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So today I just noticed a very strong gasoline smell coming from my engine bay. I cannot smell it from within my cabin at all. I checked my exhaust first because I thought that the smell was coming from there, but it was not. Popping open the hood, a very distinct and strong fresh gasoline smell fills the air. The car runs perfectly fine. After doing some research I found this thread:
Anyone know how I should further diagnose this to actually see if it is indeed the FPRs? What parts would I need to replace the FPRs and its assembly? Any other suggestions as to what is causing this smell? This car is my daily, so would it be ok to continue driving it for the time being until I can get replacement parts? Has anyone ever done this job before, would you classify it as an easy DIY or not so much? As always I appreciate any feedback guys
p.s. My car is a 2002 LS430 with approximately 59k miles.
Last edited by PersianOne; Oct 15, 2015 at 11:22 AM.
I strongly suggest that you don't start you car. And even disconnect the battery. As this is a fier hazard, and all it takes is a small spark.
That said, you need to remove the engine cover and expose all the fuel lines to trace the leak. It could be from a fuel hose, joint, or a o-ring. If you are not confident I suggest taking it to a good mechanic.
I strongly suggest that you don't start you car. And even disconnect the battery. As this is a fier hazard, and all it takes is a small spark.
That said, you need to remove the engine cover and expose all the fuel lines to trace the leak. It could be from a fuel hose, joint, or a o-ring. If you are not confident I suggest taking it to a good mechanic.
Alright, I was hoping it would be fine to drive it but realistically I knew it wouldn't. I will not start the car and I'll disconnect the battery. When I get a chance to, I will take of my engine cover and see where the leak is exactly coming from. I'll have my mechanic friend also take a look and get his input on it as well. That does help a lot, thanks rkw77080 for the diagram. I will try and get it diagnosed within the next few days since I need to drive it as it is my only car. I will update on what I find. I appreciate the input guys
So my mechanic friend came over this morning and checked it out. It was not my FPRs, fuel hose, joint, or o-ring. My lower intake manifold gasket was leaking fuel. When we started up the car the smell wasn't there. He said only when I drive, the fuel will start to leak out. So I am going to replace the upper and lower intake manifold gaskets at one time to save the trouble of the upper going bad later. I am going to go to my local Lexus and Toyota dealer and see how much the parts will be, anyone buy them online before? If so, would you mind linking the parts, I looked at a few off Amazon but they don't look legit. Thanks for the help guys.
Last edited by PersianOne; Oct 15, 2015 at 11:27 AM.
I'm surprised that fuel leaks OUT from the intake manifold. Typically, the intake manifold maintains a negative pressure (vacuum), and if there is a leak, it would leak IN (sucking in air through the gasket).
I'm surprised that fuel leaks OUT from the intake manifold. Typically, the intake manifold maintains a negative pressure (vacuum), and if there is a leak, it would leak IN (sucking in air through the gasket).
True, and the OP's mechanic says it only leaks when the engine is running and being driven ... A small leak while not running would be more logical.
I took a second look at the installation of the fuel injectors, and sure enough, they are actually mounted onto the lower intake manifold directly on top of the lower gasket (see red arrows on the diagram below). In this configuration, the injector can indeed spray fuel through a leaky gasket. Sometimes, the culprit may simply be a loose bolt. Check to be sure they are torqued to 13 ft.lbf.
Last edited by rkw77080; Oct 15, 2015 at 04:12 PM.
I ended up replacing my upper and lower intake manifold gaskets, the problem still persisted. Replaced my orings, gaskets, and valve actuator gasket. It ended up being one of the fuel pressure regulators. I replaced both, everything is good now. Thanks guys!
Fuel Pressure Regulators
