This is just a follow up to a prior post about a strong fuel smell on the very cold mornings after the car has sat overnignt.
As the cars age and fuel lines age, we’re hearing this complaint more frequently. In most cases it can be traced back to fuel line connections under the hood.
The fuel lines loose their resiliency when they age as well as the very cold weather causes them to shrink thus sometimes causing them to leak where they are connected to the fuel rails. In some cases it’s found with a mirror and a flashlight. You may not actually see the wet fuel but usually you’ll see some staining on the underside of the hose. Replacement of the hose with new is optimum but in many cases just tightening of the clamp will solve the problem.
If you have an early WRX there was a recall may apply to this particular issue and it could be done at the dealer free of charge if your model is within the recall range. You simply have to call the dealer with your VIN number to see if it falls under the recall.
We hope this information helps some of you out there solve this problem.
Mike
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Ian
December 4, 2013Hello Mike, I have a 09 legacy that I noticed has a smell, not fuel more like really hot brake smell in the am when warming it up with defroster on full blast. There isn’t any visible smoke, and it goes away once warmed up. The oil was changed on it 1000 miles ago, the smell has become less noticeable each day. What do you think that could be?
Mike Corbin
December 4, 2013Hi Ian,
Not sure what you may be smelling. The complaint I usually get is either an oil smell fuel smell. Antifreeze does have a kind of a burnt brake smell if it gets directly on a hot exhaust and actually burns off. I’d just take a very thorough look over in the engine bay to see what may be leaking.
Take care,
Mike Corbin
Smart Service
Independent Subaru Repair in Seattle
Matt Herrick
December 4, 2013What is the size diameter of the fuel line in a 2002 Legacy. I am getting a very strong fuel smell only on cold days. I tightened the fuel line clamps I could get to but there are two clamps I can’t reach. I am thinking of just replacing the fuel lines .
Mike Corbin
December 4, 2013Hi Matt,
The fuel steel pipe is 8mm so I would suggest going with 7mm if you are purchasing it in bulk. Otherwise you can order the individual pieces from Subaru directly.
Cheers,
Mike Corbin
Smart Service
Independent Subaru Guys in Seattle
206-417-0880
https://www.smart-service.com
Denise
December 4, 2013Hi Mike,
My husband purchased a 2008 Subaru Outback 2.5 for me to drive this past November. We recently married and my move from Florida to Morrisonville,New York meant I would need a reliable AWD vehicle. I have never driven in snow before. The Subaru has 46,600 miles it runs well and looks great. We were told the vehicle had been in a small accident by the dealer but nothing major. About 3 weeks after my husband took ownership he noticed a oil smell in the car occasionally after start up. (I was still in FL.) He mentioned it to the car dealer and they said the oil filter had not been tightened correctly when changed just before we took ownership of the car. They corrected it. A few weeks later I made the move to NY and have been driving the car some and again the smell is back. Called the dealer and he suggested getting it checked out by independent garage. His business is in another town. We did as suggested. They were in a hurry that day and said they only found a poor job at changing the oil. So they cleaned up the oil mess and all should be fine. Well 3 days later we took the car to a Subaru dealer to get a new oil change and check for leaks. The dealer found oil around filter and head gaskets. They degreased it and asked that we return to inspect in a week. We will do as they asked.
I guess my questions are: Should my 2008 Subaru with 46,6000 miles need head gaskets already???? I am a Honda fan, (owned about 5) I’ll say that upfront and I’ve run some of them for 150,000 and never had any such issues.
I feel like we are missing some information about this vehicle somewhere. What are your thoughts? I’ve looked for recalls NONE. I have read some pretty scary things about Subaru head gaskets but most were around 70 plus miles on the vehicle. Honestly, I am amazed that Subaru is ok with this issue and not standing behind what they build.
How can I get a copy of all records for accidents, service for this vehicle? We were told it was originally owned by one person in Conn.
Mike Corbin
December 4, 2013Hi Denise,
I think the route that the Subaru dealer makes the most sense in finding out where things are leaking. Not sure what the other two shops were doing but I think I’d stick with the Subaru dealer from here. As far as head gaskets leaking at 46000 miles, I would find it unusual but not completely impossible.
Hopefuly they find something other than head gaskets and can solve it inexpensively.
Take care,
Mike Corbin
Smart Service
Your Independent Subaru Expert
https://www.smart-service.com
Mike Corbin
December 4, 2013Hello Guillaume,
There are numerous fuel line clamps under the hood of the car including a couple under the intake manifold that you can’t get to unless you remove the manifold. I would advise tightening any that are visible under the hood and monitoring for further smell of fuel. If it does not improve I’d suggest taking it in. Sometimes even if the clamps get tightened, the hose has deteriorated enough to continue leaking.
Good luck,
Mike Corbin
Smart Service
Your Independent Subaru Expert
https://www.smart-service.com
Tino
December 4, 2013I need rubber fuel line hoses replaced. Maybe those few under the intake manifold. What is the fee for replacement. ?
Tino
Mike Corbin
December 4, 2013Hi Tino,
The fee is different depending where you go and what model your Subaru is. If it is a WRX it’s possible that Subaru may participate in helping out on the repair depending on it’s age and mileage. I’d consult a Subaru dealer in this case.
Good luck,
Mike Corbin
Smart Service
Your Independent Subaru Expert
https://www.smart-service.com