It's cold outside... welcome to raw fuel smell!

rogue · 12-20-2004, 02:56 PM

per this thread: http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=131755

I got a nice strong fuel smell today, even after the car was warmed up.

Paul Brothers Subaru in Herndon told me "yeah, we've gotten a lot of calls about that this morning, it happens when the car is cold, don't worry about it. And it's just a TSB, so even if that's it it'd be your cost to fix it."

I worry about fuel leaking into my engine bay, right above my uppipe. But that's just me.

Anyone else getting this issue, call your local dealership, and let's not take any crap on this. Leaking fuel is not a minor issue, SOA should be fixing this on affected vehicles, and your dealership should be making every effort to get your car in. If you find otherwise, report it to SOA (800) SUBARU3

-rogue

* Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

lowkey · 12-20-2004, 03:01 PM

I got the heavy fuel smell only after my car had been warmed up and driven about 5 miles this morning. I tried to get it fixed last year, but was told they couldn't reproduce the smell

.

I won't have the time to get it fixed for another month, though, so if it's cold, I'm going to smell like gas.

rogue · 12-20-2004, 03:05 PM

I can live with smelling like stuff... but I don't want my engine to kersplode

I'm not a warranty hog... I never went in for the clutch shudder or anything like that, but dammit this could be dangerous

saint_foo · 12-20-2004, 03:13 PM

Yeah, my car smells like it's running rich.

meshuggah · 12-20-2004, 03:22 PM

I had that problem, after I did injectors and fuel rails, it obviously went away. Not a cheap way to fix that problem, but I wonder if there is a do it yourself way to fix the stock fuel rails to prevent the smell.

--Geoff

lowkey · 12-20-2004, 04:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rogue

I can live with smelling like stuff... but I don't want my engine to kersplode

I'm not a warranty hog... I never went in for the clutch shudder or anything like that, but dammit this could be dangerous

I agree. It should clearly be a warranty repair and likely a recall. I really don't want my car to go up in flames, either, although the high from the fumes is alright when I'm stuck in traffic.

However, short of Subaru sending techs to my garage at work right now, I don't have time to get it fixed. If it does blow up, I'll be in a rental pretty quick.

Endlesshine · 12-20-2004, 04:02 PM

It's a very common problem with the '02/'03 WRX'es and I can't believe they STILL won't fix it!!

They'll fix that stupid Cruise Control clip but they wont fix a fuel leak. WTH??

Haven't noticed anything in the LGT

:lifts nose at leaky WRX'es:

-Ron

Soon2bSubbieowner · 12-20-2004, 04:10 PM

My 05 smelt like lovely brand newness.

-Rob

psyber_0ptix · 12-20-2004, 04:14 PM

HUM, i dont know if its the same, but i was trying to inspect a potnential coolant leak when all of the sudden, BAM i kicked it up a notcha nd smelled pure gasolene from somewhere near the upper coolant tank by the turbo. is this what you were referring to?

i was afraid one of my injectors inseated itself and was spewing fumes (maybe even lowering compression in a cylinder?)

if this is normal, then i guess i wont sweat it. i sniffed my exhaust thinking it was just cold gas fumes condensing inside the pipes in such a cold day and making it smell, but that wasnt it.

what is this phenomenon?

rogue · 12-20-2004, 04:17 PM

You've got the WRX engine in there, right?

The phenomenon is a fuel rail hooked up to a rubber hose on the passenger side of the engine, under the manifold, above the engine, just to the inside of where the manifold hits the cylinder nearest the turbo. See the thread linked above for a picture.

psyber_0ptix · 12-20-2004, 04:42 PM

AH CRAP, that kind alooks like a pain to fix... (unless its up top?)

Siper2 · 12-20-2004, 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Soon2bSubbieowner

My 05 smelt like lovely brand newness.

-Rob

I miss that.

Even a thorough vacuum and Vinylex/Lexol job won't restore it. Heh!

M · 12-20-2004, 05:26 PM

i had the same smell this morning as well. Never had it till today.

rogue · 12-20-2004, 05:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M

i had the same smell this morning as well. Never had it till today.

call your dealership, schedule to get it looked at.

I'm also getting my cruise control recall done at the same time.

psyber_0ptix · 12-20-2004, 05:45 PM

i doubt the stealership would even look at my car as its not stock :\

anyone wanna help me take my manifold off? :P

RayO · 12-20-2004, 06:00 PM

I had the fuel smell once last year in my 2002 WRX. I read the TSB here, and decided to try to get my dealer to fix it.
At first, they mentioned my mileage. I said it seemed to be an emissions/safety issue, and they then agreed.
While they were fixing it, I had them put in my inlet pipe at no charge, since the manifold needs to come off to do the TSB work.
It pays to be polite and have all of your facts before going to the dealer. Their first response is almost always "NO", but they will work with you in many cases.

psyber_0ptix · 12-20-2004, 06:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RayO

I had the fuel smell once last year in my 2002 WRX. I read the TSB here, and decided to try to get my dealer to fix it.
At first, they mentioned my mileage. I said it seemed to be an emissions/safety issue, and they then agreed.
While they were fixing it, I had them put in my inlet pipe at no charge, since the manifold needs to come off to do the TSB work.
It pays to be polite and have all of your facts before going to the dealer. Their first response is almost always "NO", but they will work with you in many cases.

even if you have a 1999l with wrx motor and aftermarket turbo/exhaust

Tur1smoWRX · 12-20-2004, 08:04 PM

My car always smells of gas, ever since my new fuel pump went in. You get used to it after a month or so.

WRX11 · 12-20-2004, 10:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Endlesshine

It's a very common problem with the '02/'03 WRX'es and I can't believe they STILL won't fix it!!

They'll fix that stupid Cruise Control clip but they wont fix a fuel leak. WTH??

Haven't noticed anything in the LGT

:lifts nose at leaky WRX'es:

-Ron

It's cheaper to paid someone when their cars burn down and they lose in court.

nhluhr · 12-20-2004, 10:36 PM

I don't have a 2002 WRX anymore so I am no longer having this problem, but I urge you all who have this problem to complain to the NHTSA!!

if you don't all do this, you'll stand very little chance of a solution ever being provided free of charge.

M · 12-20-2004, 11:03 PM

I'm going to go over in person ot the dealer tommorow to arrange to have this fixed as well as my seat recall/ TSB.

mklier1218 · 01-19-2005, 07:45 AM

bump
Well I have this prob now. Where did you all go to get it fixed and did you have to pay for it? I have an 02 with 67,000 miles. I tightened two of the clamps, and will find out this morning if it leaks or not.

rautox · 01-19-2005, 08:05 AM

I took 4 trips yesterday.
Trip one, warmed car up for 5-10 minutes before driving to work. No smell.
Trip two, didn't warm car up before rollin' across the base. Strong smell.
Trip three, warmed car up for 5 and grabbed some lunch. No smell.
Trip four, intentionally didn't warm car up more than a minute. Some smell.

I'll be warmin' my car up carefully today, and hopefully get a chance at those clamps tonight.

SilverBoosted · 01-19-2005, 08:14 AM

The raw fuel smell problem is why I no longer own my PSM baby... Subaru said "tough cookies its $650 to fix" I told them F*#k You and traded it in.... No issues with my Jeep in 22k miles cant say the same for the great Japanese quality... 2 batteries, 2 radiators, 3 sets of rotors and pads, clutch assy, wheel bearing plus many other issues in the 3 yrs I owned the car.......

rogue · 01-19-2005, 08:57 AM

I never got it fixed, but it would have been on my dime to do it.

How did you guys tighten the clamps?

Those things are WAY down burried under the intake manifold!

I'm gonna replace the fuel lines down there with longer rubber and double-clamp them at some point, but for now I'll just warm it up.

12-20-2004, 02:56 PM	#1
rogue Scooby Guru Member#: 7977 Join Date: Jul 2001 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: Sterling, VA Vehicle: 100% Abuse	It's cold outside... welcome to raw fuel smell! per this thread: http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=131755 I got a nice strong fuel smell today, even after the car was warmed up. Paul Brothers Subaru in Herndon told me "yeah, we've gotten a lot of calls about that this morning, it happens when the car is cold, don't worry about it. And it's just a TSB, so even if that's it it'd be your cost to fix it." I worry about fuel leaking into my engine bay, right above my uppipe. But that's just me. Anyone else getting this issue, call your local dealership, and let's not take any crap on this. Leaking fuel is not a minor issue, SOA should be fixing this on affected vehicles, and your dealership should be making every effort to get your car in. If you find otherwise, report it to SOA (800) SUBARU3 -rogue * Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Raw Fuel Smell Log	fluffybunny	Warranty Issues & SOA Problems	3411	01-10-2021 06:16 PM
Raw Fuel Smell/Leaking Fuel Line on WRX	pumpkyn	Rocky Mountains Impreza Club Forum -- RMIC	40	10-01-2020 07:48 AM
Raw Fuel Smell Inside Cabin - WRX	Kenneth2000	Warranty Issues & SOA Problems	13	12-21-2012 11:28 PM
02 WRX slow to start/raw fuel smell	tobylazur	Service & Maintenance	4	05-21-2009 03:15 AM
Raw fuel smell/leak when cold, where did Chicago ppl get theres fixed?	MF-DIF	Mid West Subaru Owners Club Forum -- MWSOC	74	02-14-2009 06:24 PM

12-20-2004, 03:01 PM	#2
lowkey Scooby Newbie Member#: 17518 Join Date: Apr 2002 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: arlington Vehicle: 2002 wrx silver	I got the heavy fuel smell only after my car had been warmed up and driven about 5 miles this morning. I tried to get it fixed last year, but was told they couldn't reproduce the smell . I won't have the time to get it fixed for another month, though, so if it's cold, I'm going to smell like gas.

12-20-2004, 03:05 PM	#3
rogue Scooby Guru Member#: 7977 Join Date: Jul 2001 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: Sterling, VA Vehicle: 100% Abuse	I can live with smelling like stuff... but I don't want my engine to kersplode I'm not a warranty hog... I never went in for the clutch shudder or anything like that, but dammit this could be dangerous

12-20-2004, 03:13 PM	#4
saint_foo Scooby Guru Member#: 64364 Join Date: Jun 2004 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: Northern Commonwealth	Yeah, my car smells like it's running rich.

12-20-2004, 03:22 PM	#5
meshuggah Scooby Specialist Member#: 8578 Join Date: Jul 2001	I had that problem, after I did injectors and fuel rails, it obviously went away. Not a cheap way to fix that problem, but I wonder if there is a do it yourself way to fix the stock fuel rails to prevent the smell. --Geoff

12-20-2004, 04:02 PM	#7
Endlesshine Scooby Specialist Member#: 19598 Join Date: Jun 2002 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: MoCo Vehicle: 1998 Honda CR-V Sold the LGT	It's a very common problem with the '02/'03 WRX'es and I can't believe they STILL won't fix it!! They'll fix that stupid Cruise Control clip but they wont fix a fuel leak. WTH?? Haven't noticed anything in the LGT :lifts nose at leaky WRX'es: -Ron

12-20-2004, 04:10 PM	#8
Soon2bSubbieowner Scooby Specialist Member#: 21812 Join Date: Jul 2002 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: Woodbridge, VA Vehicle: 2011 Mazda2	My 05 smelt like lovely brand newness. -Rob

12-20-2004, 04:14 PM	#9
psyber_0ptix Scooby Guru Member#: 60671 Join Date: Apr 2004 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: DC Vehicle: 1972 Datsun 240z LS3 w/ Jenvey ITB	HUM, i dont know if its the same, but i was trying to inspect a potnential coolant leak when all of the sudden, BAM i kicked it up a notcha nd smelled pure gasolene from somewhere near the upper coolant tank by the turbo. is this what you were referring to? i was afraid one of my injectors inseated itself and was spewing fumes (maybe even lowering compression in a cylinder?) if this is normal, then i guess i wont sweat it. i sniffed my exhaust thinking it was just cold gas fumes condensing inside the pipes in such a cold day and making it smell, but that wasnt it. what is this phenomenon?

12-20-2004, 04:17 PM	#10
rogue Scooby Guru Member#: 7977 Join Date: Jul 2001 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: Sterling, VA Vehicle: 100% Abuse	You've got the WRX engine in there, right? The phenomenon is a fuel rail hooked up to a rubber hose on the passenger side of the engine, under the manifold, above the engine, just to the inside of where the manifold hits the cylinder nearest the turbo. See the thread linked above for a picture.

12-20-2004, 04:42 PM	#11
psyber_0ptix Scooby Guru Member#: 60671 Join Date: Apr 2004 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: DC Vehicle: 1972 Datsun 240z LS3 w/ Jenvey ITB	AH CRAP, that kind alooks like a pain to fix... (unless its up top?)

12-20-2004, 05:26 PM	#13
M Scooby Specialist Member#: 4470 Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Dc suburbs Vehicle: 2002 Subaru WRX Blaze Yellow	i had the same smell this morning as well. Never had it till today.

12-20-2004, 05:45 PM	#15
psyber_0ptix Scooby Guru Member#: 60671 Join Date: Apr 2004 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: DC Vehicle: 1972 Datsun 240z LS3 w/ Jenvey ITB	i doubt the stealership would even look at my car as its not stock :\ anyone wanna help me take my manifold off? :P

12-20-2004, 06:00 PM	#16
RayO Scooby Newbie Member#: 42329 Join Date: Aug 2003 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: Boyertown, Pa Vehicle: 2002 WRX sedan WRB	I had the fuel smell once last year in my 2002 WRX. I read the TSB here, and decided to try to get my dealer to fix it. At first, they mentioned my mileage. I said it seemed to be an emissions/safety issue, and they then agreed. While they were fixing it, I had them put in my inlet pipe at no charge, since the manifold needs to come off to do the TSB work. It pays to be polite and have all of your facts before going to the dealer. Their first response is almost always "NO", but they will work with you in many cases.

12-20-2004, 08:04 PM	#18
Tur1smoWRX Scooby Specialist Member#: 35006 Join Date: Apr 2003 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: Arlington VA Vehicle: 2003 WRX HOT PINK	My car always smells of gas, ever since my new fuel pump went in. You get used to it after a month or so.

12-20-2004, 10:36 PM	#20
nhluhr Scooby Guru Member#: 7327 Join Date: Jun 2001 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: Seattle, WA Vehicle: 2008 Mazdaspeed3 2006 Wrangler Sport	I don't have a 2002 WRX anymore so I am no longer having this problem, but I urge you all who have this problem to complain to the NHTSA!! if you don't all do this, you'll stand very little chance of a solution ever being provided free of charge.

12-20-2004, 11:03 PM	#21
M Scooby Specialist Member#: 4470 Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Dc suburbs Vehicle: 2002 Subaru WRX Blaze Yellow	I'm going to go over in person ot the dealer tommorow to arrange to have this fixed as well as my seat recall/ TSB.

01-19-2005, 07:45 AM	#22
mklier1218 Scooby Specialist Member#: 23889 Join Date: Sep 2002 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: MAIC > NESIC Vehicle: ot mods are weaksauce	bump Well I have this prob now. Where did you all go to get it fixed and did you have to pay for it? I have an 02 with 67,000 miles. I tightened two of the clamps, and will find out this morning if it leaks or not.

01-19-2005, 08:05 AM	#23
rautox Scooby Newbie Member#: 68573 Join Date: Aug 2004 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: Bowie, MD Vehicle: 98 Italkart F125 Black	I took 4 trips yesterday. Trip one, warmed car up for 5-10 minutes before driving to work. No smell. Trip two, didn't warm car up before rollin' across the base. Strong smell. Trip three, warmed car up for 5 and grabbed some lunch. No smell. Trip four, intentionally didn't warm car up more than a minute. Some smell. I'll be warmin' my car up carefully today, and hopefully get a chance at those clamps tonight.

01-19-2005, 08:14 AM	#24
SilverBoosted Scooby Specialist Member#: 7764 Join Date: Jun 2001 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: State of Confusion Vehicle: 16 Jeep Renegade Its Trailrated Yo	The raw fuel smell problem is why I no longer own my PSM baby... Subaru said "tough cookies its $650 to fix" I told them F*#k You and traded it in.... No issues with my Jeep in 22k miles cant say the same for the great Japanese quality... 2 batteries, 2 radiators, 3 sets of rotors and pads, clutch assy, wheel bearing plus many other issues in the 3 yrs I owned the car.......

01-19-2005, 08:57 AM	#25
rogue Scooby Guru Member#: 7977 Join Date: Jul 2001 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: Sterling, VA Vehicle: 100% Abuse	I never got it fixed, but it would have been on my dime to do it. How did you guys tighten the clamps? Those things are WAY down burried under the intake manifold! I'm gonna replace the fuel lines down there with longer rubber and double-clamp them at some point, but for now I'll just warm it up.