gf261

87' auto here. I get a strong fuel smell in the interior of the vehicle when the tank is full. Any ideas? I read the fuel check valve topic, but I don't think that the smell from that low would permeate the interior the way it is. Any help would be most appreciated. Additionally: the glued down flap under the rear deck carpet looked to have a fuel line coming out of the tank at that point. Could this be the culprit? Thanks in advance!

Garth S

There are a number of possibilities for fuel leaks in that area, as there are vent lines, charcole cannister lines, etc. The line visible onder the ~6" diameter cover in the hatch is the fuel return line: the supply line is under a cover at the bottom right rear of the tank, with the pump and filter.
I had a fuel 'aroma' with a full tank as you have: the leak was at the ~4" gland nut under the cover mentioned above. This nut secures the fuel level sensor/return line in the tank, and with mine, the gasket lost its seal. If leaking there, you may be able to see the evaporation pattern/"high tide" marks of a fuel leak traced in the dust. Good luck.

Gretch

In addition to Garth's advice, you can check a couple of other things.

Does the car run well? I ask because if a diaphram on any of the fuel pressure regulator or dampers is perforated, you can get a leak in the engine bay and fumes in the cabin.

Since your car is an '87 most assuredly your plastic "T" connection on the evap canister has broken. This is located in the passenger fender well. You have to remove the tire and the fender well cover. The "T" connects 3 hoses which connect the evaporator system. Sometimes when these are broken you get a fuel smell in the cabin. The job takes about an hour in total, not including finding the right size "t" connector. The big three have them, btw. If you need more info on this let me know and I will post some pictures.

EDIT, ok, I meant "Y" connector..........

Sean79 5spd

Check the vent line which goes between the top of the lower portion of the tank and the filler neck portion. This line can rot out and could possible allow odor into the car.

dr bob

Most Likely Suspect is the plastic "Y" connector at the charcoal fuel vapor cannister in the RF wheelhouse. Replacement parts is typically less than $10. The biggest part of the replacement is getting the car on stands and the wheel off. After that, you need to remove the plastic wheelhouse liner, remove the old part from the hoses, install the new part, and button it all back together.

I have a full write-up, with pictures, available. Drop me an e-mail at dr.bobf@worldnet.att.net if you'd like a copy.

Jim bailey - 928 International

I vote for Dr Bob's recommendation. The charcoal canister vapor recovery is in the right front fender.The blower fan outside air intake is under the hood near the right front fender when the plastic Y breaks fuel vapors are released under the fender and can get sucked into the heater blower fan. This is most pronounced when the fuel tank is full.

JPTL

Agreed.
I was getting the unburned fuel smell, as well as some burned exhaust smell...particularly when the sunroof was open.
It was in fact the Y connector as Dr. Bob mentions. If you're getting a bit of exhaust smell on occasion, my money is on the Y connector for sure.
Since my car has low mileage, and is very well preserved for a 13 y.o. car, I was surprised to see this thing cracked...I can only assume that most crack/split over time, and not necessarily from use & mileage.
Go ahead & buy one before even checking. Chances are you'll need it..at least eventually. Also, it makes no sense to get the car up on jack stands, go through the steps to check for a broken connector, and not have one ready to install.
Good luck.

worf928

Shameless plug - I have stainless steel replacements for the plastic Y connector. $20 plus shipping.