Raw fuel smell

[kilotango]

Noticed the smell of raw fuel today... but couldnt find any leaks.

the smell seemed to come from the rear right hand side (seemed to be just between the wheel and the arch). i checked if the fuel cap was tightened and it was.

im going to try and look harder this evening to see if theres a leak. any tips on how i can get a good view of the pipe that goes from the filling hole to the tank?

e46 330ci btw!

cheers

 

[Philip Foglar]

And I gather it was quite warm at the time, the weather?

 

[kilotango]

And I gather it was quite warm at the time, the weather?

extremely! about 38 degrees outside.

is this just venting?

 

[Lizzard]

How full was the fuel tank at that stage?

 

[kilotango]

How full was the fuel tank at that stage?

about quarter tank or so.. i havent filled up in a few days

 

[VinnyJ]

How full was the fuel tank at that stage?

about quarter tank or so.. i havent filled up in a few days

I had the same issue, However mine was caused by the incompetent installers at Tracker. They drilled into the fuel filler neck.
Check the fuel filler neck and also I had a lot of advise from the forum. Check the below thread

http://www.bmwfanatics.co.za/showthread.php?tid=51380

 

[Major]

I had the same issue, However mine was caused by the incompetent installers at Tracker. They drilled into the fuel filler neck.

:nonono:

 

[kilotango]

I had the same issue, However mine was caused by the incompetent installers at Tracker. They drilled into the fuel filler neck.
Check the fuel filler neck and also I had a lot of advise from the forum. Check the below thread

http://www.bmwfanatics.co.za/showthread.php?tid=51380

thanks mate for the info..will definitely look this weekend to see if there are any cracks or issues on the neck. im hoping its a minor issue that some pratley can sort out

 

[Philip Foglar]

It could just be venting, I am sure I have had this a few times with my E90 when the weather is really hot like that.

 

[Lizzard]

Why I asked is when you fill the car full and drive home immediately you get the fuel smell the next morning.

Maybe for problem finding, remove your back seat and check if the fuel pump seal is still ok and the smell isn't coming through there.

On my e46 330i I had replaced my fuel pump and did a pour job on it as I struggled with the seal to get the pump in place, so clever me wet the seal with some lubricant (ask my father in law to assist) and then the pump fitted. Well to my stupidity I got a fuel smell and the seal leaked. Long story short, had to go buy a new seal and struggle to get the pump in, so don't cancel the seal, check it out and see if the smell isn't from there. You will need to remove the bottom rear seat, the rubber mat, 4 star screws and smell the puppy.

Hope this gives some direction in fault finding.