Hello Scotty/All,
We own a 2007 Toyota Rav4 V6 with 355,000km so far.
Recently I put in two injector cleaner bottles in two separate tanks of gas. No issues prior, was hoping to gain a few MPGS and clean the system a bit.
Now the odd time when stopping or idling I can smell faint gas fumes from the front of the vehicle (while in the cabin).
Could one of more of my injectors be leaking? and is it an intensive job to get at them for a backyard mechanic?
If this is the case, can anyone suggest some tips on changing or link some how to videos?
Thus far I haven't looked under the hood to see the injectors/location. I do my own brake jobs, fluid changes, etc.
Thanks all.
- It could be that the fuel injector cleaners are chlorinated and are eating away at the seals, creating a small leak somewhere in the fuel system. If you're interested, fhrisfix has a video on how to repair fuel lines.
- The car's computer hasn't tuned the air to fuel ratio in time. Did you start the car first thing in the morning? Does the smell continue throughout the day?
- The injector cleaner could be more volatile, meaning the combustion of the cleaner caused the injectors to shoot out slightly, enough for a small gap to start leaking fuel vapors. Is there any leakage in the engine? On the pavement?
- The injectors were clogged and the cleaner caused the combustion cycle to run richer than normal due to the computer not accounting for the new fuel. Try cleaning the mass air flow sensor with a specialized spray, see if that helps.
We have been driving it like that for a week or so now. The smell is sporadic, not always there, and not overwhelming. No other leaks and no vapors when parked. I will clean the MAF and get back, thanks!
I think ill also hook up a scan tool and check the MAF readings.
Of course! Also fun fact: what i meant by my second post is that, if you notice, early on in the day, the revs are close to 1500 ish on startup but when you drive the car for a bit, it drops to 750 or so, regardless of temperature. This is because the car is practically spitting fuel into the combustion chamber at first because it doesn't know the ideal fuel to air ratio is yet due to the o² and mass air flow sensors not knowing the proper mixture. The reason why we have this technology in the first place is because of emissions standards and better fuel economy. Does your tachometer follow the ideal 1500/750 threshold?