Why is there a gasoline smell after the car stalls?
2 Answers
A strong gasoline smell after starting the car is caused by incomplete combustion of gasoline. When the car starts while cold, the onboard computer will appropriately increase the fuel injection volume based on the intake air temperature and coolant temperature signals. At this time, the engine has not yet reached its normal operating temperature, resulting in poor combustion efficiency. This causes some fuel to be expelled without being fully burned, leading to a strong gasoline smell during cold starts. The following are related explanations: 1. Gasoline smell in winter: This situation is particularly common in winter. The normal operating temperature of the engine is between 80-90 degrees Celsius. Once the engine reaches this temperature, the onboard computer will correspondingly reduce the fuel injection volume. Additionally, at the engine's normal operating temperature, the fuel will be fully burned, and the gasoline smell will disappear. 2. Fault reasons: If the car still has a strong gasoline smell after running for a while, it is likely due to a malfunction. A common issue is insufficient air intake through the throttle, which causes errors in the air flow information, affects the fuel injection volume, increases fuel consumption, and results in a heavier gasoline smell.
I've been driving for over a decade and have encountered the issue of smelling gasoline after turning off the engine several times. This is usually due to minor leaks in the fuel system, such as loose or aged and cracked fuel pipe connections near the fuel injectors, causing gasoline to leak out and evaporate under high temperatures. Another common cause is a loose fuel tank cap, which allows gasoline vapors to escape easily. Additionally, if the evaporative emission system fails, such as a stuck control valve, it can prevent vapor recovery and create odors. I find this quite annoying—whenever I smell it, I immediately check under the hood for any oil traces and wipe the area with a cloth to confirm. If the smell persists, it's best to take the car to a repair shop for a thorough inspection. Otherwise, fuel leaks can waste gasoline, pollute the environment, and even pose a fire risk. Developing a habit of checking the fuel tank cap after every refuel can prevent a lot of trouble.
