3rd gen: Strong fuel smell
 

My FD has had this strong fuel smell lately coming from the engine bay. Also, it appears that my idle is lower than normal. I noticed that the vacum at idle is about -14, however, it has been like that for a while and the compression test found the engine to be good. Do you know what the problem might be?

The idle is at about 100 at times. This is unusual. I guess I'm going to take it in for a compression test.

Pulsation dampener maybe?
I haven't experienced failure of it first hand but I have been reading alot about it in the 3rd generation forum and this sounds like a possibility. I would recommend not driving it until you find out for sure, engine fire doesn't seem fun.

The smell is definately coming from somewhere around the alternator. Could a bad pulsation dampener cause the car to run lean and/or affect the idle?

Here's what to do:

1. Check to see if your car has had the fuel related TSB done. If not, get it to a dealer ASAP.

2. If the TSB has been performed, you should check around to see if you can see any fuel in the engine bay. If you can locate the exact place that it's coming from, that's better for the mechanic you take it to (unless you're going to do it yourself).

3. Carry a halon fire extinguisher with you when you take the car anywhere until you get it fixed. Engine fires can ruin a car in no time flat. If it's constantly getting fuel because of a leak somewhere, you're in a bad situation.

4. If you can't find out where the problem is, run, don't walk to your nearest trusted rotary mechanic and get this fixed. We don't need any more car fires!

Worry not, my friend! I got it towed to a mechanic. Cross your fingers and hope for a good outcome...

Interesting...all 4 fuel injectors are leaking.
$1500 to fix.
After this is done, I am selling the rx-7. :(
Thanks for the help, guys.

Nevermind, it wasn't the fuel injectors after all; it was indeed the pulsation dampener!!

Ha, the infamous dampener. Bastard POS is forever causing trouble. For those that havent' done it, be sure to get it done before your car goes up in flames.