Just found this board and am glad all of you exist out there. Anyhow, as many of you have probably already fixed, I have the fuel smell in cold weather in the passenger cabin due to the contraction of the fuel line rubber hoses in cold weather. I was hoping to work on it this weekend. Anybody around the SF Peninsula area that can show me exactly what to do? I've looked and everyone says to take it to the dealer but I'd rather do it myself to know that it's done right and know what to do just in case it happens again. I'd be more than happy to contribute to beer money for your time and advice. The hardest part seems to be taking off the intake manifold which I've never done before. I have all the tools and am mechanically inclined but am not a career mechanic. Thanks in advance!

 

you should contact Leo *stupid dent* he's doing odor removal services.

-Ave

 

Yo can either try re tightening the clamps that go on the fuel line or replace the whole assembly with the new parts from the dealer that is for the fix. Coincidentally, I am selling the fix: https://www.i-club.com/forums/norcal-classifieds-96/oem-cold-weather-fuel-leak-fix-154684/

 

Thanks for the ad Ave.

xqwizit,
Once you have it fixed and if you still have the fuel smell from the previous leak. Feel free to give me a ping, email, PM, whatever. good luck!

Leo

 

The odor removal thing really works. My car is still smelling fresh since Leo fogged it.

 

Thanks for all the replies! I didn't know that a real odor removal existed. If I had known then I wouldn't have spent all that money on over the counter products to get rid of the smoke smell.

Anyhow, Does anyone know the process to tighten the clamps? My main problem is where are they located in the engine bay. Are they visible or do I have to take the intake manifold off?

TIA!

 

Some but not all are visible. You may have to remove the alternator to get to some. IMO if you are going to go all out and remove the manifold, I would just do the fix the right way by replacing the parts and not have to deal with the clamps each time.

 

Hey guys,
Update. I dropped my car off today at Carlsen Subaru in Redwood City to have it looked at in hopes that they would fix it for free. I called Subaru of America and complained and had a case # and walked in with the TSB too. Anyhow, I just got a call and they said that it would be $790 to fix it. It's just irritating that it's $790 to fix something that is an obvious defect that Subaru is not making amends with customers for. I've had many things covered under goodwill by dealers (Honda, BMW, Mercedes) that I would think something this major would be covered. Anyhow, any of you guys have any other tips for me? I was going to call SOA again and complain again tomorrow. Seemed that they were unwilling to do anything until I actually brought the car into a dealership, or at least that's what it sounded like.

As a last resort, I would fix it myself, spend 6 hours and save $790 but would leave a sour taste in my mouth everytime I think of buying another Subaru.

 

I'm waiting for mine to catch fire so I can collect the insurance money.....

 

LOL! Pete, you might need another 200k for that to happen! can't believe your mileage on your ride...

 

Here's how that part works:

1) You take your car into Carlsen with TSB in hand.
2) You pay them $90 diagnostic fee up front.
3) They fail to find anything.
4) You drive away with your wallet $90 lighter and still have the fuel smell.
5) You then take your car to independents for service instead on the grounds that, if you don't get good service from a dealer, you might as well save the $$s and take it elsewhere.

Don't ask me how I know this

[EDIT] What I am getting at is don't let them charge you a diagnostic fee to find a known problem. [/EDIT]

 

You are so right Lorry. Instead my pocket is now $130 lighter. However they did fix an exhaust leak and the car does seem to run better but they didn't budge on the $790 that they quoted to fix the fuel smell which they claim they can't find but know does exist.