I'm smelling gas in the cabin of my 2002 Protege 5. I just purchased this car - has 126K miles. After smelling antifreeze/engine oil during the test drive, I cleaned the engine using a degreaser the day I bought it. That helped a lot, but now I'm smelling gas. Sometimes strong. Sometimes unnoticeable. I lifted the cover under the rear seat. It was dirty but otherwise seemed okay. I didn't lift the 8 screws and look inside...since I'm not a mechanic, I decided not to go there.
Today, when coming to a quick stop, the smell of gas became stronger. Since the tank was 3/4 full, I wonder if gas sloshed through a tiny crack near the top of the tank. When I test drove the car, the tank was only 1/4 full - I didn't smell gas then, only anti-freeze and engine oil. Perhaps there wasn't enough fuel to slosh out at that time.
How can I access the gas tank to look for cracks or other problems? Remember, I'm not a mechanic so give me the layman's version. Perhaps is should consider something else? Your thoughts?
Today, when coming to a quick stop, the smell of gas became stronger. Since the tank was 3/4 full, I wonder if gas sloshed through a tiny crack near the top of the tank. When I test drove the car, the tank was only 1/4 full - I didn't smell gas then, only anti-freeze and engine oil. Perhaps there wasn't enough fuel to slosh out at that time.
How can I access the gas tank to look for cracks or other problems? Remember, I'm not a mechanic so give me the layman's version. Perhaps is should consider something else? Your thoughts?
