OK lets start out by saying I do not have a Civic, but a Classic Mini with a civic engine in it. I have been driving it for few thousand miles now with out any issues. The engine has been in for about 2 years, but I just started driving it on a regular basis.

A few days ago I started noticing a fuel smell. At first I thought it was coming from another vehicle, but later figured it was coming from mine. It seems to happen only when the vehicle is driving. I tried to check it out while idling and reving the engine in my garage, but couldn't get the smell to come. Also, I can only smell it when the windows are down, not sure if that is significant. It seems to always be there when I am driving now and is pretty significant. I can smell it when driving slow (20mph) and while on the highway. Any ideas? I am not sure where to start other then checking everything that fuel goes though. Thanks.

Pete

 

Maybe you are running really rich and its coming from the exhaust? Check the fuel filter and the fuel lines also.

 

What Civic engine?

Could be a cracked header. I've had a 1998 LX, 1999 DX, 2000 DX, and a 2000 LX all have headers crack when the mileage gets past 100K, and that lets engine exhaust leak out and start circulating into the cabin.

 

I will check those out. I don't suspect that I would all of a sudden start running really rich unless something has gone wrong. It wasnt smelling a week ago.

It is a b18 out of a 94 integra gsr.

 

Is this a common problem or do you have really bad luck?

OP, if you have an EVAP system, you also might want to inspect the vacuum lines.

 

I don't know if this is a common problem.

 

Sorry, my question was directed at itinerant.

OP, does your Civic have an EVAP system?

 

I don't believe so, where would it be located?

 

This should give you a sense about what EVAP components in the engine bay look like:

 

Do the mini's have a fuel pump access door under the rear seat or in the rear cargo area? If so you could check that seal and make sure nothing has happened to it.