Why is there a gasoline smell when the car just starts?
2 Answers
There are several main reasons why a car emits a gasoline smell upon starting, which are: 1. Aging of the rubber hoses in the gasoline vapor canister (requires replacement). In older vehicles, rubber components in the engine compartment are prone to aging. The rubber hoses connecting the carbon canister to the throttle body can leak into the engine compartment if they age, necessitating timely replacement. 2. Leakage at the gasoline pipe connections (requires tightening/repair). If there is a leak in the gasoline pipes, the gasoline smell may enter the car through the air conditioning system. Leaks usually occur at the joints between pipes, which can be visually inspected by opening the engine compartment hood. Over time, a layer of oily residue will form on the surface if there is a leak, requiring tightening or repair. 3. Reduced sealing performance after disassembling the fuel pump (requires repair). Some car owners may replace or disassemble the fuel pump, and the gasoline smell inside the car could be due to residual substances not being cleaned properly after reassembly. It is best to have a repair shop check if the fuel pump is installed correctly. Generally, disassembling the fuel pump is only necessary when replacing it or addressing related faults. The replacement cycle for a fuel pump is approximately around 100,000 kilometers.
I've driven quite a few cars, especially that old one which always had a strong gasoline smell when starting up – really scary. This is mostly caused by loose or aged/fractured fuel line connections leaking fuel, where gasoline seepage is particularly noticeable. It could also be due to a failed charcoal canister, allowing fuel vapors to escape. This is more common during cold starts when the engine isn't fully warmed up and combustion is incomplete, intensifying the gasoline odor. I once experienced a fuel leak that nearly caused a fire – immediately checked if the fuel cap was tightened and looked under the car for oil stains. Replacing the rubber hoses and charcoal canister will fix it; don't delay as it risks safety. During regular maintenance, have mechanics inspect the fuel system, especially connections and the charcoal canister section – early intervention prevents bigger troubles.
