Hello:

Not sure if this actually got posted the first time, so I'm reposting it as I didn't see it under the heading "NEW". Sorry if its a duplicate, can the mods please delete it if it is. Thank you.


Hello GMman:

Wondering if you ever found the source of your gas smell. I have the exact same model/year with 312,000K.
I only smell gas in the cabin when stopped at a stop light, once I start driving there's no longer any smell. I drive 45 minutes to the city and there's NO scent of any gas, only when stopped as mentioned does it become noticeable.

I've read all the different posts here regarding this problem and it seems like its not an easy task to find the source.
I opened the hood while I had the engine running and using a bright flashlight I saw no sign of gas or any noticeable smell. Very strange on what's causing it.


I did have the dealer replace the spark plugs not long ago when I had brought the car in for a code P0302 and a P0420. A few days later the P0420 returned and they replaced both cats and oxygen sensors. If there was a loose spark plug would you not notice a strong smell of gas with the hood open and the engine running? I even pulled the cover that's covering the coil pack and got my nose very close and there was no scent. I'm going to check this later as a possible cause, so I can rule it out once the car cools down. I did find one other post on this forum where a poster did find a loose plug though that was causing this problem.

Lastly a few months back I also replaced the purge valve, as I had issues starting the car after refueling.
I've also read a cracked vapor cannister could be a source, if I got that right. Where is this located?
Thanks for any insight.

Cheers

Shark1959

Cruze Cabin Odors, Sources, and Resolution Summary

FIX: Coolant Odors/Coolant Loss From Reservoir

Antifreeze Smell Thread

2013 Cruze oil smell from heater

Heat Is Causing A Bad Oil Smell?

 

UPDATE:

Well I pulled the coil pack as suggested to check the spark plugs and although the plugs felt that they were tight, I was still able to move them a few degrees each. It has been a few days now since doing that and there's been no more smell. Not sure if that was the problem o not or just a coincidence but, either way the smell of gas is gone for the time being. Thanks

Cheers

Shark1959

 

Tips to ensure no misfires occur:

Remove the coil pack. If the boots are stuck on, use a small screwdriver or pick with some dielectric grease on it to go around the outside of the boot and then possibly the inside of the boot to help aid in removal.

Remember to (p)re-gap your plugs to .028, (0.24 if tuned)

Set gap with the black portion of this tool.

To increase the gap size bend the ground strap up to the desired height. DO NOT LET THE GAPPING TOOL TOUCH THE IRIDIUM CENTER ELECTRODE OR PORCELAIN.

Measure the gap with feeler gauges.

Throw this away.

Torque to 18 ft-lbs with no anti-seize on the threads of a stock type plug.

Ensure the boots have no rips/tears or holes in them, lightly coat them with dielectric/silicone grease and make sure the resister springs are clean and not caught up in the boots when you install them.

If the plugs look bad, consider these:

-BKR8EIX-2668 (iridium plugs), ~$25, expect ~10-15k regaps on these, ~40-50k overall life.
-BKR7E-4644 (nickel/copper plugs), ~$8, expect 15-25K out of these plugs, with a regap or two required at 5-8k intervals on stock tune.

Read Hesitation Gone! for more info on the plugs.



A good replacement coil is the MSD Blaster OEM Replacement Coilpack 8236

Don't forget to introduce yourself and your Cruze here.

 

Hello:

Not sure if this actually got posted the first time, so I'm reposting it as I didn't see it under the heading "NEW". Sorry if its a duplicate, can the mods please delete it if it is. Thank you.


Hello GMman:

Wondering if you ever found the source of your gas smell. I have the exact same model/year with 312,000K.
I only smell gas in the cabin when stopped at a stop light, once I start driving there's no longer any smell. I drive 45 minutes to the city and there's NO scent of any gas, only when stopped as mentioned does it become noticeable.

I've read all the different posts here regarding this problem and it seems like its not an easy task to find the source.
I opened the hood while I had the engine running and using a bright flashlight I saw no sign of gas or any noticeable smell. Very strange on what's causing it.


I did have the dealer replace the spark plugs not long ago when I had brought the car in for a code P0302 and a P0420. A few days later the P0420 returned and they replaced both cats and oxygen sensors. If there was a loose spark plug would you not notice a strong smell of gas with the hood open and the engine running? I even pulled the cover that's covering the coil pack and got my nose very close and there was no scent. I'm going to check this later as a possible cause, so I can rule it out once the car cools down. I did find one other post on this forum where a poster did find a loose plug though that was causing this problem.

Lastly a few months back I also replaced the purge valve, as I had issues starting the car after refueling.
I've also read a cracked vapor cannister could be a source, if I got that right. Where is this located?
Thanks for any insight.

Cheers

Shark1959

I own a 2012 Cruze with the 1.4 turbo engine (145k miles) and had the EXACT same smells as you are having! I tried tightening the plugs, hoses, checked for leaks,etc. Nothing worked until I replaced the coolant tank/reservoir. I haven't experienced any gasoline smell since. If you decide to replace your tank, buy the Dorman brand with the steel/aluminum reinforced coolant line connections!! Auto Zone carries them. Best of luck!

Hello:

Not sure if this actually got posted the first time, so I'm reposting it as I didn't see it under the heading "NEW". Sorry if its a duplicate, can the mods please delete it if it is. Thank you.


Hello GMman:

Wondering if you ever found the source of your gas smell. I have the exact same model/year with 312,000K.
I only smell gas in the cabin when stopped at a stop light, once I start driving there's no longer any smell. I drive 45 minutes to the city and there's NO scent of any gas, only when stopped as mentioned does it become noticeable.

I've read all the different posts here regarding this problem and it seems like its not an easy task to find the source.
I opened the hood while I had the engine running and using a bright flashlight I saw no sign of gas or any noticeable smell. Very strange on what's causing it.


I did have the dealer replace the spark plugs not long ago when I had brought the car in for a code P0302 and a P0420. A few days later the P0420 returned and they replaced both cats and oxygen sensors. If there was a loose spark plug would you not notice a strong smell of gas with the hood open and the engine running? I even pulled the cover that's covering the coil pack and got my nose very close and there was no scent. I'm going to check this later as a possible cause, so I can rule it out once the car cools down. I did find one other post on this forum where a poster did find a loose plug though that was causing this problem.

Lastly a few months back I also replaced the purge valve, as I had issues starting the car after refueling.
I've also read a cracked vapor cannister could be a source, if I got that right. Where is this located?
Thanks for any insight.

Cheers

Shark1959

 

I own a 2012 Cruze with the 1.4 turbo engine (145k miles) and had the EXACT same smells as you are having! I tried tightening the plugs, hoses, checked for leaks,etc. Nothing worked until I replaced the coolant tank/reservoir. I haven't experienced any gasoline smell since. If you decide to replace your tank, buy the Dorman brand with the steel/aluminum reinforced coolant line connections!! Auto Zone carries them. Best of luck!

Thank you for the tip Rob, its been a while now and the smell of gas hasn't returned. As mentioned I was able to tighten the spark plugs slightly though but, I can't believe that was the cause; more of a coincidence I think.

I'll keep this bit of info in the event the gas smell re-emerges but, for the time being its all good. Not sure how a coolant tank can be responsible for a gas smell though. Have a great day.

Cheers

Shark1959