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2001 Saturn L300

Question: I have a heavy fuel smell after I turn off my car. It is only outside the car.

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Delores2nd saturn, 3.0L V6, Santa Maria, CA, January 04, 2012, 20:53
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 Rookie

When I turn off my saturn and park it in the garage, the garage smells like there is a fuel leak. I have inspected the fuel lines and they appear fine. Put a new gas filter and gas cap. The smell is real strong near the fuel port and underneath the passenger rear tire. I tightened up all the fitting and I'm now looking at the white plastic purge canister. When I looked at the old fuel filter it appeared to have black resadu mixed with the gas. Any ideas?

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  • Answer #1

    patrick mannion from Greg Solow's Engine Room, January 04, 2012, 21:24
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     Master

    It sounds like the old filter was doing it's job and just trapped dirt. Fuel usually leaves a stain as it evaporates. If there is a leak of vapor the system should set an emission light fault code, if it is a pressure leak you should see a leak or stain. Many automotive repair shops have a machine that generates an inert non flammable low pressure smoke that looks similar to cigar smoke to look for vapor leaks.

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    Delores2nd saturn, January 05, 2012, 18:23
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    Thanks Pat, I looked deeper and found a leak. I decided to pull the fuel tank and have a good look before driving the car anymore. I found that the gasket had failed to the fuel pump. The green one. Went to GM and bought a new one for 25.00 tax included and fixed it myself. Thanks alot for the advise on the 2001 L300.

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    saturnL300rocks, January 12, 2012, 10:33
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    Pat,
    I saw your reply on this post perhaps you could help with another that hasn't been answered. I have a check engine light that won't go off and I have the battery disconnected hoping to reset the computer. I replaced the MAF sensor last night. However I also have had the transmission shift hard at times when the check engine came on. There was an post about this exact thing that wasn't answered and I wanted to know if you could help. Thanks

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  • Answer #2

    MATCO57 January 04, 2012, 22:37
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     Enthusiast

    STOP DRIVING THIS VEHICLE!!! You have a fuel leak. Unless you can afford a new car or your LIFE find out where this fuel leak is.

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  • Answer #3

    alebmartin February 21, 2012, 06:35
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    I smell gas near the back of my Saturn L300

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