Any one else had a petrol smell from air con?

Hi

In the last month our Grande Punto 1.4 Dynamic has started to produce petrol smells in the cabin when the air con is on. Has any one else come accross this problem? Would any one know what is causing this?

We originally thought it might be a vehicle that we were driving behind but it has happened on too many occaissions to be this. I have never come accross this before in any cars with air con that I have had (Ford KA, MINI, Fiat Panda and Fiat 500).

Thanks.

Sounds like you might have a small petrol leak under the bonnet. I would examine all the fuel pipes inside the engine bay. It is up to you whether or not you do this with the engine running but any fuel is likely to evaporate fast when the engine is hot. You should therefore smell it if you open the bonnet.

I don't have air con but i get an occasional smell of petrol from the vents. checked under bonnet and car but no sign of any leaks. Could be fuel tank vent or engine overfueling

If it's a 1.2 or 1.4 8v, check the cam cover to air filter breather hose (under the filter housing).

I've known a couple to split/perish allowing the crankcase blow-by gases to seep out and get drawn into the car through the vents rather than being directed back into the inlet manifold.