Fuel smell and general running?

richandhazel · Post by **richandhazel** » Wed Jul 13, 2005 3:45 pm

I noticed quite a strong fuel smell from the car when I started it up last night. Is there anywhere in particular the GT's are prone to developing leaks? I've removed the airbox and most of the induction and had a good look around but cannot find anything obvious. Whats more it appeared to be fine when starting up this afternoon so wondered if it may simply be overfuelling slightly on startup. Since I've had the car the temperature gauge has never gone above 70 even when stuck in traffic, seems very low to me. Economy, however, seems fantastic, I'm getting around 400 miles out of a tankful! And it seems to pull and run very well........so unless the smell returns I'm inclined to leave well alone.

GroovyCarrot · Post by **GroovyCarrot** » Wed Jul 13, 2005 7:26 pm

Most common fuel leak is on the filler neck where it goes into the tank, lots of mk3's suffer from rust there. If you're getting 400 miles to a tank though it can't be a very bad leak

richandhazel · Post by **richandhazel** » Thu Jul 14, 2005 3:58 am

GroovyCarrot wrote:Most common fuel leak is on the filler neck where it goes into the tank, lots of mk3's suffer from rust there. If you're getting 400 miles to a tank though it can't be a very bad leak

Ah yes I have heard that. I have 2 mk1 Golf's and they are prone to that too. Will have a look. Is that right the fuel tanks are prone to corroding too?

I don't think it can be a bad leak, as you say, and tbh, I haven't smelt it since. Funny thing is, the petrol was running low and I was actually leaving work to fill it up. After I filled it up I didn't smell it again which is the opposite to what I would have expected!

LogIK · Post by **LogIK** » Thu Jul 14, 2005 2:33 pm

It will smell a bit pertoly when you first start it up. That's normal, with the engine running rich when it's cold.