C8 Fuel Smells
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Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 52
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C8 Fuel Smells
Newly delivered C8, Z51, Convertible, 3LT with less than 500miles has fuel/exhaust smell issue. When I approach the car in morning can smell gasoline. A little bit of a smell in cabin before starting up but normally goes away once driving. Comes back strong whenever sitting in traffic. Have tried recirculating function in AC but doesn't help. l I know there's a thread on this, have seen it weeks ago but can't seem to get back to it. Seem to remember a member ultimately sold his car after wasting time with dealer. Honestly, not sure what's worse, the smell or the co-pilot's "technical reports". So before wasting time with dealer, wanted to know if any experience/advice?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 5,037
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From: Texas
Could be several things, none of which should happen at 500 miles. I'd take it in to the dealership for an inspection.
- If it was running too rich or if the catalytic converter wasn't functioning properly.
- I think this is less likely as you would have a code by now.
- Leaking fittings are something to have checked out asap as that can be dangerous. This is something you can do yourself if you understand where you would need to check.
- Less likely but there have been some fires so I can't say this can be ruled out. Don't panic, just saying it is a possibility.
- The fittings can be anything from fuel itself to exhaust leaks before the catalytic converter (where you would get more of that fuel/exhaust smell).
- Leaking gas tank flap. Less dangerous. Affects fuel mileage. I think this throws a code as well but not positive.
- Being almost directly next to the driver's side window, makes sense with what you are describing.
- This I have seen before with other cars but it wasn't nearly as obvious because the fuel filling port was far from the driver's side window. Though it got strong when I would get out of the car as I would exit and walk towards the rear of the car.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Oct 2012
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Thank you so much. Calling Dealership now. Will do what I can on the trouble shooting recommendations. Didn't mention, also getting what I would consider ****-poor gas mileage, i,e. 14mpg with a high of 17/18. Also, not my first new Vette, car or motorcycle so have been driving with caution until I get the autonomic feel of the car.
Last edited by GCBHolowai; Aug 30, 2024 at 02:56 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2007
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The fuel smell issue that I recall being posted on this forum was caused by leak in the cross over pipe between the two fuel tanks. I think specifically it was a seal at one end. Regardless of speculation though - its got to go back to the dealer.
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Joined: Oct 2012
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Thanks to all that replied. Made an appointment for Tuesday, 10 Sept. Took to scheduled appointment with detail on Friday before. He smelled the gasoline, put it on a lift and found a leaking fitting at the gas tank....just dripping away. He shoved the tube in hard, it stopped dripping. Called me and on Saturday arranged for Chevy roadside service to send over a flatbed that picked it up today and took to a dealer. Interesting, as a detailer, found an almost invisible flaw in the paint and brake pad scaring on front right disc.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Oct 2012
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Tracked the issue down to dealer who put the vette on a ship from California to Hawaii. When the tech drained the tank, he didn't seat the hose correctly and bent a retaining clip thus compromising the seal.
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1st Gear
Joined: May 2025
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I just joined this forum after purchasing a 2025 C8 Stingray 2lt. I've had it less than a week and experienced and overwhelming smell of fuel in my garage first night parked there. Apparently this crossover pipe leak is more common than I knew. It's at the dealership now and hoping for quick resolution