Is It Normal to Smell Gasoline When Starting the Car?
1 Answers
It is normal to smell gasoline when starting the car because during a cold start, the ECU adjusts the fuel injection volume appropriately based on intake temperature and coolant temperature signals. At this point, the engine has not yet reached its normal operating temperature, and the air-fuel mixture cannot burn completely. A very small amount of unburned fuel mixture is expelled, resulting in the smell of gasoline. Once the engine reaches its normal operating temperature of 80 to 90 degrees Celsius, the air-fuel mixture in the cylinders burns completely, and the gasoline smell disappears. If the gasoline smell persists after the engine has warmed up, it indicates a problem with the car. Reasons for a strong gasoline smell when starting the car: Insufficient air intake through the throttle body, leading to incorrect air flow information; Excessive carbon buildup in the combustion chamber and pistons, causing insufficient cylinder pressure; Excessive carbon deposits inside the engine, resulting in poor atomization of the air-fuel mixture; Leakage in the fuel line, forming sludge at the fuel pipe connections, with the odor entering the cabin through the air conditioning system. Alternatively, in older cars, rubber hoses in the engine compartment are prone to aging. Solutions to address a strong gasoline smell when starting the car due to leaks: Replace the rubber hoses of the fuel vapor canister; Tighten or repair fuel pipe connections; Repair or reinstall the fuel pump.
