running rich?

[Mike Stitzer]

The other day while idling with the A/C on in a parking lot, the car started to smell like gas on the inside. I looked around and didn't see anything so I contributed it to just not moving and it was maybe exhaust fumes.
Well then later that night a classmate followed me about 10 miles to the highway and said my car wreaked of gas, like it was running very rich. however, the car runs fine and no warning lights are on. The car is a 95 MTX with 110000 miles. Engine all stock save for K&N filter. What do you think?

Mike

 

[sdpatt]

I think if the engine was actually running rich that you would be seeing the CHECK ENGINE light and find codes indicating that the O2 sensors were agreeing with you. You may have either a fuel leak, fuel vapior line leak or a charcoal canister purging to the engine compartment rather than the intake manifold. Inspect the fuel and vapor lines from the tank to the engine compartment. Also check the hose that runs from the top front of the throttle body down past the coil pack. Trace it to the CANP solenoid valve under the coil pack and from there to the charcoal canister. Make sure there are no leaks in these lines.

 

[Mr Anonymous]

Any chance that it was a really hot day and you had less than about 1/3rd a tank of gas? I find that those conditions often lead to the vapor canister becoming saturated with gas and thus emitting the strong odor under the hood (which will often be make its way into the interior of the car). Usually a 1/2 hour or so of driving will purge the canister (presuming your vapor recovery system is working properly as Scott mentioned) sufficiently to reduce/eliminate the odor.

It would also help to check for codes, even if the CEL light hasn't illuminated just to make sure.