Fuel odor - Accord 92

I have a 92 Accord EX 4-door, manual transmission, with 100K miles on it. I
get a very strong fuel odor when I start the car in the morning. On a cold
engine it usually takes 3 times of turning the key to get the engine running
and there always is a strong fuel odor.

The odor comes on even if I don't start the engine but turn the ignition key
enough to get the fuel pump working. If I let the odor dissipate (a few
minutes), and then repeat the turn-key-no-engine-cranking procedure a couple
of times, the third time I won't smell any fuel odor.

I'd appreciate any help diagnosing this (fuel filter is new, pump has never
been replaced, can't find any fuel leak, PCV valve is new, etc)

Thanks
Loukas
..

 

Do you pump the gas pedal before start-up? Don't do it. Could also be
your fuel pressure regulator dumping too much gas into the engine. any
check engine lights on?

 

Jeremy,

no, I don't pump the gas pedal and there no check engine lights coming on. I
haven't checked the fuel pressure regulator yet; where would the vapors
escape from? Thanks again.

Loukas

 

============================

If your engine is flooding due to a stuck (open) injector, it will not
start well. Holding the pedal to the floor is the suggested method in
the manual if it really won't start. Read the pages about starting /
cold weather / flooding.

It doesn't sound like yours is very bad, but a can of Techron fuel
injector cleaner might fix it up.

Don't top up your tank either. Again, read your manual.

'Curly'

 

Pop your hood and check the fuel injectors. See if there is a fuel stain
around the injectors/seals. If so you've got leaking injectors and it may
be best to just replace the leaking injectors. You may also smell it more
during cooler/cold weather or on a cold engine since heat can help expand
the seals, keeping the fuel from leaking out.

If your windows are rolled up I'll also guess you have the vents turned on
with the outside air coming in. This is only a guess from a similar problem
I had.

-Dave

 

I hope you see the Check Engine Light at the point of turning the key to
the run position (fuel pump run up)?

 

Accords of that vintage can rust out the fuel lines near the tank.

 

Well, thanks to the collective advice (I really appreciate it), the problem
has been narrowed to the number 2 and 4 injectors which leak. The leaking
occurs only when the car has been sitting for a few hours and only when the
fuel pump first engages. In other words, only when the engine is cold and
only until the fuel lines are pressurized. I don't see any leak while the
engine is running. Also, it is not always both of the injectors; sometimes
is #2, sometime #4, and sometimes both.

I guess the question is this: should I just replace the seals? In this
model, there are 3 ring/seals and the injector seal kit is cheap. Should I
replace the injectors too? (that now can get expensive).

Thanks
Loukas

 

Also replaced the #2 and #4 OR #1 and #3 injectors. Don't remember which
combination. I had the same question whether to "fix" the injectors or
replace them. It was recommended they be replaced. I can say the car also
runs better since they were replaced as well, so that may be something else
to think about. Are you doing the work yourself or having a shop do it?

Also with winter upon us you'll smell the fuel more than the summertime.
You can close the outside air vent when starting the car to avoid the smell,
but you should still fix the problem. Leaking fuel is not a good thing!

-Dave

 

----------------------

Just replace the seals, then run a couple of tanks of gasohol thru it to
get rid of any gunk / water, before winter.

'Curly'