Gas fumes in cab after rear end collsion

[Zlornick]

My beloved 94 940 wagon was rear ended a couple weeks ago. The damage to the body is significant enough to have bent the rear panels towards the front and and down sightly, as well as throwing the rear bumper slightly out of wack. Not pretty, but perfectly drivable.

While I assess my options on fixing the frame and cosmetic damage, I've noticed significant fumes in the cab when driving, especially at low levels of fuel in the tank. Curious what y'all might consider as culprits for the fumes. Cracked gas tank? Leaking fuel lines?

[Forrest]

It could be either of the things you mention. It may not be the best idea to continue driving a car that has sustained significant accident damage and might be leaking fuel. Just a thought.

It should be possible to check the fuel lines fairly easily under the car. Also remove the access panel behind the back seat and check where the fuel lines enter the tank. If the rear panels have shifted it might even be the filler neck come dislodged.

It does not take much fuel to create a lot of smell.

[Zlornick]

I haven't seen any visible leakage underneath the car. I've also checked the compartment where the fuel lines enter the tank. nothing visible. when the engine is off, there are no fumes. Interesting. A fellow at the body shop mentioned the charcoal canister thinking it might be close to the tank, but apparently that's actually under the hood and nowhere near the damage.

for an idea of what's going on:

[classicswede]

Most likely exhaust gas coming in from teh tailgate seal

[Zlornick]

interesting. didn't think of that but it's possible, I'll check that out.

It really smells like raw fuel though.

[MiniNinjaRob]

Looking at the roofline I’d say your car is toast - the whole back end has been pulled downwards. Take the money off the person who hit you and buy a better 940, maybe keep yours for spares - especially if it’s trying to gas you.

[Dirty Rooster]

Originally Posted by classicswede

Most likely exhaust gas coming in from teh tailgate seal

I agree with classic.
I sometimes drive short distances with the tailgate open a crack, for quick loading/unloading, I have a small wedge to prop it open at the bottom catch.
Sometimes, especially starting from cold, I smell fuel fumes.
With the tailgate completely closed : no fumes at all.
I presume it is to do with the air flow while moving washing exhaust gases against the bottom lip of the tailgate.
Try shining a torch from outside/inside at night with someone watching for the light along the bottom of your now-buckled rear end.

[Stephen Edwin]

Exhaust fumes are lethal. Petrol vapour is potentially lethal.

Both advices that have been given are utterly serious.

[Laird Scooby]

Originally Posted by Zlornick

I haven't seen any visible leakage underneath the car. I've also checked the compartment where the fuel lines enter the tank. nothing visible. when the engine is off, there are no fumes. Interesting. A fellow at the body shop mentioned the charcoal canister thinking it might be close to the tank, but apparently that's actually under the hood and nowhere near the damage.

for an idea of what's going on:

Looking at that, i'd make a guess the rubber hose connecting the fuel filler neck to the tank has either split of become dislodged.
All the other possibilities/probabilities have already been mentioned, including the most obvious of exhaust fumes entering the cabin via compromised tailgate seals.

Best suggestion is from John - get the money from the other driver and/or his insurance, if needs be take him (her?) to small claims court or even Judge Judy. Unless i'm mistaken, you're in California and i believe that's where her program is filmed, if you win your case the program producers pay you the money so you're pretty much guaranteed a pay-out.

What the hell were the other party driving though? Has to be something fairly big to do that kind of damage!

[TonyS9]

The crease is exactly where the fuel filler and tank outlet pipes are. Its possible the body is crushing the tank outlet. If you have fumes when running you need to check the pipes for leaks, especially the pressure and return lines that are activated when running.

Take off the hinged carpeted bit for the back seat and open up the tank connections inspection cover. Also inspect all the pipes around there.

Generally the car looks to be scrap, so scrap it. It could well be in a dangerous condition.