SO I JUST bought my new RX-8 (w00t!)

However, I started noticing a strong raw gasoline smell inside the car, more so when driving, as well as outside when standing next to it. My dude doesn't smell anything and thinks I'm crazy.. but I think he's just used to smelling crap from working on cars all the time :p I KNOW I smell it. I definitely smell it coming from the back more so. What does this usually mean?/What could be the issue? And how can I fix it?

Sorry if these questions sound dumb, but this is a new learning experience for me!

Thanks in advance!

 

There is a access area underneath the back seats to the fuel tank. Beneath the one on the drivers side is the fuel pump. Beneath the passenger side is a siphon. The seat bottoms comes up easily with just a tug. Beneath them, you will find an access plate that I think is held down by 3 phillips head screws. Gasoline could be leaking from around the fuel pump or the siphon. It takes a special tool to take the ring off that holds these down. It can be done with a flat iron and hammer, but you risk damaging the ring. If the ring is loose or the gasket under that ring is bad, you could leak gas. A more remote possibility would be a hole in the tank. But, you would see a puddle under the car if that was the case. Also, someone could check on top of the engine around the fuel injectors to see if there is a leak there.
I think the fuel pump area is the most likely place to find a small leak.
This diagram will show you the fuel system.
http://onlinemazdaparts.com/parts/20...gramCallOut=14
#13 is the fuel pump.

 

Yep! Just went and pulled it up myself.. it's definitely been leaking for a while.. can't believe I'm the first one to notice lol. I'm pretty sure it's the retainer clip that's messed up.

Thanks so much for the help!

 

No problem, I've had to replace the fuel pump twice in my car.

 

glad you found it. Also the airintake for the heater etc is in a position that could draw engine bay air into the cabin if the hood sealer is not doing a good job. That happened with me. smells bad.

 

also, does the car have the catalytic converter still? sometimes if you dont have it the exhaust smell can find its way into the cabin. just a thought

 

Hmm, hot girl checking into her own problems

Hi i'm Fuz and i'm a leg humper

Nice to meet you, and congrats on picking up an 8

 

Hot woman, gas fumes, theres a pickup line in that. If I was only younger. [/sigh]

 

Hrmm... gotta try that ice breaker at a bar sometime

 

Works better than carrying an ice pick as an ice breaker at the bar

 

youre hot :$ k bye

 

Rotary is so desperate, he's offering money ^^

 

LOLOL. Thanks guys ;D

Oh, and now I believe it is the whole fuel pump I need to replace :/ bummer. Where can I get one for super cheap? All my money was dished out on getting the car :p

 

It's not likely that you need a whole new fuel pump. Just the gasket and/or the retainer ring. You can get one from Mazmart (a forum sponsor) or from the link I supplied for the illustration (onlinemazdaparts.com).

 

+1 on Al's advice.

If that's not the case i believe there's one in the FS section, but you probably don't need the whole thing.