Smells like Gas Please help!!!!!
A different dealership or Toyota. They have fuel leak detectors (sniffers) that help to pinpoint the issue, even if it's residual. It's possible that the first dealer you went to did it and that's why they used a cabin odor treatment. Sounds like you're suspicious of their assessment, understandable. Go elsewhere.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 18,225
Likes: 1,774
From: Ohio
Either, the mechanic spilled gas in the engine compartment and it does happen, if fuel pressure is not released in lines before any work on the fuel pumps. Or the mechanic did not tighten fuel lines. If I am not mistaken, there are some washers that need to be replaced if fuel lines are disconnected.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Florid
It could be as simple as replacing the gas cap.
My wife has a 2008 LS 460 with about close to 107k miles on it. It has been basically sitting in our garage for the past two years because of some outstanding repairs that needed to be done:
After I picked up the car, I took it the dealership (Toyota) to get an oil change, 4 wheel alignment and state inspection.
On the drive over I thought I smelled gas but my sense of smell is not that great.
Only after picking up the car from the dealership that I really noticed a strong gas odor in the cabin and even after getting out of the vehicle..
My wife says it gets stronger if the AC is turned on.
I took the car back to the dealership after speaking with my service manager about the car smell.
They said they hooked it up to a machine that takes the smell out because they think it's from someone who had gasoline on them after doing the oil change.
Again when I got the car back the smell was not as bad but its still there and lingering.
The smell is still persistent inside the cabin and outside of the car. I have had to park the car outside of our garage because I don't want the smell lingering for safety reasons. We have 3 small children.
Any thoughts on what's going on? This has never been an issue before because she's had the car for about 8 years now.
Additional Information:
No leaks on the ground that I noticed.
The Check engine like came on then went back off (VSC also came on and went back off)
The icon with the Exclamation Mark inside a Yellow Triangle is on. Was told that was because of the brake sensor but it's still on.
My initial thoughts:
I want to gather as much information as possible before heading back to the dealership and/or speaking with the mechanic. We had issues with 2 Lexus dealerships and 1 Firestone in the past. I feel like if I would have been much more informed, those experiences would have gone a lot differently, hence the need to arm myself with as much information as possible.
Any comments or suggestions are very much appreciated.
_FK
- All Front End Control Arms
- Replacement of both Valve Gasket Covers (engine oil leak)
- Replacement of Rear Brake Rotors, Pads, complete shim kit (was missing rear break hard wear and sensor)
After I picked up the car, I took it the dealership (Toyota) to get an oil change, 4 wheel alignment and state inspection.
On the drive over I thought I smelled gas but my sense of smell is not that great.
Only after picking up the car from the dealership that I really noticed a strong gas odor in the cabin and even after getting out of the vehicle..
My wife says it gets stronger if the AC is turned on.
I took the car back to the dealership after speaking with my service manager about the car smell.
They said they hooked it up to a machine that takes the smell out because they think it's from someone who had gasoline on them after doing the oil change.
Again when I got the car back the smell was not as bad but its still there and lingering.
The smell is still persistent inside the cabin and outside of the car. I have had to park the car outside of our garage because I don't want the smell lingering for safety reasons. We have 3 small children.
Any thoughts on what's going on? This has never been an issue before because she's had the car for about 8 years now.
Additional Information:
No leaks on the ground that I noticed.
The Check engine like came on then went back off (VSC also came on and went back off)
The icon with the Exclamation Mark inside a Yellow Triangle is on. Was told that was because of the brake sensor but it's still on.
My initial thoughts:
- Valve cover gaskets weren't replaced right and could be the contributing factor to the smell. Although car has never has this type of smell before.
- The car has been sitting a long time and maybe the old gas and new gas mixing together is an issue? And eventually it will burn off?
- Fuel Rail Recall for our model LS.
I want to gather as much information as possible before heading back to the dealership and/or speaking with the mechanic. We had issues with 2 Lexus dealerships and 1 Firestone in the past. I feel like if I would have been much more informed, those experiences would have gone a lot differently, hence the need to arm myself with as much information as possible.
Any comments or suggestions are very much appreciated.
_FK
Spoiler
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 967
Likes: 576
From: az
I agree. It's not possible to replace the valve covers gaskets without removing and reinstalling the high pressure fuel pumps. They likely didn't replace any of the hp fuel pump gaskets or one time use washers.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 18
Likes: 5
From: Ky
Sounds like you have a fuel injector leak. I believe the fuel rail may have had to be removed to replace the valve cover gaskets. Have the dealership check that. You should NEVER smell fuel inside OR outside of the vehicle.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 967
Likes: 576
From: az
The high pressure fuel pumps mount on top of the valve covers. They are likely the location of the leak. The one time use metal crush washers probably cost dealers pennies. It's going to take longer to get the plastic covers off the engine than replace the washers. Hopefully the op gets his dealer or shop to swap them out for under $100.
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 270
Likes: 21
From: CA
Yep that was me! Lol replaced the crush washers and retightened real good. And smell went away. You can literally put ur nose near the high pressure fuel pumps and smell if the gasoline is coming from the left one, or the right one.
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 41
Likes: 4
From: Texas
So thankful for the this forum. So there's a leak at the driver's side HP fuel pump where the 19 mm nut is located (the one that you're not supposed to move) on the fuel pump.
image taken from user fblonk post on replacing fuel pump gasket for diagram purposes only. LINK: 460 Passenger side fuel pump gasket replacement
The dealership was able to document this and give me a good write up on this possibly happening when the previous mechanic replaced our valve cover gaskets. I relayed this information to the mechanic and he admitted to probably doing this. (which is stand up by him) Now this leaves me in a pickle.
As we all know getting this replaced is going to cost a pretty penny. Dealership quoted 3,999.00 to get this done. I likely won't let the last mechanic do anymore work on the car. So I am quickly trying to figure out options. If I was more confident and had a little more experience I would take a shot at replacing the fuel pump myself but I don't want to create more issues.
What I am thinking:
- Davenport Motor Company (I am in Dallas) gave me a 2500 quote to get this done over the phone. They seem to come highly reputable and remember learning about them from this forum. I would still have to have them diagnose the car like Toyota so hopefully they will come to same conclusion as the dealership. Or provide me with cheaper options.
- Get a used HP fuel pump and find a Indy shop to do the work. I've seen a few used pumps around 100 to 200 dollars. Any thoughts on this route?
Soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo.... Thoughts?????
Pole Position
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 2,857
Likes: 1,004
From: NH
Get an used HP fuel pump from a good seller. The part lasts forever unless somebody breaks it. I am for doing all work yourself. But you do not have necessary experience, you can cause even more damage. Try reaching out to the forum members near you and see anybody could help you out. Otherwise, select independent shop specializing in Lexus and let them do the work.
I believe, there 4 oxygen sensors, which one do you need to replace?
I believe, there 4 oxygen sensors, which one do you need to replace?
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 41
Likes: 4
From: Texas
Get an used HP fuel pump from a good seller. The part lasts forever unless somebody breaks it. I am for doing all work yourself. But you do not have necessary experience, you can cause even more damage. Try reaching out to the forum members near you and see anybody could help you out. Otherwise, select independent shop specializing in Lexus and let them do the work.
I believe, there 4 oxygen sensors, which one do you need to replace?
I believe, there 4 oxygen sensors, which one do you need to replace?
The HP fuel pump is the same part on either side correct?
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 967
Likes: 576
From: az
Yes both the hp fuel pumps are the same.
https://www.lexuspartsnow.com/parts/...100-39635.html
I agree with Anfanger, a used pump on ebay is the way to go. I like to buy parts from sellers with a free 30 day return.
You might consider having your mechanic that broke it replace it for free labor, if he is willing. At least he is aware of the correct procedure now
It takes roughly 30 minutes to replace.
https://www.lexuspartsnow.com/parts/...100-39635.html
I agree with Anfanger, a used pump on ebay is the way to go. I like to buy parts from sellers with a free 30 day return.
You might consider having your mechanic that broke it replace it for free labor, if he is willing. At least he is aware of the correct procedure now
It takes roughly 30 minutes to replace.
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 41
Likes: 4
From: Texas
Yes both the hp fuel pumps are the same.
https://www.lexuspartsnow.com/parts/...100-39635.html
I agree with Anfanger, a used pump on ebay is the way to go. I like to buy parts from sellers with a free 30 day return.
You might consider having your mechanic that broke it replace it for free labor, if he is willing. At least he is aware of the correct procedure now It takes roughly 30 minutes to replace.
https://www.lexuspartsnow.com/parts/...100-39635.html
I agree with Anfanger, a used pump on ebay is the way to go. I like to buy parts from sellers with a free 30 day return.
You might consider having your mechanic that broke it replace it for free labor, if he is willing. At least he is aware of the correct procedure now
It takes roughly 30 minutes to replace._FK
Lexus Champion
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 18,225
Likes: 1,774
From: Ohio
Why not just reseal the pump? There is zero guarantee that a used pump was removed in the correct fashion.......it may leak at the same place. Salvage yard guys range from master tech skilled to guy with hammer and sawzall
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 41
Likes: 4
From: Texas
Didn't know this was an option. How does that work. I have a 30 day return period so I assume if it's bad we'll know right away.