Bad gas leak and smell

JOE WALTZ

MEMBER
2002 CHEVROLET MALIBU
3.1L
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
202,000 MILES

So, for the past couple weeks there has been a gasoline smell that come through the vents when the fan is on. At first loss of gas wasn’t noticeable but the smell was starting to get stronger day by day. Tonight, I was leaving the driveway and noticed the smell was really strong and the car was struggling to move. It’s drained a quarter tank of gas in about 70 feet of driving. The right side of the engine and air filter box was noticeably soaked in gas.

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,192 POSTS

Hi,

This is a concern. First, don't drive it until we get it fixed. There is a risk of fire with it leaking.

Now, based on your description, we need to check a few different things.

If you look below, pic 1 shows the fuel rail. The fuse rail is what distributes fuel to each of the six fuel injectors. At the top and bottom of the injectors (pic 2), there will be a small O-ring that can fail and leak. Check each injector for evidence of a leak.

If the injectors seem good, next do a quick inspection of the fuel rail itself to make sure nothing is cracked or damaged (unlikely).

At the rear of the engine, you will find both a supply fuel line from the tank and a return line that sends excess fuel back to the tank. See pic 3 for the supply line. Check that area for leaks or damage.

Also, the return line will be mounted on the regulator. The opposite side of the regulator is mounted to the fuel rail. Inspect for leaks at the connections and at the regulator. (Last pic/regulator highlighted/letter R indicating return).

This may seem confusing, but it really isn't once you look under the hood. Feel free to ask questions if you have them and let me know what you find.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.

Images (Click to make bigger)