This past week I've noticed a strong scent of gas in the car when idling still (windows up, vents open to outside air*).

I've tried to pinpoint where there might be a leak....checked the fuel pump area, which was completely dry. Tried an idle test for 20~30 minutes with no visible leaks (see photos below - pic below the car of the ground is after the test).

The only concerns I came across are the following:
1) Oily residue neat oil cap (could have been me topping up and missing a bit)
2) The black plastic thing above the oil dip stick is wet similarly....not sure if that's normal...
3) After roughly 15 minutes into the test, I revved the engine a couple times. I noticed a fair amount of liquid coming out of the tail pipes...not sure if it's water or gas. I'm assuming water because the gas should ignite on the cat making the cat red...which it wasn't
4) on the front portion of the oil....holder? Yah that fancy terminology. The place where you'd drain oil from :/ The front of that was wet....

Model Info: 2005 RX8, 89,000km. BHR Ignition kit with new plugs (8,000km). Running a 5w30 oil...needs an oil change soon, but is regularly topped off.
Gas always 91+

Has anyone had a similar issue? Or can pinpoint this a little better.
I'm going to be going to a family mechanic hopefully tomorrow to see if they can pinpoint something... but I'd be grateful for any info!

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fuel pump area might be ok, but double check the outlet hose. Higher mileage 8's are prone to having the line start to crack / wear.

 

Thanks, I'll make sure to check tomorrow!

 

Check the line from the hardline to the fuel rails..and the line between the primary and secondary rails for leaks..........

 

Could you be smelling exhaust? Your catalytic converter could be going out and causing your exhaust to smell more. My car gets stunk up pretty bad if I'm idling with the windows up and the outside vent on, and I'm catless.

 

Definitely not exhaust, my cat is still running strong and I've smelt the difference between mine, a dying cat and no cat.
Just saw that my idle has crept up to 1,200 rpm and wavers up and down....it used to sit still around 7-800.

 

Hi , just bought 2005 rx8 51.000 miles and finding it takes about 4 revolutions to start is this normal plus have a strong smell of fuel from exhaust at any temp , is it the cat and does a straight through pipe help ?

 

The starter on the earlier models is weaker than the newer models. You can purchase the upgraded one for significant improvement in start up. Mine currently takes 2-4 but I know I need to upgrade the starter. Search up DIY upgrade starter. The old starter has 11 teeth and upgraded has 13. But very very easy to change. About 20 minutes under the car.
As for your smell of fuel, the gas will always smell a bit stronger from your exhaust. Mine does even with a cat in there. But if you're driving around with the windows down and can smell gas, then your cat is dying or dead. Having no cat will slightly increase power, but it depends on emission regulations from where you live. Also your car will be much louder

Edit: https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-do-...ummies-189410/

 

As for an update on my situation, for anyone having similar problems.
I disconnected my battery for 3~4 hours to reset the computer and let it re-learn idle and all that jazz. Currently, the car is running a lot better...I will be keeping my eye on it in the coming weeks.

As for extras I cleaned out my intake system as oil was in the accordion bit...nasty, cleaned the MAF sensor (with MAF sensor cleaner), checked all fuel lines under the car and around, seemed everything was good, no leaks, no rust. Fuel pump A-OK.
Things still left I guess would be ESS cleaning, Throttle Body Clean, and if I feel up to it...SSV and UIM cleaning...and possibly LIM (without taking it out I guess).