Hi, I have an Octavia VRS December 2007. After running the car for 40 odd miles at high speeds, I notice a very strong smell of fresh petrol coming from the engine after I stop the car. I have checked the visible fuel pipes, which show no sign of any leakages. Also, when this smell of petrol starts to come from the engine the car's engine stops suddenly(as if it suddenly lost power) even when it is doing 40-50 miles/HR. Can anyone suggest a possible cause for this problem. Maybe someone who might have experienced a similar thing with their VRS petrol.

Would really appreciate your advise as this is driving me nuts.

Thanks

Edited 9 May, 201115 yr by VRS_JUNKY

I think I'd be getting it into a garage ASAP that doesn't sound good.

Problem with the PCV?

Can you small petrol when you take the oil filler cap off (the high pressure fuel pump is driven off the cam; if a seal fails in the fuel pump then petrol leaks into the top of the engine and mixes with the oil - I doubt this is the problem but it can happen especially if aftermarket fuel pump internals have been fitted)

Can you small petrol when you take the oil filler cap off (the high pressure fuel pump is driven off the cam; if a seal fails in the fuel pump then petrol leaks into the top of the engine and mixes with the oil - I doubt this is the problem but it can happen especially if aftermarket fuel pump internals have been fitted)

Hey Thanks. I fear the same might be the reason. I have shown the car to a few mechanics but they don't see any leakages in the pipes. However, do you think it could be something to do with the reverse fuel pump. If that malfunctions then there might be an overflow which causes this smell.

Hey Thanks. I fear the same might be the reason. I have shown the car to a few mechanics but they don't see any leakages in the pipes. However, do you think it could be something to do with the reverse fuel pump. If that malfunctions then there might be an overflow which causes this smell.

I haven't heard of such a problem with the rear (low pressure) fuel pump but if the smell is coming from the engine area then I would make sure first of all that it is a leak to the outside of the engine rather than a leak to the inside....when my HPFP fuel pump seal failed the smell was VERY obvious when I removed the oil filler cap.

It's worth noting that the oil in a tfsi engine will smell a little of petrol due to the rubbish direct injection but as Dave says it should not be excessive.

I haven't heard of such a problem with the rear (low pressure) fuel pump but if the smell is coming from the engine area then I would make sure first of all that it is a leak to the outside of the engine rather than a leak to the inside....when my HPFP fuel pump seal failed the smell was VERY obvious when I removed the oil filler cap.

Today I got the fuel pump changed. I was hoping that the smell will stop. But much to my despair it hasn't. I drove roughly 30 miles and by the time I stopped and stepped out of the car, the same strong smell of petrol was coming from the engine. I would really appreciate if you could help me figure what's wrong with this baby. Thanks in advance

Regards

Are all connections to the charcoal canister and N80 valve ok?

Are all connections to the charcoal canister and N80 valve ok?

Good point Martin, I heard of one of the pipes to the charcoal canister (that's the black box near the screenwash cap at the front left of the engine, VRS_JUNKY) perishing / splitting and was hidden from view. Have a sniff around there!

Good point Martin, I heard of one of the pipes to the charcoal canister (that's the black box near the screenwash cap at the front left of the engine, VRS_JUNKY) perishing / splitting and was hidden from view. Have a sniff around there!

Yeah Brilliant :-) Guys, thats exactly where the smell comes from.... I think you just figured out the problem. Will take the car to the garage first thing in the morning and get that checked....Will keep you posted. Thanks ton

Cheers