'89 W124 Wagon Smell of Gas
 

High all, new to this list, so if I post wrong location please let me know. Now to the question...

During the last week I have begun smelling gas. It seems to be coming from the engine comparment, yet I can smell it at the rear of the car as well. I have made an inspection in the engine compartment, and under the car, with it running but did not see any apparent leaks. Even after shutting the engine off the smell remains strong for an hour or two. Driving donw the road I can pick up the smell from the air the heater brings in the passenger comparment, thus making me think it is coming from the engine compartment.

Looking for any suggestions on how to track down the culprit. Thanks

LKNMAN

make sure your gas cap is on tight :)

Check the fuel line from the steel pipe on the frame to the fuel distributor. They are shrink-fit material, and crack with age. If it's leaking (you will have to remove the air filter housing to check), cut it off and replace with standard high pressure fuel line and hose clamps, it's difficult (and expensive) to get a factory replacement for some reason.

Otherwise, check the vacuum lines for the evaporative control stuff. There are two small vac lines that go to the mainfold under the airflow meter, connected to a large hose and a valve. If the large hose is broken, fuel vapors will collect in the charcoal canister until it fills up, resulting in both fuel vapors leaking into the engine compartment via the broken line and overflow out the vent on the canister (down by the tank, I think).

Peter