidence of a leak, nothing on the floor (would petrol evaporate away though?)
A diagnostic back in march revealed it needed a new lambda sensor, and after getting that replaced it passed the emissions test for mot.

So, I don't know if it's likely to be a fuel leak or a running problem?
Are there any checks I could do myself before taking it to a garage?

Thanks
Ellie x

 

Probably a sensor failure.

HEGO/LAMBDA is a good bet to start with.

a lot of cars will run without the LAMBDA albeit not perfectly. A good test is to unplug the lambda and see if the car improves. A massively out lambda can cause massive overfuelling and usually the fuelling tables for non-closed loop will be more efficient than massive over fuelling.

could also be MAF/MAP depending on the car (not sure on scoobys) as most engines fueling is also based on the air getting into the cylinders.

could even be a coolant or air temp sensor as they too have an impact on fuelling.

Ideally get it on a diagnostics and see if it pops out a fault code. But you can check the lambda by unplugging it yourself.

 

as yours is a classic check the 2 metal fuel pipes that run up from the tank. bad for corroding.

 

Warren-it had a new lambda sensor in march (and also diagnostic). If I can't physically find anything then I guess I'll have to get it done again.

Andy-if I can find them I'll check! Thanks

 

My old uk wrx had over fuelling when it had an air leak after the maf, as the ecu was adding fuel based on air going through the maf and some of it was escaping, worth checking before you start changing sensors, also if it's a bug they are prone to fuel rails leaking.

 

Is it def fuel fuel and not leaking rocker cover onto manifold ?

 

It's a classic. Could need diagnostic then.
Thanks
I dont know. I'll have a look!

 

fuel leaks are hard becuase the fuel does evaporate, especially if its just a tiny leak enough to give you the smell of petrol, so possible needs to be running to check for leaks

 

Update if anyone's interested;

It was a leak, hole in the filler neck.
Got it sorted last month but kept forgetting to post.
Cost me nearly Ł300 and that was using a non-new part!
Anyway, glad it wasn't the engine or a running problem.

 

300 quid.They have seen you coming lol.

 

Well Ł275, but the part was Ł160.
It took a while too because the bolts were snapping etc and it's a scimitar/MG/Subaru specialist so not going to be the cheapest place.

 

It's sounds bang on to me... Parts + labour.

 

think ive just come across this problem on mine.
smells worse in the boot so thinking i've got some corrosion somewhere around the tank.

 

Have you got a scooby or an ST?
The filler neck is hard to come by a used part apparently so I'm assuming it might be common?

I was getting the smell inside the car like when I've stopped at lights or a junction because I usually have the window down.
Also, when my lambda was knackered it was using massive amounts of fuel and the emissions were sky high and there was no strong exhaust fumes then.
So, in my experience petrol smell = leak

 

I thought 300 quid was just for the part.Bloody corrosion.I hate it.

 

You have your windows down in this weather? Sod that, I'm all toasty with the windows up and the heater on

 

Subaru. I just seem to get a smell of fuel when i first open the doors or the boot. Have to start looking around this weekend for a leak.

 

The fuel lines run inside the car on an impreza so its probably worth stripping the back seats out and checking for a leak/corrosion. This is the first thing the garage did to mine with me saying I could smell it inside.

 

Yeah, I still have the heater on and a coat/scarf etc but my car get warm quickly so usually end up with the window open a bit so I can breathe!! Lol

 

best thing about imprezas is the heaters. my P1 is up to temp at the bottom off the street! great in the winter!