petrol smell

**ads_786** · 19-05-2008,10:23 PM

hi ppl ive got a bit of aggro with my car its a vw polo 1997, the problem is i can smell petrol inside, now ive had a look under the back seat and there was a small puddle of petol. took it to mechanic and he checked the pipes, does seem to have a leak.where else could it be coming from??? the fuel pump?? any help very very much appreciated

**onzarob** · 19-05-2008,10:53 PM

The petrol pump etc is outside the Cabin, for obvious safety reasons. are you sure its petrol?

**ads_786** · 19-05-2008,11:40 PM

Originally Posted by onzarob

The petrol pump etc is outside the Cabin, for obvious safety reasons. are you sure its petrol?

100% sure its petrol smelt it when there was a bit of a puddle and now the back of the seat smells of petrol aswell, any thoughts??

**Captain Answer** · 20-05-2008,01:35 AM

Is there an inspection hatch (small black hatch usually with three screws) under the seat? This is for looking down into the tank and the gasket on it may have perished

**ads_786** · 20-05-2008,07:51 AM

yes there I'd an inspection panel removed it and jus waiting to see where the leak is from,must admit I thought it was the seal also jus wanted someone to back me up,and ideas how much this will cost???

**Captain Answer** · 20-05-2008,06:54 PM

Shouldn't be more than a couple of quid, might be a main dealer only part though. Is the black hatch directly into the tank or is there a further metal screw or plug fixture below it? The seal will be in there

**kenney** · 20-05-2008,07:47 PM

Hi I think there is only one place the petrol can leak to get onto the floor and that is the fuel filling pipe.The inspection panel you mention can not leak petrol it is only to gain access to the top of the petrol tank were the fuel delivery unit is

**Captain Answer** · 20-05-2008,07:58 PM

Originally Posted by kenney

Hi I think there is only one place the petrol can leak to get onto the floor and that is the fuel filling pipe.The inspection panel you mention can not leak petrol it is only to gain access to the top of the petrol tank were the fuel delivery unit is

Filler pipes generally run externally to the vechicle, its quite feasable that fuel under pressure and movement could escape from the top of the tank though

**ads_786** · 20-05-2008,08:01 PM

Originally Posted by hereketty

Shouldn't be more than a couple of quid, might be a main dealer only part though. Is the black hatch directly into the tank or is there a further metal screw or plug fixture below it? The seal will be in there

thanks for the reply, no petrol today but i have used a bit up.i think it only leaks if its full so i assume its the seal??!!the black hatch has 3 screw, take that off and there is acces to tank via some sort of screw on cap.i think the dia is 4". it this a job i can do my self, complete novice but more than handy with my hands!!

**ads_786** · 20-05-2008,08:03 PM

Originally Posted by hereketty

Filler pipes generally run externally to the vechicle, its quite feasable that fuel under pressure and movement could escape from the top of the tank though

but surly this wouldnt mean petrol ending up under the seats??