(This is on a 2002 WRX)On colder days when i start the car and after its been warmed up I can smell gasoline when i have the blowers set to intake from the engine(heater) Has anyone had this problem and known what causes it I have had it checked by 2 dealers in different states and they have not been helpful at all. I appreciate any insight. Thankyou.

 

Well first question, have you altered the fuel system at all? IE injectors, fue rails, etc ?
if so, recheck all your connections.
Do you see any fuel leaking out ?

 

Thanks for replying no I have not adjusted anything and I talked to the previous owner and he never adjusted anything either. When I talked to him before I bought the car he said he smelt it only when it was really cold but now I can smell it even when its not frigid cold. And both dealers that I had it checked out at both say theres no fuel leakage anywhere. Now the only thing I could think of and I'm not sure if this would do it is if one or more of the spark plugs aren't gapped according to spec.

 

Jrod,
i just bought a used 2002 WRX (like you) and mine had the same leak. My friend is a Subie mechanic and he had fixed it in my car before I bought it. The guy who owned it before me had brought it in several times for that reason! My freind finally figured out that the leak was happening on a hose that is actually under the intake manifold, there is a clamp that can be problematic! This is not an uncommon problem for 2002 WRX's, but it is a PITA to fix because the clamp is hidden and very hard to see! Not all dealers have seen this problem, but if you search the forums you can find more about this problem. The dealer will have to pull the intake manifold to fix it, but once fixed it shouldn't be a problem anymore. I havent even smelled a hint of gas since I bought my car (good). If the dealership gives you a hard time (they really shouldn't) you can email me and I will give you my dealerships number and they can call and talk to my freind who will let them no what the cure is.


Jon


2002 white double you are ex

 

It is a common problem. The rep I spoke with at SOA had heard about it but has no better suggestion then to file a complaint with NHTSA. (1-888-327-4236).

 

I took my vehicle to the dealership and they did not find a leak on the manifold, guess I'll just driver till I blow up and let my wife sue and get rich... thanks for the info if anybody else has had this problem and found a cure please let me know.

 

My leak was by the intake manifold as well.

jrod - maybe you can try another dealership?

 

Hey Tnby thanks again for the reply, so far I've taken the car to 2 dealerships( in different states) and contacted Subaru.Subaru's jackass reply was "Thank you for visiting the Subaru Web site and for your message. We are sorry to learn of the concern you are having with a fuel smell on your Subaru. Your frustration is understandable, but we are not in a position to diagnose your vehicle via e-mail. We rely on authorized Subaru dealerships to handle technical matters. Your Subaru dealership may want to contact the Subaru dealer technical line for assistance. You can also contact us to let us know when you will be going to your Subaru dealer so that we can follow up with them while your car is there. If you wish to contact our Customer/Dealer Services Department and provide further information regarding your concerns, please call us at 1-800-SUBARU-3 (1-800-782-2783) and refer to Case #480900. Best wishes!

There comment to me translates to tough sh*t(cocky) and if our guys can't find it, its probably in your head and there really isn't a gas smell in your car. (even though gasoline has a very distinct smell of its own).