1994 volvo 850 turbo wagon - smell gasoline

southofmotown · Post by **southofmotown** » 18 Aug 2015, 07:22

I notice the smell of gas inside my car, particularly after I fill up. The smell is not overwhelming, but it's there. I don't see any leaking around the car. I know the PCV system needs to be serviced....could this have anything to do with it? Thanks.

Post by **FLXC90** » 18 Aug 2015, 07:36

Check the access panels for the fuel tank/pump I don't know wagons yet, but IIRC they are in the front of the cargo area, just behind the back seat.

Post by **erikv11** » 18 Aug 2015, 08:19

Agreed. Look for leaks, e.g. https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... hp?t=24518

Here's another post that sums up years of forum comments from various people into one thread: https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... =1&t=60269

Post by **abscate** » 18 Aug 2015, 08:58

Check the engine compartment for fuel leaks around the injectors and lines. If you don't see any, its probably a bad EVAP canister hose which I believe live in the front driver fender area on your 1994.

Usually you don't smell EVAP leaks in the car - so Im a bit concerned you do have a raw fuel leak..which is never a 'small thing'

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 18 Aug 2015, 15:26

I have had the gasket at the big nut on the fuel pump fail and it results in a leak after a fill-up. You can see that leak for sure by removing the cover plate behind the passenger's side rear seat. You can usually also see it by crawling under the car and looking at the fuel tank itself for evidence of the fuel running down from the top of the tank.

...Lee

southofmotown · Post by **southofmotown** » 18 Aug 2015, 20:44

I found some evidence of leaking around the fuel pump access panel. The access panel was not screwed down, so I tightened it. Any ideas on what to do now?

Post by **erikv11** » 18 Aug 2015, 21:07

erikv11 wrote:Agreed. Look for leaks, e.g. https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... hp?t=24518

Here's another post that sums up years of forum comments from various people into one thread: https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... =1&t=60269

Check out those links. Next up is to check each of the common leaks that are described there. A leak around the access panel is good to fix but not really important, it is the fuel leak(s) at the pump itself you will want to address.

Post by **tryingbe** » 19 Aug 2015, 06:14

southofmotown wrote:I found some evidence of leaking around the fuel pump access panel. The access panel was not screwed down, so I tightened it. Any ideas on what to do now?

If the hoses connections are not leaking, buy the fuel pump gasket and replace it. Your local Volvo dealer probably have one in stock.

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/volvo- ... aQodLsAK3w

Post by **abscate** » 19 Aug 2015, 07:43

If that access panel was loose, someone has been in it. They don't loosen by themselves.

I would guess someone did a fuel pump or hose repair and had left something loose or did not tighten to spec. Lift it up again and check all the fittings.

Are you still smelling gas? Can you isolate it to front or rear ?