I got a 1985 GL Wagon.  She is in rough shape, but is still ticking.  My wife doesn't like driving in the car because of the gas/fume smell.  To be honest, my nose is not the best, I just keep the windows cracked most the time.  Any ideas on what can be the cause?  I don't see anything obvious, such as a leak in the fuel line anywhere.  

Perhaps the hose came off the charcoal canister.... in other words bowl vents fumes

some cars in the 90s have rusted-through gas tank filler tubes - maybe check for that? not sure how far back in models that could be an issue - the filler is behind a plastic cover that can trap debris /moisture.....

Edited April 25, 20196 yr by 1 Lucky Texan

Also check the rear door/boot lid seal. If these are damaged they can suck in the exhaust smells. 

It’s most likely the rust issue as mentioned. 

Cheers 

Bennie

I will check these mentioned suggestions, thank you.  I know that all 4 hoses are attached to the charcoal canister.  I looked into replacing the canister itself one time, my local parts store wanted $375 for it.  If that canister's lifetime is over, would that cause a strong smell?  

canister might have a crack? - if so, maybe some kind of fiberglass/epoxy patch could work ?

got any codes? w'ever the blink code version of a P0440 or something?

 

Edited April 25, 20196 yr by 1 Lucky Texan

The couple times I had strong smell of fuel, it was a leak at the fuel pump. 

You sure it's not exhaust she's smelling? ANY leak from any point on the Y-pipe will get sucked into the cabin. 

GD