Everyone,

Thanks to the Forum and the search function for helping me isolate a problem. Ever since owning my car (3 years now) I've noticed a mild fuel smell on shutdown that has gotten slightly stronger over time. About 2 years ago I removed my upper IM and replaced my pulsation dampner, injector o-rings, and upgraded all vaccum hoses to silicone, so I was pretty sure the problem was not in the rats nest. My car's fuel smell was very stong during the summer months when outside temps exceed 90F and it seemed to originate near the drivers side rear wheel well.

I read several threads that led me to isolate the problem as my charcoal cannister. Bought a new one from Mazda Competition Parts and Voila... no more fuel smell. Thanks to all who've posted in the past on this topic. You're ideas led me down the right path!!

 

Hmmm, I have a very similar problem. I was thinking I was going to have to tear into the rats nest again, but you just gave me some hope!

 

2a+RoN,

I also received a tip from one of our club's rotary gurus that might save you some money. He said that if you take the charcoal cannister out of the car and leave it exposed to sunlight for a few days it will get rid of most of the fuel odor. Wish I had known that before ordering a new cannister, but I thought you might take advantage of this to see if it works!

 

Guys, what is 'charcoal cannister ' and where in the car is it?

 

2a+RON,

Do you know what kind of bumper that is on that White FD in your Avatar??? I like it!!

 

Vertex I think.

 

I'll have to try that out, as my car is emitting the same fuel smell that you describe.

 

I think it is a Panspeed bumper.

 

POM HB,

The charcoal cannister is part of your FDs fuel system and is intended to absorb fuel smell from your system when pressurized (mainly following shutdown). It's in the rear portion of the car located directly above your drivers side rear axle. It's a round cannister with a little black "L" shaped hose hanging out of the bottom. You can't miss it. It's a bear to get out without dropping your driver side axle, but it can be done. Just loosen up your brake and fuel line hard mounting points and be patient.

 

2a+RoN,

Have we met? Is that your white FD in the picture? I can't say I've ever seen your car and you're in Chandler, AZ? You'll have to come out to one of our RCCAZ events. Do you ever bring that car up to the Pavillions on Saturday nights? Just curious!

 

Thanks guys , I had the same problem for a while now and just couldn't find the supposed leak, I even bought a small fire extinguisher, just in case ! . After reading this I hooked back up my canister , and the freaking smell was gone !!!