I'm getting a really strong petrol smell when the car is ticking over (Octy vRS 03). Has anyone else had this problem?

I've looked around to see if there is a leak in the engine bay and also underneath as best I can. Can't see anything, apart from a water drip coming from near the bulkhead and dripping onto the front axle. I know it's water 'cause I put my finger in it and sniffed it!! Definitely not petrol :P

The car is due for a service (30k) but a bit skint at the moment, so wondering if anyone had a suggestion as to what the petrol smell might be. Also, any decent places where I can take the vRS for a service without rip-off dealer prices? I have 2 dealers I use and I don't feel I get a proper service, in more ways than one, from them. I am based NE London/ West Essex.

TIA

Ian

I had similar and it was a leaking fuel filter near the rear offside wheel, you could see it dripping when car was stationary, got it fixed under warranty at dealer

cheers

My 2003 Octavia vRS was serviced by the supplying Skoda dealer prior to me picking it up. On the service printout it stated that they had changed the fuel feed and return lines between the pump and engine. I mention this as a work colleague recently had a strong smell of petrol in his Octy vRS and it turned out to be the fuel lines leaking petrol onto the engine :eek: which could obviously have been very dangerous.

I had similar problem with my VRS about 18 months ago when car was twelve months old. It was due to the fuel filter under the right hand rear door being split. The reason it split was because the filter is held in place with a metal jubilee clip which must have been over tightened at the factory and caused a fracture in the casing. The dealer took some convincing about its replacement because its classed as a service part. But eventually skoda uk agreed to it under warranty. They also refitted it with a plastic zip tie instead of the jubilee clip in the hope it doesnt happen again and so far so good.

Hope this helps.

Yup same thing happened to me it was the fuel filter.

Think it was about

Thanks guys, will have a look/feel around

Had a look and a feel around where that filter is, but all seems to be ok. i.e. no leaks.

Then popped the bonnet and took the plastic cover off the top of the engine. I noticed that on the top of the engine on the right hand side, there was some seepage and the smell was very strong. It's coming from a 'box' thingy (technical term)I've taken photos and will upload when I find out how to do it.

Ok here is a pic. It seems to be sticky and smell of petrol around the pipe that is coming out of the black box at the top of the pic. It also seems to have trickled down that pipe too. Does anyone know what it is???

Does anyone know that box does??

That part is a vacuum reservoir. Have a read of the threads below for more information:

http://www.briskoda.net/forums/octavia/1-8t-boost-control-plumbing/87744/?highlight=vacuum+reservoir

Removing N249 valve - How To Guide - SEAT Cupra.net

Sounds like you've found the problem.

Mine stunk of petrol some time ago, turned out to be the gasket round the fuel gauge sender under the back seat! :eek:

Ok here is a pic. It seems to be sticky and smell of petrol around the pipe that is coming out of the black box at the top of the pic. It also seems to have trickled down that pipe too. Does anyone know what it is???

UPDATE: The rubber pipe on the right hand side, has split where it goes into that silver thing at the front (sorry for the non-tech terminology). I'm going to book a service today, what shall I say is split? What does that pipe do?

Ooh, mine is slpit too, it's an oil breather pipe. There's a thread I started called 'Split hose help', has part no. and everything in there.

I'll just try and find it for you quick.

http://www.briskoda.net/forums/octavia/split-hose-help/88359/

Thanks mate

I've just booked my 4 year service (but only done 34k) and I'm going to have to remortgage.

Service

Thanks mate

I've just booked my 4 year service (but only done 34k) and I'm going to have to remortgage.

Cambelt

Where are they?

EDIT - I take it when I was quoted for cambelt, that includes the water pump as well?

Mine is in Dartford (01322 280545), ask them for one near you, there's lodsa them all over the place.

OR

Check out Skoda Dealers on this site.

Service dept. is closed at the mo, but sales guy said it's about

The sales gezza is a numpty!

Service reception will know about the deal for cars over 3 years old.

You're probably right! I will get them to quote me for the servicing too, would have to wait for it though, unless they supply a courtesy car.

You're probably right! I will get them to quote me for the servicing too, would have to wait for it though, unless they supply a courtesy car.

They let me have an all singing/dancing Roomster when they done mine, depends what they have in the pool, book early to be safe.

Free coffee & a 32" custard there too.

Thanks mate

I've just booked my 4 year service (but only done 34k) and I'm going to have to remortgage.

Service

UPDATE:

Phoned Motorline in Dartford and was quoted

The cambelt change was 200 squids for my motor (1.8t).

I'll have a word with Motorline Saturday morning!!!!

I'll let you know my findings.

If Prestons are better for you, I can understand.

Just can't understand why they've moved the goalposts to max 1.6 items???

Just shows mate, that it's worth getting them by the rowlocks & shaking!