Gas smell from trunk: 201

[ScottyC190E]

Hey guys, I haven't had this happen before, but today I noticed a gas smell coming from my trunk and coming through to the interior of the car. It's is kind of weird because I just filled up with gas last night. Is it possible that there is some kind of leak or something? Hoses? I looked under the car and there is nothing. Hmmm, any help is appreciated, Scott P.S. I'm so exited because I ordered my euro headlights from bekkers today, should be on my car by Saturday, I'll post the pics of before and after and at night on my homepage. Scott Chaffin

[Benzmac]

If you spilled some of the gas into the opening of the fuel door area, the black boot may have been leaking a little. This boot keeps fuel from spilling into the trunk if an overflow happens. I would check the boot and the fuel cap seal.

This happened to my sister in her 300 e and it was the cap, it was not installed correctly (duhh).

[Robert W. Roe]

Ditto to what Benzmac said. Also, although I'm not 100% sure if your car is the same as my 126, but there is a hose inside the tank flap, next to the fuel cap. On my 1983 300SD, this hose goes through the trunk and out under the rear axle area (roughly). If this hose comes off, like mine did, overflow from the fuel tank can get directly into the trunk area between the fuel door and the trunk hinges. I was able to push mine back on, but I had to climb in the trunk after removing the trim panel.

[Ashman]

I believe I remember reading in another post that some people with that fuel smell replaced their filler cap and it solved the problem.

Did you perhaps forget to put the cap on or not put it on correctly?

That might help the problem.

I think if you search for gas smell, you might find the post that had it.

I'm not a tech, just relaying what I have read in another post about gas smells.

Alon

[ScottyC190E]

Thanks guys! Benzmac, I see the little hole where the fuel would go if there was a spill, but how do I check it? Also, I'm not sure that's the problem because is it possible to have overflow if you just let the pump click off when it's done? I was standing right there and I don't seem to remember any overflow. Thanks again, Scott P.S. Someone on another forum said it might be a hole in my fuel tank but how could I check that and why would a hole just appear in the tank???

[MikeTangas]

No you wouldn't expect an overflow if the pump shut off properly, but quite often when you pull the nozzle out there is some amount of fuel left in the hose, that spills out of the nozzle. Might be the source.

The gas cap of 300E has two extensions in the inside. If someone does not place the cap properly before twisting it to lock it, the extensions will rotate out of place and the cap will lock but not fully. You will smell gas all the time.

To fix it you have to rotate back the parts out of place.
The first time it happens it takes some time to rotate back the mislaigned part, but soon you realize that a s/driver and pliers are enough. Hope it helps.
Regards,

Juan

Scotty,
It's your gas cap...bet you a paycheck on it. I recommend an investment of $6.50 (gas cap), plain & simple. Keep your trunk open overnight to dissipate the fumes. Let me know the result.

It has happened to me only when I overfill the tank. The warning in the car is correct. Do Not Overfill!!!