I've noticed a raw gas smell mostly when cruising at a steady rpm around 3-4k or so. I did some searching, found that it might be a few different things such as FPD and leaky secondary injector, but have a couple questions someone might be able to help me with.

Could it be my fuel filter? I'm sure it's older, i'm about 1k away from the 60k mark and don't know when the filter was last replaced. How can I pin it down besides ordering parts and putting them in, hoping that it fixes it? How could I check the FPD, injectors etc?

I doubt it's the FPD because I don't smell it at idle, however if I pop the hood after running for a bit I can usually smell it close to the engine but it goes away. I'm about to put my car away for the winter and would like to get it fixed before my car blows up, but I don't want to take it somewhere and throw money at it pay someone to fix things that may not need fixing. Thanks!

 

There are several things-- leaky o-rings, FPD, bad check valve going to PCV

changing o-rings and FPD are the biggest pain the *** because of the solenoid rack removal

 

if you can smell gas under the hood its the pulsation damper/ primary injectors

mike

 

I only smell gas under the hood after a run and it seems to burn off quickly, idling or driving at low rpms I can't smell it.

 

I smell lots of gas around y-pipe area after driving...
and i just finished freakin hose job

 

I say no to the fuel filter question. Should have nothing to to with a leak, but you should change it every 20-30K or so. I would change it to be safe.

FPD commonly start leaking. So do injector seals and o-rings. My advise is to replace it all when you are in there. First, check with the dealer to see if you car has had the fuel recall done. Give them your VIN to search. Mazda will do it for free if not. This recall also includes replacing some fuel lines, installing hose extra clamps, and the UIM gasket along with the seals.

Jeff

 

One thing I noticed today when checking my oil is that the oil that was on the dipstick smelled like fuel... I don't remember whether or not it did when I bought the car, hehe. What could cause that?

 

Blowby around the side seals. Common.

 

In regards to the fuel smelling oil? Or the fuel smell in general?

 

It is common for FD's to have fuel in the oil. Like Spurvo said, fuel/air mix blows by the side seals and enters the oil passages, especially under boost. Cumulative effects will result in quite a bit of fuel in the oil after 3K miles. I actually change mine every 2K just to be safe.

Jeff

 

Come on now, there are more likely causes than just these.

I'm betting it's the aluminum check valve that goes to the solenoid valve then the catchtank on to the charcoal canister.

If this commonly bad check valve allows boost to pressurize the charcoal canister you will ONLY GET THE FUEL SMELL AFTER BEING ON BOOST.

If you only smell fuel after a boosted run it's probably the Purge Control Check Valve!

Search for fuel smell, & you'll see others that have had the same problem. I was one of them...

 

Tried searching, last i knew the search function was disabled...

 

Oh.

Well the Purge control check valve is in front of the throttle body. It's visible once you remove the throttle body elbow, and pressure tank. It's the only aluminum valve on the car, so it stands out pretty good.

Replace that valve & see if the smell goes away. While you have the catch tank (mounts to bottom of throttle body) off go ahead & spray it down out with carb cleaner.

Hope that helps.
Eric.

 

uh, check to make sure you didn't lose your gas cap... I couldn't figure out my fuel smell for DAYS, following a spark plug change in my Bravada. I only smelled it at certain MPH, too.. worked for hours before I thought to check that, and sure enough!

 

I'm having the same problem.
But it occured right after I change my fuel filter.
I replaced the aluminum check valve. But it still the same.
Before it was off and on smell. Now its all the time.
I've been told the FPD & injectors but want to be sure if that is all.
Hate to put down $500 and not fix the problem.
The manual doesn't even say anything about replacing the FPD.

 

Make sure you check with your local dealer to see if your car has had the fuel recall done. Might get all that stuff replaced for free! I did.

Jeff