1998 Chevy Cavalier raw gas smell after car has been off fo

PATTYGARDNER53

MEMBER
1998 CHEVROLET CAVALIER
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
189,000 MILES

My 1998 Cavalier convertible has a strong raw gas smell. But it only happens when the car has been turned off for at least 2 hours AFTER the engine has been turned off. That is the only time you smell it. Not when you start it, not when you first turn it off, not when it's idle--at least 2 hours after it has been turned off, usually longer. I get home at 4:15, shut the garage door and by 7:00 p.M. I have to open the garage door to let the fumes escape as you can smell it in the house (attached garage). I am desperate. This has been going on since I got the car 2 years ago. I have had my car to 3 different mechanics and all of them say they can't find any leaks.

3 Replies

RACEFAN966

MECHANIC
5,029 POSTS

OK what I would like you to do is check the evap fuel canister for fuel loading. This is part of the emissions and if it gets loaded with fuel it smell. This is located in the right front corner of the engine compartment just behind the fascia. Let me know what you find.

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Thursday, March 19th, 2009 AT 10:46 AM

PATTYGARDNER53

MEMBER
2 POSTS

I told you the wrong year--it is a 1997. My husband and I looked all over for the canister you described but could not find it. Is it located in a different spot in a 1997?

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Friday, March 20th, 2009 AT 8:20 AM

RACEFAN966

MECHANIC
5,029 POSTS

Ok it is in the right front fender infron of the tire or near that area. It would be nice to know which 4 cyl. you have 2.2 or 2.4 ltr if you are not sure then look at you vin number and count in 8 digits and 4 is for the 2.2ltr and T is for the 2.4ltr. Get back to me and we will go from there. Here is a pic of what it looks like. If this is leaking fuel it is not expensive you can get it at your local parts store for around 35 buck.