I've searched high and low, borrowed manuals (Haynes and Gregorys) from the Library, subscribed to online manuals, searched google and various Toyota forums around the world but am not having a lot of luck rectifying the Fuel Stench that my recently purchased NZ New 1997 94,xxxkm AE101-R Wagon is venting.
According to the papers I have the vehicle is NZ New and was sold by Rutherford and Bond Toyota.
The problem seems to be intermittent but more so then less. There is NO Exhaust leak and no smell around the injectors, I'm sure it is a lack of emission controls or fuel pump issue.
I have tried switched the vents from fresh to recirculate. Putting windows down. Running air con on fresh and recirc..doesn't make a difference.
I have done the following to try to rectify the situation:
1) Searched for the Charcoal Cannister above the rear cross member and in engine bay (there isn't one). Wanted to locate to ensure it wasn't blocked at that is what the workshop manuals suggested.
2) I find a Orange check valve/fuel filter looking part in the engine bay next to the fuel filter, it stinks of fuel. I remove it and bung the hose but then a few hours later realize that was a bad idea as i could be preventing pressure from excaping the fuel tank; so I remove the bung and put the check valve/filter (what ever it is back in). Stench is still there
3) I'm sure the smell is coming from the fuel pump so I ensure the fuel pump cover/mounting bolts are nipped up nice and tight (they were lose as $&#$% so I tightened them up). Applied new sealant to the cover that goes on top of the fuel pump cover incase the fuel stench is coming from there. Stench is still there
4) I started the car up at work today in the workshop and it smells worst than ever in the cab....I popped the bonnet (contradicting I know) and the fuel odor is in the engine bay too! I smelt the orange filter/check valve thing (whatever it is...I have googled trying to find out) and it smells of raw fuel.
Went and got some 1m of fuel line to connect to the bottom orange things output that just has printed (TO ENGINE), diverted the hose under the splash guard to try to divert any fumes...
STILL SMELLS
5) I drove up Ngauranga Gorge with the vents on recirc and could still smell it, opened them up to fresh on the motorway near Porirua and sniffed the vents; no fuel smell. Leant back to back seat near fuel pump and I could smell the raw fuel smell again...*SIGH*. This almost confirmed to me that something is up with the pump. But that orange thing still smells the same.
Where do I go from here?
Pull fuel pump apart and replace whatever seals I can?
Go to pick a part and try to find a Charcoal Canister and EVAP valve (the plugs seem to be there for it but don't know about throttle body or/and intank fittings)?
Replace all fuel lines?
Its Literally doing my head in with the fumes, didn't smell like this when I test drove the car.
Am I wrong to assume this car didn't come out with a charcoal canister and/or EVAP system as its NZ New?
