Smell of gas coming from exhaust?

This isn't inside the car, but I can smell gas from behind the car and at a stop sign with the windows down. The smell is coming from the exhaust.
1) What is it/what's causing it
2) How do I fix it?
3) Will I pass emissions/inspection with the smell of gas coming from my exhaust?

It's not carbon monoxide, by the way.

Appreciate any help!

2007-03-10T19:11:10Z

Yes, I can only smell it while the car is running.
It smells more like burning gas rather than fresh. I don't know, though.

The person who said rub the tip of the exhaust to see if it's black (indicating that it would be running rich); I did that, and yes, it was black. Is that a valid way to tell? Because, the car is really dirty, lol.

dodge man2007-03-10T18:59:42Z

Favorite Answer

i own a repair shop ,and you need to take it and have it put up in the air,and look around the tank area for it,theres a small possibility it may have a tiny pin hole in the gas tan on it causing this to happen,and that might be what your smelling,either that or a loose hose on it ,either way it needs to be checked out really good,if its raw un burnt gas its dangerous to drive it like that,good luck i hope this helps.

occluderx2007-03-10T19:03:32Z

Carbon Monoxide doesn't smell, the fact that you can smell it while the windows are down suggests more a gasoline leak form the tank, probably on the top of the tank making it difficult to see.

Look very carefully at your gas tank, recent spots from a gas leak will leave trace marks (Streaks) from its' passage.

mike k2007-03-10T18:59:45Z

Is the car back fireing and if not are you sure you don't have a fule leak? The problem from what you say only seems to happen when the car is running.

Mr. KnowItAll2007-03-10T19:00:55Z

You may have one spark plug that is not firing.

To find out which one it is, with the engine COLD and Windex spray bottle handy,
1) start the car.
2) Spray the exhaust manifold to see which exhaust port is NOT getting hot. That sparkplug is not firing.

Anonymous2007-03-10T18:56:42Z

the best answer i could give is that your running really rich. look to see if there is a carbon deposit on your exaust. (rub your finger in the tip and if its really black your running rich) alot of times its just the oxygen sensor but it could be other things as well.

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