Thread: Strong smell of fuel 2000 V8

Hi All
Sometimes I get a strong smell of fuel in the back of the Disco, even on the outside at the rear. I definitely don't have a fuel leak.
I have noticed that when I take the petrol cap off there is a big pressure difference.
Any ideas?

If the cap seals well then another part of the breather system is leaking slightly. If there are any holes through the inner panel or floor on the drivers side (eg missing bolts or plastic plugs) then you would easily smell it inside. The pressure in the fuel tank is a continuous evaporation process dependent largely on the temperature, so a slight leak will cause smells. I'd be looking at the hoses to the plastic filler pipe assembly to see if any are cracked. Use a strong torch and a hand mirror to look at the tops of the hoses. The petrol cap has a one way valve that lets air in if fuel usage exceeds evaporation, you can test that by carefully sucking at the centre of the cap underside, once it's aired for a while.