Fuel smell

[Loopyleesa]

Don't know if it's related (unlikely) but since the weekend (when I drilled holes in the air box) I can smell fuel/fumes in the car!

I've looked under the bonnet and can't see anything obvious, what's next to look at or do I go to a garage and act a dumb blonde?

[S7Paul]

Just had this on my daughters MX-5, so if it's the same problem......

You need to remove the trim panel in the top left corner of the boot, then unbolt the sheet metal panel that shields the fuel pipes. This gives you access to the joint where the main filler pipe (big rubber tube) fits onto the tank. We found that this was leaking very slightly, and petrol was sitting in the rubber surround just below the joint (just a small amount of fuel will stink the car out). All I did was tighten the hose clamp a bit (don't over tighten it), clean up the petrol that had leaked out, and put it all back together. Job done.

[Loopyleesa]

Thanks, done that this afternoon and no signs or smell of fuel!
The petrol cap wasn't done up really tight so maybe that!
Guess I will find out tomorrow, but thanks anyway

[durbster]

I would suggest checking the drain plug under the fuel tank.

If you see a damp patch around it then the washer has started to deteriorate.

If it is then get it sorted asap otherwise it'll go completely and you'll start to leave puddles of expensive petrol everywhere. It just needs a replacement washer so the tank will probably need to be drained first, but it's a cheap and easy thing to fix.

[LukeBird]

You get a whiff out of my car if the cap isn't really tight.

[Loopyleesa]

Well since I've done the cap up tightly the smell has gone!