Smell gas outside the car

Post by **FireFox31** » 21 Mar 2023, 23:42

What could cause the smell of gas outside the car, specifically by the rear bumper and front right wheel?

Two of my 2000 V70 have gas smell by their rear bumper for a day or two after filling the gas tank. One car has broken evap lines and a rusty fuel filter, so that area smells like gas. The other has new evap lines and new fuel filter, but I haven't checked how that area smells. It's odd that I smell it when standing directly behind the car, not by the fuel door.

Geronimo, the neglected 375k mile V70, also has a notable gas smell by the front right wheel. Where are the fuel lines from the tank to the engine? Is there a fuel system pressure test to confirm the presence of a leak?

When I previously asked about this, someone mentioned fuel pump top leak. I have yet to check that because it seems like it would cause a gas smell inside the car.

Thanks for your help.

Post by **abscate** » 22 Mar 2023, 00:33

There is a fuel line connection near the right front wheel inthe 99 and 00 cars that’s worth inspecting for seepage ,it’s the oring on pipe type with a locking ring

Fuel leaks are bad.

Post by **volvolugnut** » 22 Mar 2023, 06:57

When my 2001 v70 had fuel pump leaking, the smell was outside only at the rear.
Volvolugnut

Post by **FireFox31** » 22 Mar 2023, 12:59

Thanks. I'll trace the fuel line from the filter to the front of the car and look for seepage. Unfortunately, the belt side of the engine has tons of fluid staining so I might not know what's what. When (if?) I do the timing belt change, I want to allot plenty of time to clean that area.

Was the fuel pump leak a P2 problem which didn't affect the P80? Or are they using the same part? I'll look at the pump at some point. I tried to access it but it seemed difficult (I forget why) so put it lower on my priority list.

zeke1256 · Post by **zeke1256** » 23 Mar 2023, 11:15

I just replaced the fuel filter, in front of rear pass. wheel. 2000 S-70, it was rusted and was seeping out gas. Second time this has happened to the same car. The winter road treatments eat the metal filter up in time.

Post by **erikv11** » 25 Mar 2023, 21:30

Leaks from top of fuel pump area are super common for P80 cars. In all cases you'll smell it most strongly outside the car.

This thread nicely summarizes 5 places to check on a P80: viewtopic.php?f=1&t=60269