I can smell fuel inside my 88 t2, only after I start gunning it, then it will go away after some hard driving. I know it could be many things, but what are obvious culprits?

Thank you for your input.

 

the culprit - rotary engines EAT gas.



it's usually normal..

 

Hmm...only after gunning it? Or can you smell it at idle?

Maybe check the fuel lines.

Worst case scenario, check the heat shield for the exhaust manifold or near the block. If you see leaks of any sort, your pulsation damper is shot and needs to be replaced ASAP. Engine fire is a possibility.

 

if you ca smell anthing from inside your car it's usually the gear leaver's rubber boot, stuff some material in there and you shouldn't notice much.

i had steam come through that once when the car overheated!!!

 

Check the Puslation Dampener ASAP

 

can the pulsation dampner leak gas or somthing im sure this is a dumb question i thought it only absorbed shock.
ps on my 88t2 i just replaced a pice of hose its right under the intake manifold its a 5in long piece of rubber hose

 

yeah if the PD is leaking it will leak gas right onto the engine next to the hot exhaust manifold.

Can you say fire extingusher?

 

It's NEVER normal to be able to smell gas inside any car ever.

Any fuel smell should be carefully investigated in case you have a leak. The pulsation dampers in these cars are prone to fail with age and leak fuel onto hot exhaust components. An engine fire will cause extensive and expensive damage.

To check for leaks you need to pressurise the fuel system with the engine off. To run the fuel pump with the engine not running you need to jumper the yellow 2-pin plug in the engine bay beside the RHS strut tower, then turn the ignition on. You should hear the fuel pump running. Start looking over all the fuel lines and rails for leaks. Don't forget to remove the jumper wire.

 

what about if you replaced all of the cats... cuz now i smell fuel quite often...

is this normal or should i check the fuel system

 

An exhaust that smells of incomplete combustion is completely different to smelling raw fuel from a leak.

 

i was assuming with the windows down and his current symptoms..