Hey guys,

So I recently used the q-tip method to clean out my fuel sending units, and that went fine, but I realized that I forgot to put the o-ring back into the system so when I pumped gas, the gas overflowed and came out from the bottom of the car. I replaced the o-ring, and everything went back to where they originally were.

However, now as I'm driving, there is an extremely strong gasoline smell coming from the back of the car. There are no gasoline leaks. I tried Fabreez-ing the car to see if the smell was just remnant of the gasoline over flowing but every time I accelerate the car, the gas smell becomes stronger.

Please help, as I am unable to drive the car long distances without getting a headache.

Thanks

 

If the gas ended up on your exhaust the one sure way to cure this issue is having your undercarriage steam cleaned. I picked up a plastic bag that melted just behind my HFCs and it smells terrible but not like gasoline. New cabin freshener and steam clean should get the job done....Gary

 

The gas has probably been absorbed into the material around that access port- and shy of just letting it air out completely I'm not sure how much lucky you're going to have. Alternatively, rinse that area out with a mild detergent solution (to help mobilize the fuel) and then let it air dry thoroughly.

Is your ventilation system recirculating? That won't help... and additionally if that O ring got pinched (not uncommon) there's a good chance that while fuel may not be leaking out (if your tank is lower)- but air might be as it pressurizes up.

 

Would gas being on the exhaust cause the smell to become stronger every time I accelerate? Do you think I can just wait it out and let it go away on its own? Thanks for responding!



I'm not sure about what you mean by the material around the access port, do you mean the lining that is directly underneath the seat, the one before you take off the first cover? (the one with the 4 latches that you have to turn clockwise)

When I drive around, both of my windows are completely open, but the smell is still strong. My O ring expanded at first so I had to cut about a centimeter off for it to fit back into its original place. Could that be the problem?

Thanks for responding!

 

when i cleaned my sending unit, i never had to cut anything. so if u cut ur o ring it could be the problem you are describing.

 

I had to cut it because fuel got on it so it expanded. Are there two o-rings? Or is there only one?

 

i did it a while back but i only remember 1. could be wrong.

 

Hey man gotta do whatchu gotta do haha

 

I have this problem as well... I think for me it's just a bad o-ring.

 

cutting the O-ring will cause a leak, ya it might look flush to you when setting it back in, but gas still will get out. I suggest you buying one from nissan ($8.00) and replace it.

 

When I went into my fuel pump assembly a couple times (fuel filter, sending unit, install Walboro fuel pump) I had a gas odor that got annoying, but eventually went away. So my best guess is that it was absorbed somewhere but eventually should air out.

 

According to the manual every time you open that you need to replace the o ring- if you cut it ( I had mine simply pinched and it resulted in a leak) then I have no doubt that's your issue. When the tank is full- it'll likely be leak central.

Get a new ring- pay the 7 dollars.

No idea why you'd need to cut it- I had to do mine to switch out fuel pumps... The old one was in reasonable shape but would old pressure. Leaked gradually, made the pump scream and filled the cab with fumes.