What Should You Do if Your Car Smells Like Gas?
The foul smell of gasoline isn’t something you want to smell from your Porsche. Your engine ensures that gas is burned efficiently.
The remaining smell is scrubbed away by your catalytic converter. If your car smells like gas, this is a sign that some component is damaged. As your Porsche dealer in Beachwood, OH, we’d like you to know some of the reasons for the smell and how we can fix it for you.
Advice From Your Porsche Dealer: Reasons Why Your Car Smells Like Gas
Damaged Fuel Pressure Regulator
The fuel pressure regulator allows gas to pass through to the fuel injectors. It’s a spring-loaded diaphragm controlled by a vacuum. When you accelerate, the engine produces more vacuum. The regulator then closes to push more gas into the injectors. If your engine is idling, the engine vacuum reduces. When this happens, the regulator opens to allow gas to flow back into the tank.
This regulation is essential. If your engine receives too much fuel, the excess won’t burn in the cylinders and is dumped into the catalytic converter. A high level of unburnt fuel causes the converter to overheat, and you’ll smell gas wafting from the exhaust. We’ll test your pressure regulator and replace it if necessary. We’ll also examine your converter for any signs of damage.
You Have a Gas Leak
A gas leak is dangerous, as gasoline is highly flammable. If your fuel system is damaged, gas leaks out to form a puddle underneath your car. A rapid drop in your fuel gauge is an obvious sign that something is wrong if the leak occurs while you’re driving. A leak can occur from the damaged fuel line, a punctured fuel hose, or damage to the fuel tank.
A damaged fuel injector connected to the intake manifold can also cause a leak. It’s important not to drive if your Porsche is leaking gas. Call our service department ASAP, and our technicians will trace and find the leak. Depending on the source and size of the leak, we may be able to repair the damaged component. If we can’t repair it, we’ll replace the damaged part to fix the leak.
EVAP Is Damaged
The Evaporative Emissions Control System (EVAP) in your car helps to control emissions by trapping fuel vapor. The EVAP uses a carbon filter to store the fumes. If the canister is damaged, fumes can leak out, and you’ll smell gas in the cabin.
A damaged EVAP may also make a pinging sound, and you’ll notice a drop in engine performance. We can fix this problem by replacing the canister with a new one.
If you smell gas fumes, call us right away at Porsche Beachwood.