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Gas Smell in Cabin and Trunk

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Old Jan 6, 2008 | 09:19 PM
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Default Gas Smell in Cabin and Trunk

1991 NA

Always smells like gas when I get in the car. The trunk has the same smell. Anyone experience the same thing? Any fixes?
Old Jan 6, 2008 | 09:23 PM
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take it to a shop. theyll have a tool that can sniff the fumes and pinpoint leaks. very not cool, check your fuel rail and lines.
Old Jan 6, 2008 | 09:26 PM
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I was looking on miata.net and seems like alot of people over there are experiencing the same thing to no avail.
Old Jan 6, 2008 | 09:30 PM
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has your gas mileage lower than usual since this smell started?
Old Jan 6, 2008 | 09:39 PM
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leaky injectors can make the cabin smell very bad (I have experence), do a quick visual check of the fuel rail area.
Old Jan 6, 2008 | 09:41 PM
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No, it's always been pretty consistent. I'm surprised that not more people on this board have the same problem. I'm completely stock btw. Also, I don't overfill my gas. It plagues me everyday.

I'm sure it's coming from the gas filler hose area. When I removed the metal shield around the filler area in the trunk, it really was a strong smell.

It seems to affect NA, NB, and NC's alike, according to m.net.
Old Jan 6, 2008 | 09:54 PM
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you are surprised more of us aren't leaking gas or gas fumes?

check the vent line that is behind that shield in the trunk. while in there check both of those rubber hoses. one is the filler line, the other is the vapor vent line.
Old Jan 6, 2008 | 09:56 PM
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mine did this a long time ago, i tightened the clamps on the hoses in the trunk and never smelled it again
Old Jan 6, 2008 | 10:16 PM
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Here is a good test to check for gas fumes, you just want to make sure you do it properly and in the right order.

Step 1: fill up the gas tank
Step 2: open trunk or area where smell has been noticed
Step 3: call insurance agent, verify full coverage insurance, request claim forms, and find out deductible
Step 4: call bank and verify amound of deductible is present in your bank account.
Step 5:(optional) This step can be done now or later: make out a check to your insurance company for your deductible.
Step 6: move your car OUT of your garage and preferably away from any type of structure.
Step 7: Get out the matches, I prefer the strike anywhere kind, but really any type will work.
Step 8: Call 911 and request ambulance in about 5 minutes.
Step 9: Light the match.

Seriously though, just in case it didn't come through, that was a joke, don't try any of it. I used to have the same problem in my first Miata. I took the cover off the fuel tank(underneath the carpet, behind the seats on the rear deck) and cleaned it all up. Then I made sure that the cover sealed tight and tightened it down. I also checked all the lines in the trunk and made sure they were tight. My smell dissappeared after doing all that.
Old Jan 7, 2008 | 12:42 AM
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Best of luck to you. I have been chasing the same problem ever since I bought my car. I have changed out just about everything and it is still there. Funny thing is, the previous owner got rid of the car because of this. I thought he was an idiot and it would be easy to fix....
Old Jan 7, 2008 | 01:55 AM
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i have leaky injector o-rings in my 240 and can smell gas occasionaly, i just haul around a fire extinguisher until i feel like fixing it
Old Jan 7, 2008 | 08:51 AM
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Originally Posted by Mach929
mine did this a long time ago, i tightened the clamps on the hoses in the trunk and never smelled it again
+1
Old Jan 7, 2008 | 09:07 AM
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Originally Posted by Mach929
mine did this a long time ago, i tightened the clamps on the hoses in the trunk and never smelled it again
+2
Old Jan 7, 2008 | 02:05 PM
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Originally Posted by Mach929
mine did this a long time ago, i tightened the clamps on the hoses in the trunk and never smelled it again
-1.

Tried that awhile ago. Didn't work. =(
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