Anyone had this problem w/ an SE?

brycerxer · 10-07-2009, 05:22 PM

Last week I filled up the tank and topped it off. I don't usually top off, but I had just put premix in and put a little more in than I wanted. I put the gas cap back on tightly. Ever since then I've noticed the smell of gas occasionally while driving. The smell is most noticable when I would do a fast acceleration (high RPM's), severe cornering, and when I had the moon roof out and the windows down. The fuel level doesn't seem to be dropping any quicker, and I don't see/smell any gas leaking or escaping when I look/smell around and under the car.

I've had the car since February and this is the first time I've noticed this. I plan to get under the car this weekend and replace the fuel filter and get a better look, but I wanted to throw it out there to the experts on the forum to see if this is something anyone has come across before. One other thing worth mentioning is that my shift boot is not fastened down on the underside, so I will feel heat radiating up through the shifter. Not sure if that's where the gas smell is getting in, but its crossed my mind. Any ideas/theories/suggestions would be appreciated.

rx4ur7 · 10-07-2009, 05:48 PM

At this age could be fuel or evap line going to the tank, fill pipe, gauge seal. To see most of those you have access by removing the panel in the left side rear wheel well.
Could be bad cut check valve but out here that is usually when you are running less than half tank on hot days. Overloaded charcoal can can cause it.
My first look would be lines going to tank. I did have a car once that did that and found that someone had installed a speaker in the back. Eventually found that they installed it with those long self tapping screws one of which went into the top of the tank. Only leaked when they really filled it up. Pull the carpet up and look for any holes in the deck that do not belong.

brycerxer · 10-08-2009, 10:31 AM

Good info, Thanks, now I have some places to start checking.

Cp1 · 11-02-2009, 11:29 AM

could also in the worst case scenario be the tank itself. they were made by pressing two halves together with a shitty gasket and the gasket can fail. i had to buy a used tank as i had a similar problem

Romulan_7 · 11-16-2009, 02:49 AM

Can't say as I've played with a SE, but in my '85 if I don't get the gas cap on just right, I'll get a bit of fuel out the filler neck and I'll smell gas like you said.

10-07-2009, 05:22 PM	#1
brycerxer The Newbie Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 22 Rep Power: 0	Anyone had this problem w/ an SE? Last week I filled up the tank and topped it off. I don't usually top off, but I had just put premix in and put a little more in than I wanted. I put the gas cap back on tightly. Ever since then I've noticed the smell of gas occasionally while driving. The smell is most noticable when I would do a fast acceleration (high RPM's), severe cornering, and when I had the moon roof out and the windows down. The fuel level doesn't seem to be dropping any quicker, and I don't see/smell any gas leaking or escaping when I look/smell around and under the car. I've had the car since February and this is the first time I've noticed this. I plan to get under the car this weekend and replace the fuel filter and get a better look, but I wanted to throw it out there to the experts on the forum to see if this is something anyone has come across before. One other thing worth mentioning is that my shift boot is not fastened down on the underside, so I will feel heat radiating up through the shifter. Not sure if that's where the gas smell is getting in, but its crossed my mind. Any ideas/theories/suggestions would be appreciated. __________________ *'85 RX-7 GSL-SE* Current Driver *'85 RX-7 GS* Current project *'84 RX-7* Parts car-SOLD *'91 RX-7 VERT* SOLD

10-08-2009, 10:31 AM	#3
brycerxer The Newbie Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 22 Rep Power: 0	Good info, Thanks, now I have some places to start checking. __________________ *'85 RX-7 GSL-SE* Current Driver *'85 RX-7 GS* Current project *'84 RX-7* Parts car-SOLD *'91 RX-7 VERT* SOLD

10-07-2009, 05:48 PM	#2
rx4ur7 Rotary since 1972 Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Tucson Posts: 231 Rep Power: 17	At this age could be fuel or evap line going to the tank, fill pipe, gauge seal. To see most of those you have access by removing the panel in the left side rear wheel well. Could be bad cut check valve but out here that is usually when you are running less than half tank on hot days. Overloaded charcoal can can cause it. My first look would be lines going to tank. I did have a car once that did that and found that someone had installed a speaker in the back. Eventually found that they installed it with those long self tapping screws one of which went into the top of the tank. Only leaked when they really filled it up. Pull the carpet up and look for any holes in the deck that do not belong.

11-16-2009, 02:49 AM	#5
Romulan_7 The Newbie Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 12 Rep Power: 0	Can't say as I've played with a SE, but in my '85 if I don't get the gas cap on just right, I'll get a bit of fuel out the filler neck and I'll smell gas like you said.