Hello All,

I just sold my 1993 C4 and purchased a 98 C5, I'll never had a bad word to say about the C4 but I'm loving this C5. I do have a nagging issue, I smell gas fumes all the time. I've checked everything under the hood no moist spots or fuel leaks. Nothing under the car after it's been parked? I suspect a vent line. Any suggestion would be appreciated. Still waiting on my service manuals.

Thanks in advance.

Mike

 

I don't know if the '98 has this or not, but my '99 does. There is a plastic fuel return line at the driver's side fuel rail. Looks like a snake type thing. Right at the rear of the driver's valve cover, it connects to a metal fuel return line. Check to see if its connected. On mine, the plastic retaining clip broke therefore the line was disconnected. Performance was not affected, but mileage dropped off 3-4 MPG over a whole tank. I was able to smell fuel on occasions, but not all the time. Otherwise, smell for fuel first in the engine compartment. If you are smelling it there with the car outside, then you have isolated half of the vehicle. Same goes for the tanks.
I've heard here in the forum that some have found the crossover line from the left to right tanks, leaking. If its the case, it may not leak on the ground, but you would indeed smell it a lot. Get it on jack stands and get up under there with a light.

 

If its a 98, check you fuel filter. I'd bet money your filter is leaking. Its a 13 dollar part at the auto store and you can do it yourself in about 30 minutes if you have the quick disconnect tools. See below, its very common in 97 and 98.

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1675898

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1283575

 

Have the catalytic coverters been removed? This could cause a gaseous smell (for a short second) to occur.

 

Well found the source of the smell,it was and still is the fuel filter. I did find a filter now back out to find a disconnect. To depressurize the system is it pretty much the same as the LT1? No still service manual.
Thanks again.

Mike

 

Mike,

Like i said, this is a common problem. Make sure you get new quick connects with the filter. If not, take it back and get them. They should be in the box with the new filter.

Seems like you know the story. First, depressurize the system. Your system is already going to be lacking pressure because of the leak so you might not have much to depressurize (mine was zero as the car had been sitting for a few days). To depressurize the system, open the hood and look at the fuel rail on the driver side of the car. At the front of the fuel rail is a screw off cap (like a valve stem cap) and a schrader (sp?) valve. Get a towel and a small screw driver and just open the valve for a few seconds to depressurize the system.

Next get under the car. Try different disconnect tools until you find the one that works best. Its very tight up there at best. Some people find that removing the over axle pipe on the left side exhaust helps. I didnt need to. I suggest trying to disconnect the fuel lines before unscrewing the filter from the wall but sometimes its impossible. Just keep trying until you get both lines disconnected. My filter was pretty trashed so when i pulled the old filter off the lines, it left behind the old orings from the filter. Be sure to remove any old junk from the lines. The new filter should have all those orings tucked up inside of it (as they should be)...

Besure when you connect the new filter, the lines attach properly. Once you attach them, give them a little tug and make sure they dont come off.

When you are finished. simply turn the key to the on position but DO NOT start the car. Let the fuel pump prime. Once its done priming (which is like 5 seconds - you can hear it do it), remove the key and check for leaks. Repeat the priming 2 more times (3 total) and then take it for a quick spin around the block. After that, bring it home and check for leaks one more time to be sure shes tight. If no leaks, you should be good for many more miles!

As for how i feel about this stupid filter: i believe this is and GM should issue a recall. Its a fire hazard as the exhaust is right there and i've seen this occur on many 97 and 98 cars.

Oh well! At least its an easy and cheap fix! Good luck!

 

Chilli or Beans ! !

 

Thanks for all the help. Good news it was the fuel filter, picked up the $13 part and made the change. (tough location) Bad news, during my test drive to make sure it was fixed, a woman ran a stop sign and hit me broad side! (drivers door.) She almost stopped but my Vette is not going anywhere for awhile, other than a body shop. It's a good thing New Hampshire has such a long corvette driving season or I'd really be pissed

 

Obviously someone doesnt want you driving the vette. LOL

Sorry for your misfortunate event but glad you got the fuel filter fixed. On the bright side, it's better to have to replace a door panel, than to have to have to claim a burned down car.

Hope the door gets fixed properly! Good Luck!

 

Dude, that sucks...

Good luck with the fix

Peace
Chip

 

Sorry for the bad luck. Good luck on the repair

Chuck