Strong Fuel Odor
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Pro
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 619
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From: Destin FL
Strong Fuel Odor
Lately I've noticed that every time I fill the tank and get home back in the garage, after sitting for a while the garage fills with a strong gasoline odor. I can't see any fuel dripping anywhere and it doesn't seem to be as strong inside the car as outside. I don't overfill the tank and haven't run excess fuel out of the filler neck. Has anyone else had this issue?
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Joined: Oct 2014
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From: Colorado Springs Colorado
Not sure what’s going on with this thread...this thread as far as I can tell is about fuel smell on the right side of a C5...which is probably either the evap system or the float valve on the right tank.
Last edited by Vetteman Jack; May 29, 2019 at 08:53 AM. Reason: Cleaned up content.
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Instructor
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 241
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From: Poway CA
I have had a smoke test done twice - no noticeable leaks. If I fill the car to the point the pump shuts off automatically, I have a strong fuel smell on the passenger side until I put at least 50 miles on the car. If I stop filling the tank before the auto shut off, this either does not happen or is drastically reduced. The car is not throwing any codes, and the evap canister has been replaced. Any thoughts?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 958
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From: Newark Delaware
I'm not sure if the C5s have a vent valve solenoid, but that is what it sounds like. Every other GM has them and causes fuel to run into the EVAP system when you fill (or overfill) the tank, because the valve fails. Honestly, I am not familiar with the EVAP on C5s so maybe someone will chime in with more knowledge of the system.
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Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 241
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From: Poway CA
Doing some research on the Corvette Action Center website, it sounds like the fuel limit vent valve could be the issue.
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/...ystem-389.html
I know this is for the 2003-2004 model years, I assume it applies to 2001. The vent valve is open when filling the tanks and is supposed to close when they are full. If it does not close, that would explain the fuel smell on the passenger side. Can someone tell me if this valve can be replaced?
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/...ystem-389.html
I know this is for the 2003-2004 model years, I assume it applies to 2001. The vent valve is open when filling the tanks and is supposed to close when they are full. If it does not close, that would explain the fuel smell on the passenger side. Can someone tell me if this valve can be replaced?
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Joined: Sep 2013
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From: Cape Coral, Florida
The EVAP vent valve is “normally open” and only closes when the PCM commands it closed during its EVAP testing...the purge valve (left side of the fuel rail is “normally closed” and the PCM commands it open during EVAP purging allowing all the gas fumes stored in the EVAP canister to be drawn into the intake manifold...you had the fuel system smoke tested TWICE and no results ??...vent valve is near the right rear wheel well !!...if stuck closed during fill up it’s difficult to get gas in the tank !!...NO CODES ???
Last edited by C5 Diag; Aug 9, 2019 at 04:04 PM.
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From: Cape Coral, Florida
Last edited by C5 Diag; Aug 9, 2019 at 04:16 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 241
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From: Poway CA
It's a very tough issue to sort out. No codes, the evap system still causes the pump to shut off, the smell definitely comes from the passenger side, and no leaks on 2 separate smoke tests. Luckily my water heater has a glow plug instead of a gas flame. I can deal with the issue - just don't let it fill until the pump shuts off. But if I ever sell the car, it will become an issue. I would rather have it fixed than just let it go.
Racer
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 283
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I don't remember the details but there was a recall on the 2003-2004 model year for this issue. The dealer would make the necessary repairs if you experienced any of the symptoms such as smelling gas inside the car after refueling or car sitting outside and gas expanding in the gas tanks. My car's VIN number was in the range but I was not experiencing any of the symptoms. I contacted Chevrolet corporate registered the car with their warranty control department and was told that this issue would be covered for up to 10 years. The 10 years have past so I'm now out of warranty but I've never experienced the problem. Check the recall on the car and see if your car falls within the affected VIN number range. With that information it may give you a place to start.
Sorry I can't be more specific as it was a long time ago and the issue never really affected me.
Best of luck.
Sorry I can't be more specific as it was a long time ago and the issue never really affected me.
Best of luck.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 302
Likes: 51
From: Northern NV
I have the same issue as the OP. I gas up at Costco and drive about 15 miles home. I don't notice it much if I drive a little. I do notice it if I gas up close to home and don't drive it a little bit.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 722
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From: N.Canton Ohio
Prior owner of my 2001 said if the fuel tanks were filled to automatic click off point, fuel vapors would be present on passenger side until it was driven a certain distance. I have had the car for a few months but have not completely filled the tanks.
After reading postings by zachaeous figured replacing pass side tank will be in order
. https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...gas-smell.html
After reading postings by zachaeous figured replacing pass side tank will be in order
. https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...gas-smell.html
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 193
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From: Houston TX
Pretty common problem for C5's at this point in their lifetime. Very extensive details on this blog where I've seen everything from just taking off the right rear tire to inspect the area behind the wheel well all the way to having to drop and replace the gas tanks. Most likely it is related to the cross coupling between the two gas tanks which I think was the nature of the recall for the later C5's as previously mentioned. I've just let it slide, making sure I don't over fill the tanks so that after a few miles the smell no longer exists and cracking the garage door the first time I come home. When you see me burning on the side of the road, you'll know I made a bad decision.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 302
Likes: 51
From: Northern NV
Pretty common problem for C5's at this point in their lifetime. Very extensive details on this blog where I've seen everything from just taking off the right rear tire to inspect the area behind the wheel well all the way to having to drop and replace the gas tanks. Most likely it is related to the cross coupling between the two gas tanks which I think was the nature of the recall for the later C5's as previously mentioned. I've just let it slide, making sure I don't over fill the tanks so that after a few miles the smell no longer exists and cracking the garage door the first time I come home. When you see me burning on the side of the road, you'll know I made a bad decision.
