My sedan recently rolled over 90K miles, so


I had the timing belt, and water pump replaced, as a preventative measure. The car was tight, and no issues when it went into the shop. Now, after dropping a considerable sum on preventative maintenance, I have issues…..there is an intermittent odor of fuel in the passenger compartment. Frustrating as heck, and the mechanic can’t
trace it down. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

my apologies for the large photo… I couldn’t reduce it.

 

Did you experience gasoline odor in the passenger compartment Before or only After mechanic worked on vehicle??

 

That’s the problem….the gasoline odor started almost immediately after the mechanic did the work. Drive down with a mechanically solid car, have preventative maintenance performed on the car, and now have problems
that I did not have, prior to this PMS. Frustrating.

 

Your ⛽ fuel system may require attention...

Check fuel pressure dampers (2) on right and left bank fuel rails.

Check evaporative canister and purge valve solenoids (cannisters is front on 1998-1999 and rear on 2000)

Also survey all gaskets and rubber hoses on tank and fuel/emission lines.

If uncertain what any of this means, then take it to Lexus...ya they're gonna charge you for an hour of labor...but that's a small price to pay to avoid a fire.

If determined something your previous mechanic caused, then request images and get it in writing.




Fuel lines and charcoal canister.

1998-1999 fuel tank

2000 fuel tank and charcoal cannister

Fuel Dampers atop fuel rails at ⛽ fuel line banjo fittings.

 

Thanks YodaOne. This is very helpful.

 

Welcome ..Please post what is the issue..

 

what i would do is air out the car, and see if the problem persists. it may sound crazy but you had a mechanic in your vehicle which may have brought in his own stenches from being around the shop.
oil and gas smells linger (or could be left on the touch surfaces like the steering wheel, shifter, door handle, etc). so clean that up and see if the odor remains. then further assess!

the gas tank is directly behind the rear seat back so it is nearby but should not have been touched with a timing belt replacement!

 

Eau de Essence sans plumb?

 

Definitely check the fuel pulsation dampers as already noted. I experienced the same failure recently and it was intermittent. Smell around that are for fuel and look for wetness on and around the dampers (one on the back of each fuel rail)