1996 960 Fuel Smell

davolvo · Post by **davolvo** » 26 Oct 2013, 11:10

Hello, I have now developed a fuel smell that is occurring when I drive and when I get out of the car the smell is lingering. I went into the bank, came out and could still smell the fuel from my car. Any ideas? Am I going to blow? Please advise.

lindy8_man · Post by **lindy8_man** » 26 Oct 2013, 12:18

First suspect would be Evap System... Unless you can see a puddle, or gas leaking somewhere.

Likely culprets - Gas cap (not tight, or seal failed), There are sections of the hoses connecting the evap system that are rubber and they dry rot and fail. There is nylon tube you don't have to worry about.

When these are checked, then it gets tougher. Connector elbows and quick release connectors that have O-rings that can fail. Last of all, there are the Tank/pump access ports that have a big o-ring that can fail.

Are you throwing any codes I think 0442 or 0440 is the evap code.

davolvo · Post by **davolvo** » 26 Oct 2013, 13:59

I don't get any codes, this just started happening with the cold weather. I don't see any leaks or drips either. How does one check the evap system?

lindy8_man · Post by **lindy8_man** » 26 Oct 2013, 23:16

1. Visual inspection of the rubber hoses and connecting elbows. You would see seriously cracked hoses.
2. One section at a time with a vacuum pump and gauge. Pump on one end and plugged on the other.
3. Visual inspection of the o rings in quick disconnects.

Two years ago, I had a fuel smell as you described. I solved it by replacing a 3 inch chunk of rubber hose that was between the tank and the canister. Crawl under the car just behind the driver side door. You will see the rectangular canister. Trace the nylon line back about two feet and find the likely rubber hose culprit. It should not be clamped. easy to replace!

davolvo · Post by **davolvo** » 27 Oct 2013, 08:37

Ok, thank you very much. I appreciate your help and will let everyone know what I discover and the remedy.

Ethan Rode · Post by **Ethan Rode** » 28 Oct 2013, 03:09

The under hood fuel hoses are actually a plastic line, sheathed in rubber. These plastic lines do crack occasionally, or form pinhole leaks. Make sure to check them thoroughly while the car is running.

davolvo · Post by **davolvo** » 28 Oct 2013, 06:22

I will do that, thank you so much. I wonder why this only happens when it is cold out. I just noticed that a year ago I posted something similar. Hmm..

davolvo · Post by **davolvo** » 29 Oct 2013, 10:24

I have just decided to sell it and have a few leads on different volvos. Which would you suggest/

2000 Volvo V70 AWD - $3,995 94,000 miles or

1998 Volvo S70 GLT Sedan - $3,999 86,000

Ethan Rode · Post by **Ethan Rode** » 16 Apr 2014, 02:02

Neither,
A 960 is cheaper to keep on the road than either of those.

Post by **sanfelice** » 17 Apr 2014, 16:16

Ethan Rode wrote:Neither,
A 960 is cheaper to keep on the road than either of those.

yeah, I'm going through the same thing (not fuel smell just little things adding up) and yet I still think if I can fix the big ticket items, this car can go another 100k miles easily (with 200k on the odo now). it's a good thing I have a parts car, though, otherwise it would be pricey to keep this going.

about that leaky head gasket and touch rear main seal...maybe just pull the engine and swap with my other one.