10 replies to this topic

[Steve220]

Hi all,

My cooper sports has got a strong smell of fuel pretty much all the time. It's more apparent when you're outting the car under load I think. The boot stinks of it but the cabin really gets a strong smell of it and make your eyes water when you're going up a steep hill in 2nd for example

Is there a common issue with seals or pipes on these cars that I may need to look into? Any help would be appreciated before I get high off petrol fumes.

Regards
Steve

[cal844]

Check the fuel breather and fuel pipes for leaks

[Steve220]

Is the breather in the inner passenger front wing? Or in the boot?

Edited by Steve220, 21 February 2015 - 10:52 AM.

[brad-the-bear]

Is the breather in the inner passenger front wing? Or in the boot?

it comes out of the top of the fuel tank and exits next through the boot floor. (next to the fuel pipe outlet)

Edited by brad-the-bear, 21 February 2015 - 10:55 AM.

[Steve220]

Is that on the MPi? As the systems are different to carb variants.

[brad-the-bear]

Good point, am not sure to be honest. If you look at the top of your fuel tank there should be a breather to vent exhaust gasses (a breather is a compulsory requirement) Am not 100% but your breather may head towards a carbon canister?

 

bear. 

[Steve220]

Sounds like a weekend job for next Saturday!

[spiguy]

I think the SPi tank is the same as the MPi (I have an SPi) in which case the breather is via a coil of plastic pipe from a plastic unit attached to the top of the tank, which then goes to a metal pipe - it's the smallest diameter one on the three pipes clipped to the rear seat back panel, the one which is rightmost.

 

As I understand, there is some sort of pressure release valve in there, as on a hot day I hear mine make a little buzz noise every so often. The released vapour goes up that pipe to a charcoal canister under the wing which is purged under certain engine conditions, by the ECU opening the purge valve, which the canister is connected to.

 

You really just need to have a good look around at the tank, hoses and connections and see if there is a leak anywhere. Really does sound like it is originating at the tank.

[Steve220]

Many thanks for that reply, it really does help!

 

One thing i found strange this evening as i was buzzing down the A3, if i opened the driver's window to clear the condensation on the driver's window i smelt it more Not sure if the air flow through the cabin if forcing it towards me hence the smell but it is eye watering.

[Steve220]

Guys,

 

Well found why the car smelt of fuel

 

 

 

Yep. That's fuel pouring down the side of the tank. The pressurised fuel hose has split. No idea how long its been like this but it got to the point today where i couldn't breath inside the car and my eyes were watering. Glad i found it as it was pouring into the battery box. I've removed the pipe and it has de-laminated where its split so will need a new one. The paint on the boot floor has unfortunately peeled off so will need sorting soon.

Edited by Steve220, 25 February 2015 - 10:50 PM.

[brad-the-bear]

"There are never problems only challenges" (used to grit my teeth when my dad said that aha) , and good luck with the repairs! 

 

Bear.

Edited by brad-the-bear, 25 February 2015 - 11:26 PM.