Hi,

I've been noticing a gas smell from my 94 850 non turbo lately. It typically happens if I start up the car in the morning and let it idle for a while. Sometimes I even smell it in the cabin while driving. Again, normally right after the car is started and it disappears after a while.

To me it smells like gas mixed with exhaust, but my senses are not that developed, so I am not 100% sure.

Any suggestions on where to start looking?

 

Visually inspect the entire exhaust system, if you can do so. If not, have a shop inspect it for you. If the exhaust is leaking, you could suddenly fall unconscious whilst driving and the next time you open up your eyes, you could see a flower land which is not good. Also, check fuel tank for minor leak. Make sure the throttle body is not too dirty.

Wait for other members' replies as well.


JPN

 

+1 for exhaust leaks. Is your CEL light on? If yes, it might be that your oxygen sensor(s) are retired and the car runs rich resulting in rich exhaust fumes.

 

Thanks guys!

Well, I guess I should let a shop look at it, I agree with you JPN, that potential exhaust leaks are not worth ignoring.

Strange thing is though, I put about 100 miles on the car today and didn't smell it at all.

I'll check the throttle body too.

Bestharry: my CEL is not on and the car runs great otherwise.

 

Until you get the exhaust system checked, I would suggest having a window cracked open a bit while driving.....just in case

 

hehe, yeah that is a good idea...

I know this is a long shot, but I switched over to premium gas and I also started asking the gas pump attendant (hate that you can't pump on your own here in NJ) to not top it off when filling it up since they normally squeeze in as much as possible after the auto shut off. I read in the Haynes manual that topping off could cause fuel odors.

Anyway, I haven't had the smell at all since then, but that doesn't mean it won't come back one of these days...

 

I never top mine off either. When the pump shuts off do not keep squeezing the trigger to top it off, just quite pumping.

 

when you test the exhaust, also have them run the smoke/pressure test for your fuel system.

in my 745t, i would also smell gas, like you mostly when starting, and when i went to smog her, she fail that pressure test. i ran the smoke tester and, it turned out that it was my filler cap not sealing. i rounded the tube out, and she passed, and the best part.....no more gas smell.

since you said, you guys can't fill your own tanks, one or more attendents could have bent the filler tube.

just another option.

 

+1.


Jpn

 

Thanks for all your input guys!

I'll take a closer look at it this weekend, and if I don't find anything obvious I'll take it to a shop to have it checked out.

TIPSP: it is very possible that the filler tube have seen some abuse during the 6 years the car has been driven here in NJ. Those knuckleheads really makes me nervous, trying to operate 4 pumps while talking on their cell phones, while customers just sit in their cars smoking. How this can be more safe than filling on your own is beyond be, and also beyond the point of this thread :-) Just had to get it out.

 

I have the same gas smell on my 95 850 nion turbo, if I drive with the windows down I can smell it if I tuourn the A/C I cannot smell it, then I noticed if i fill up my car completely it start leaking Gas from the Hose entering the tank I don't know what to do with it I dont know if I can seal it or change the tank wich i dont wan to cause I know its gonna be expensive the car runs great but i would love some advised on the gas leak that i have only when i fill up the car now I only put like 20 bucks when the low fuel light goes on and it goes almst to 18 Gallons

 

My wifes car did something very similar, when it idled for a long time it would smell of unburnt gas and exhaust.
It would also smoke when to started to drive after idleing for a long time.
New plugs and wires and the problem was solved.
So if it has been awhile since your last tune up that is something that you might want to consider.

 

I have done a full tune up original volvo sparks and plugs wires, cap and rotor, fuel filter, cleaned trotter body, PCV valve oil trap..

 

there was a recall for the gas tanks on the 850s a while ago, they would start leaking when exposed to increased heat(bad mix)...i would call a dealership and see if your car falls under that recall and if so get the tank inspected.you wont get a new tank free though..they stopped in 2005