1990 240DL Sedan- Help! - fuel smell with windows cracked

[rice240]

Hello,
I have researched the forum and Google about this and I have tried to find it. If I am driving and crack the windows or sunroof, the cabin smells of gas fumes. So much so that it will make you dizzy and nauseous in about 15 minutes. If I keep windows up and recirculate on there is no smell. It seems that it is because of the pressure change in the cabin and it is being drawn in from somewhere.

I can’t tell if it is fresh gas or exhaust. My car runs rich so it is hard. I suspect exhaust though.

Here is what I have checked or repaired:

1. Exhaust leak at pipe going into the rear muffler. Fixed. I smoke tested the exhaust and nothing in the engine bay (manifold isn’t leaking).
2. Pulled access panel in trunk and everything is bone dry.
3. Checked all evap and vent lines from tank and even smoke tested it.
4. Looked for wetness or drips along the lines from the trunk to injectors and return lines.


I did change my fuel pumps and filter about 7,000 miles ago.

The higher the speed the more the smell which indicates to me that it is getting sucked in from the trunk. I am missing the drain plug in spare tire well.

I saw the gravity fuel shut off if the car flips and wondered if that might have something to do with it.

What am I missing? What could it be? I appreciate any advice.

[volvolugnut]

With the age of this car, there are many rubber parts that may be failing and causing a fuel leak. I suspect it is raw fuel leak some where. Get the car on blocks or lift so you can get under it while it is running and look for wet spots. You may never see a drip as the fuel will evaporate quickly. A dent in the fuel tank may also leak. Also the fuel filler tube can get soft.
volvolugnut

[rice240]

Thank you for the response. I smoke tested the filler tube and didn’t see anything. I’ll keep looking.