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RVbunnymom's avatar
RVbunnymom
Explorer
Apr 05, 2018

Gasoline Smell in Cabin

Hello, everyone. I'm new to the forum, as well as being new to the wonderful world of having an RV. Please forgive me if I posted in the wrong category, but I have a real concern about Betty, my 1989 Class A Mallard Sprinter.

Betty only has 16,600ish miles on her odometer, and was kept in storage a while. She was owned by an elderly couple that kept her in immaculate condition--not even her leather is bleached and the seats are barely worn. Buuuuut...I noticed two things. Betty stinks when she's idled for around ten minutes. She stinks like gasoline and exhaust. This is VERY worrisome to me, as I will be having very small animals in the cabin with me that will be harmed by this. It's not safe. The second issue is that when I filled her tank, she REEEEALLY reeked when her engine started up. The gasoline smell was VERY strong. The smell seemed to be coming from the front...

But, yeah. I let Betty idle in my driveway for about 20 minutes yesterday, and two hours after I shut her off, I could still smell the gas and exhaust in the cabin. :(

Like I said, I'm brand new at this and have no idea what could be wrong. I'm guessing maybe the fuel line may be old, but it's just a guess...

Please help. :'(
Class A

19 Replies

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  • 77rollalong's avatar
    77rollalong
    Explorer
    Apr 05, 2018
    ksg5000 wrote:
    You need to have a mechanic check out the rig - they can pressurize the fuel system and likely locate/fix the problem quickly. Call around - you may find that most shops won't work on big RV's (they don't have space or equipment to lift them) - outfits that work on big trucks will usually take RV's.

    While your rigs in the shop have them check out brakes and change fluids etc. Low mileage on old rig sometime means that the basic chassis stuff got neglected (some stuff needs attention because of age vs mileage).

    check for visible leaks from the tank to the engine both the pressure and return lines, and if you can also check the vent/purge lines for the charcoal canister. If you cant find anything find a garage that can Smoke the system (Inject smoke into the gas tank to check the vent/purge lines) as it will also show any leaks that may be in the top of the tank, filler neck etc...
  • rgatijnet1's avatar
    rgatijnet1
    Explorer III
    Apr 05, 2018
    You have a lo of rubber parts that are starting to fail after almost 30 years. You have a rubber hose on your gasoline filler pipe. You have rubber fuel lines as well as gaskets in the exhaust system that need replace. None of these are very expensive parts but replacing them may take some time.
    At 30 years, I would just replace all of them, including the rubber brake lines, radiator hoses, belts, etc. From sitting so long, your shocks may also need replacement.
  • ksg5000's avatar
    ksg5000
    Explorer
    Apr 05, 2018
    You need to have a mechanic check out the rig - they can pressurize the fuel system and likely locate/fix the problem quickly. Call around - you may find that most shops won't work on big RV's (they don't have space or equipment to lift them) - outfits that work on big trucks will usually take RV's.

    While your rigs in the shop have them check out brakes and change fluids etc. Low mileage on old rig sometime means that the basic chassis stuff got neglected (some stuff needs attention because of age vs mileage).
  • doxiemom11's avatar
    doxiemom11
    Explorer II
    Apr 05, 2018
    Do the same as you would do if it were a car doing this. There is a gas leak somewhere. Could be rotted lines, bad gasket somewhere, a tiny fitting that came apart etc. A mechanic should be able to help. Doesn't have to be an RV mechanic, you need an engine mechanic.
  • old_guy's avatar
    old_guy
    Explorer
    Apr 05, 2018
    you may have an exhaust leak or a bad muffler. your rubber gas lines may have cracks in them and need to be replaced. no matter what don't spend another day with out taking her in for repairs.
  • Artum_Snowbird's avatar
    Artum_Snowbird
    Explorer
    Apr 05, 2018
    Get a few people, particularly young ones with good sniffers and start her up. They have to go underneath and try to determine the source of the smell early on after you start her.

    Wrap a paper towel around all places where the fuel line has a joint and comes along and watch the towels carefully with a bright light while you check for a wet spot.

    Look around the fuel pump particularly, but if it's not coming from the engine compartment it makes the search easier perhaps.
  • ArchHoagland's avatar
    ArchHoagland
    Explorer
    Apr 05, 2018
    It's important that you find out where the smell of raw, unburned gas is coming from. That is a real fire hazard.

    I'd suggest going to a repair facility. Thay should be able to find the leak fairly quick.

    What town are you located in and or do you know someone who can recommend an honest place?
  • mat60's avatar
    mat60
    Explorer
    Apr 05, 2018
    All I can do is guess also but you really need to have Betty looked at soon. She has some years on her and it may not be safe for you or your pets.

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