Hello! Since I bought my jaguar xj40 1989 I hade a fuel smell whenever I roll my windows down or open the sunroof, what can be the cause of this? I had the tank out and it's not leaking there or anywhere, filters are new, the injectors are not leaking? Where should I check? Charcoal canister? If so what do I look over there?

Summers coming and could be nice driving around with sunroof open without having to sit in the fumes of file
best regards!

 

Hi Simon,

As far as I can recall, the most commonly reported source of fuel smell in the passenger compartment is a fuel leak at the evaporative flange on top of the fuel tank allowing fuel to soak the insulation pad on top of the tank. But since you've just had your tank out, and you only smell the fuel with the windows or sunroof open, it seems unlikely that is your problem.

I would look for a fuel leak in the fuel lines that run to and from the fuel rail, a loose joint at the fuel rail, or a leaking fuel pressure regulator.

If you don't find any leaking fuel in the fuel lines and your car is equipped with a carbon canister, it is mounted forward of the front left wheel, behind the plastic wheel arch liner. There are rubber hoses that carry fuel vapors to the canister from the fuel tank, and from the canister to the underside of the intake manifold behind the throttle body.

I hope other members have some additional ideas.

Cheers,

Don

 

Hi Simon,
Did you get this figured out? I didnt want to, but i feel forced to suggest that its another vehicle, or maybe a gas station that you go past. I know you said "whenever" but I get smells from passing cars and trucks as well as sounds from their radios. The smells really make me pay attention- "Is that ME?" but usually it is not. Hope all is well.

 

I would say I had the same impression of smelling my own cars fuel a few time driving an 1989 4.0 RHD XJ6. On top of that, opening the fuel cap lets quite unusual vapour pressure out. Where should I Iook?

 

I havent had an 88-9 and I realise there are many differences between those and the "later" years. However, I suggest checking your vapor canister. On mine it is in front of the left front wheel and accessed from below. Could be a kinked hose causing pressure build up, or a broken hose or valve letting the smell out...

 

Hello Simon and all other members.

I'm new here to this Forum, and hope I ticked the right box to rais a comment.

I have the same problem on my XJ40 (1990 Model with the 3.2 l engine). I learned that a so called ''Rochester'' Valve is somewhere installed, which in fact is a 2 PSI pressure operating valve which should release excessive pressure build up in the fuel tank. It sems that many features on the 3.2 l model are diffeent. I cant find this valve. Also I do not have a charcoal canister fitted somewhere. How did you cure the problem.

Best regards,
Wolfgang

 

Hello Wolfgang,

Welcome to the Jaguar Forums! It's great to have you with us!

I believe your car would only have a Rochester valve (also known as a carbon canister control valve or vent valve) if your car was equipped with a carbon/charcoal canister. If it is, the canister is mounted forward of the left front wheel well arch liner. The canister has a purge valve and a control valve (at least on some model years). You can download the wiring diagrams at the link below, which may tell you whether your car has a canister close valve and/or purge valve:

Jaguar XJ40 Electrical Guide 1990

A common cause of a fuel smell is a leaking gasket at the evaporative flange on the top of the fuel tank. Fuel leaks out and soaks a foam sound insulation pad on top of the tank.

Please visit the New Member Area - Intro a MUST and post a required introduction so we can learn something about you and your Jaguar and give you a proper welcome.

Cheers,

Don