Gas smell inside 04 Forester
- Thread starter crawford
- Start date
- Joined
- Nov 20, 2018
- Messages
- 121
- Reaction score
- 32
The gas smell could be coming from a leaking fuel injector on the engine. Or it could be coming from a leak in the evaporative emissions system. Either way, it’s dangerous and needs to be fixed.
If the leak can’t be found in the engine compartment (from a leaking fuel injector, etc) then have the evaporative emissions system smoke tested. This is done by injecting smoked into the gas tank, and seeing if it comes out the various vapor lines. A common problem is that old vapor recovery lines crack or are chewed in by mice, resulting in vapor leaks. Smoke testing the system and seeing where the smoke comes out is the only way to find those leaks.
If the leak can’t be found in the engine compartment (from a leaking fuel injector, etc) then have the evaporative emissions system smoke tested. This is done by injecting smoked into the gas tank, and seeing if it comes out the various vapor lines. A common problem is that old vapor recovery lines crack or are chewed in by mice, resulting in vapor leaks. Smoke testing the system and seeing where the smoke comes out is the only way to find those leaks.
- Joined
- Nov 20, 2018
- Messages
- 121
- Reaction score
- 32
Also, check the charcoal canister. If it’s full of liquid gas, that could also be the source of the smell. Do you routinely top off the gas tank after automatic shutoff of the pump? If so, that will eventually flood the charcoal canister with liquid gas and cause problems. If the canister is full of liquid gas it needs to be replaced, and stop topping off the tank.
When you mention the "charcoal canister" do you mean the fuel filter (https://parts.subaru.com/p/Subaru_2004_Forester-25L-AT-XS/Fuel-Filter/49249683/42072PA010.html) or something else?