Smells problem
2001 Buick Century 6 cyl Two Wheel Drive Automatic 157000 miles
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I have a 2001 Buick Centry, 6 cyl. with 157000 miles. It has always been maintained properly. Recently I started smelling the strong odor of what I think was gasoline in the cabin of the car. The odor was so strong it was burning my eyes and I had to put my window down to clear the odor from the car. As quickly as it came the strong odor stopped but I can still smell it everytime I drive the car. It is not as strong but it is very much detectable. I think it may be either gas or perhaps exhaust fumes that I am smelling. Can you please tell me what may be causing this problem?

An inspection of exhaust system is in order. Do you hear any noises when you accelerate? Look at engine smell around do you detect gas smell ? Is fuel consumption up?
Have a helper place a rag over tail pipe and you listen do you hear like a compressed air leak?
Does it seem stronger with AC on?
Let me know

Docfixit wrote:

An inspection of exhaust system is in order. Do you hear any noises when you accelerate? Look at engine smell around do you detect gas smell ? Is fuel consumption up? Have a helper place a rag over tail pipe and you listen do you hear like a compressed air leak? Does it seem stronger with AC on? Let me know

I don't hear any noises when accelerating or otherwise. The car is running good. At this point I don't know if fuel consumption is up since the problem just began. I can smell it a little outside the car but not very much and not under the hood. There does not appear to be any leaks under the hood. The AC air smells normal. I will try the rag over the tail pipe and get back to you. The car is not accessible to me right now but will be shortly. Thanks for your prompt reply.

hirize wrote:

Docfixit wrote: An inspection of exhaust system is in order. Do you hear any noises when you accelerate? Look at engine smell around do you detect gas smell ? Is fuel consumption up? Have a helper place a rag over tail pipe and you listen do you hear like a compressed air leak? Does it seem stronger with AC on? Let me know I don't hear any noises when accelerating or otherwise. The car is running good. At this point I don't know if fuel consumption is up since the problem just began. I can smell it a little outside the car but not very much and not under the hood. There does not appear to be any leaks under the hood. The AC air smells normal. I will try the rag over the tail pipe and get back to you. The car is not accessible to me right now but will be shortly. Thanks for your prompt reply.

I have just checked as you suggested by holding a rag over the tail pipe and heard nothing unusual. This being the case can you suggest the most likely cause following to the least likely and I will check it or have someone check it.

Have the evaporation system checked this draw fumes of tank charcoal filters and takes them into the intake. This will need to be be a qualified Tech.