I have an 88 IROC Z convertible with 305 TPI and auto tran. Rebuilt the engine and trans five or so years ago. Runs great but within the last six months or so I get fuel smell which is noticable when at a stop sign or light. I definitely have the fuel smell once I have parked and turn off the car. My thought is that perhaps the original fuel regulator is showing its age perhaps the diaghram is going? The car runs fine-no stumbling or stalling, but I would like to keep up with taking care of getting rid of the fuel smell (it can't be a good thing) I have replaced the fuel pump and the 02 sensor along with plugs and wires. Any suggestions on this fuel smell??

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I had a very similar problem to yours. I would smell fuel after driving my car for little while and it just became more and more noticeable after a while. The car drove fine for a good week with the same fuel smell, however, eventually my car did not start. Turned out the fuel pressure regulator was leaking. The shop I took it to said that the regulator diaphragm was broken. So they fixed it, then the leaking was gone, and car started fine again. Apparently, with a bad regulator, fuel floods the engine which is why it would not start at times unless it sat overnight, then started in the morning. Maybe due to the fuel evaporating?

I would get that looked at before your car ends up not starting like mine did. Check your fpr for leaks. I hope this helps.

 

Thanks black menace,
I suspected that is what it might be and now it makes sense. I will go out and buy a new regulator (I might as well install an adjustable regulator) and new TPI runner gaskets along with replacing the EGR and spend a few hours on the weekend replacing the parts. The last thing I need is to be stranded because the car won't start. Thanks again!

 

I just wanted to give you some kind of idea since I HATE being stranded myself. It's not a guaranteed fix, but it's better than being completely blind and not knowing what to look for at all.

 

Remove the throttle body and plenum, then disconnect the fuel rail and lift it up in the air. Have someone place the key in the ON position only, and check to see if any fuel comes out of the injectors. If the injectors aren't leaking, then remove the regulator cover and inspect the diaphragm. If the diaphragm checks out okay, inspect the filter in the vapor canister. If that checks out okay, start looking for a hairline crack in the fuel line(s) both to and from the tank and engine, or possibly a loose saginaw fitting and/or clamp....

 

Determine if the fuel smell is coming from the front off the car or the rear. The filler neck can crack where it attaches to the tank and you can get a potent fuel smell.

 

I had fuel smell in the engine compartment after driving. Replaced the old cracked vacuum lines running to and from the vapour canister, and all is good now.

Use your sniffer up close to I.D. fuel leaks before you go buying parts based on a guess.

 

Thanks folks! I have replaced the fuel canister filter but I do need to check all of the vacum lines just in case. The fuel smell is from the engine area not the rear of the car at all. I will check all the fittings while I am looking around.
Again thanks for all the solid suggestions

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