Petrol Smell

[Blue1]

I have just bought an Astra 1998 1600 8V. It has just done a 500 mile journey just fine but yesterday took it for a short drive and suddenly it smelt strongly of petrol in the car. What should I look for?

[woodchopper]

There are no petrol lines inside the car so the smell must be from the outside - put the car up on ramps if you have them and check the fuel lines from the tank to the engine for a leak.
Anyone else got an idea ?

[Blue1]

It is a petrol car. It does have a temporary petrol cap on. Could that be the problem?

[woodchopper]

Yup !

[Blue1]

Cheers for that, the only thing is, it is one of those rubber sealed ones and there was no smell when it drove 500 miles. The smell just suddenly came on after driving for about 10 mins. the next day. So I am still confused.

[shero101]

Hi Blue1, definately recommend getting a proper petrol cap. The car would not pass an MoT with a temporary one anyway so you will need to get one sometime.

[__LEE__]

if the petrol cap fastens securely and forms a seal.. then it will pass a mot test