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[WXRTSI]

Crazy I just installed the walrbo and I smell it too! I took it out and moved the floater b/c it was stuck and not reading accurately, and now it's fine. I made sure the gasket from the top of the sending unit was on snug because it was hanging from some parts and not lining up with the 8 bolts. Then I aligned it and bolted it all up. I get the smell most prominently in the mornings...when it's about 20-25 outside or late at night when it's cold. I checked twice on 2 separate days and there is not a leak anywhere that I could spot through the bolts, so I know the gasket is on well. My only other hypothesis is that It's just spilled gas from when I took the pump out, because I know it dripped a little since I'm retarded and took it out on a full tank. If I leaved my windows cracked overnight, I cannot smell it, and once I start driving I cannot smell it. I'll give it a few days and if it clears out then I'll know it's just sum spillage. Seems like I'm not the only one with this mystery.

[MRGLASS]

any updates??

[boostin05blacksti]

i had this same problem last night on my drive home from work in the 2x degree wheather....called my buddy who works as subaru and he said when it gets cold out like this he gets at least 1 call a week about this problem....he told me our cars are prone to it and he said its nothing...he said if it happens in the summer or when its warm then be concered....he said it is the rubber fuel lines that go to the fuel rails...im guessing the cold affects the rubber..?...i wish someone had a soultuion...and also i have a walbro fuel pump...but it has been in the car for over 8 mths and i have never had this problem before...

[awdrev]

OK listen, I know all of you guys are having the same problem.....
This is what it is:
Subaru WRX's and STI's have been known to have this problem...
It's called the TSB problem
links

TSB: Fuel Smell In Cold Weather - 2002 WRX - i-Club

Subaru Forester exhaust/fuel smell in cab - CarSpace Automotive Forums

There's really a lot but this is the deal.
If you look through your intake manifold (driver side) you can see the problem.
Follow your fuel filter COPPER lines and then you'll notice that it goes under the manifold....keep following and you should see a small bridge... it'll be like this...
=== COPPER ===== (TOP CLAMP) ======== RUBBER ====== (BOTTOM CLAM) ======= COPPER

In other words, there's a connection (rubber) that has two clamps, the problem itself are those clamps, if you look right through the manifold you should see it.
This problem ONLY OCCURS WHEN It's known to be COLD.... here in NJ it has been 20ish and it happened to me last nite.
The main problem is that you can't simply put your hands in and tighten it.... it's under the manifold and other hoses... however this is what I did.
You can try to use a steel wire so you can position the screw to a comfortable position so you can try to tighten it. Pretty much make a "hook" out of it, insert it through the clamp and pulls towards you, you won't freeking believe how "LOOSE" it is.
My problem was the TOP CLAMP not the bottom, I knew it was the top because the "middle" of the rubber hose was wet, if it was the bottom then the middle wouldn't be wet... makes sense right??
Anyways, I was able to position it facing me so I could tighten it, maybe you're lucky and it's already positioning your face.
It was SO FREEKING LOOSE, you guys won't believe how loose it was, I tighten it like 8+ FULL turns until it was tight.
I think that did it in my opinion.
Anyways, It's a WELL KNOWN problem to WRX's and actually all subarus 00+ and up.
I hope this helps, I don't have an STi but I know that they have the same problem, I have a 2004 wrx and it worked greatly. My friends 04 and 05 Sti's had the EXACT same problem and it was fixed.
ATTN: Dealerships know CRACK about this, they never heard of it, although when I called yesterday the guy said "ya i've been receiving a lot of calls about it...." he told me he had "tighten" it but thought I was stupid.... didn't do crap... had to do it myself...

Anyways GOOD LUCK GUYS!

[awdrev]

In addition, the problem goes away AFTER the car warms up.
My idea is that the cold makes the gasoline less thick and more viscuous to go through this "loose" connection.... eventually due to the engine getting warm it reseals itself..
I hate the smell of gas inside my car, in addition it would affect your MPG...
But is it SAFE??? do not think so...
Good luck

[boostin05blacksti]

Nice explination....pictures would do us all a huge favor if you don't mind...I will be lookinh at this whole thing this weekend...and hopefully will come up with the same conclusion you did...

[awdrev]

Pics would be kinda hard..... I will try...
Like I said, the only problem is that the hose that is leaking from the clamps you have to actually see UNDER the manifold.
The best explanation I can tell you is this....
locates ur fuel filter it should be above the battery....then you should see two or three COPPER lines running into/under the manifold.....
follow the lines, you will eventually have to back up and then look under and then BAM
You'll see rubber lines.....
It's really not that hard but after that you should see the hose (should be at about a 90 angle) and then the clamps.... it's those clamps that i'm talking about...
i'll try to post pics....
I'm glad to be of help, this is a VERY specific thing for our cars...GOOD LUCK!!
Art

[STight]

Originally Posted by awdrev

OK listen, I know all of you guys are having the same problem.....
This is what it is:
Subaru WRX's and STI's have been known to have this problem...
It's called the TSB problem
links

TSB: Fuel Smell In Cold Weather - 2002 WRX - i-Club

Subaru Forester exhaust/fuel smell in cab - CarSpace Automotive Forums

There's really a lot but this is the deal.
If you look through your intake manifold (driver side) you can see the problem.
Follow your fuel filter COPPER lines and then you'll notice that it goes under the manifold....keep following and you should see a small bridge... it'll be like this...
=== COPPER ===== (TOP CLAMP) ======== RUBBER ====== (BOTTOM CLAM) ======= COPPER

In other words, there's a connection (rubber) that has two clamps, the problem itself are those clamps, if you look right through the manifold you should see it.
This problem ONLY OCCURS WHEN It's known to be COLD.... here in NJ it has been 20ish and it happened to me last nite.
The main problem is that you can't simply put your hands in and tighten it.... it's under the manifold and other hoses... however this is what I did.
You can try to use a steel wire so you can position the screw to a comfortable position so you can try to tighten it. Pretty much make a "hook" out of it, insert it through the clamp and pulls towards you, you won't freeking believe how "LOOSE" it is.
My problem was the TOP CLAMP not the bottom, I knew it was the top because the "middle" of the rubber hose was wet, if it was the bottom then the middle wouldn't be wet... makes sense right??
Anyways, I was able to position it facing me so I could tighten it, maybe you're lucky and it's already positioning your face.
It was SO FREEKING LOOSE, you guys won't believe how loose it was, I tighten it like 8+ FULL turns until it was tight.
I think that did it in my opinion.
Anyways, It's a WELL KNOWN problem to WRX's and actually all subarus 00+ and up.
I hope this helps, I don't have an STi but I know that they have the same problem, I have a 2004 wrx and it worked greatly. My friends 04 and 05 Sti's had the EXACT same problem and it was fixed.
ATTN: Dealerships know CRACK about this, they never heard of it, although when I called yesterday the guy said "ya i've been receiving a lot of calls about it...." he told me he had "tighten" it but thought I was stupid.... didn't do crap... had to do it myself...

Anyways GOOD LUCK GUYS!

Anyone have the specific TSB number to reference? Unless, it is called TSB but not a technical bullitin....This will help when contacting the dealer I hope.

[awdrev]

Needless to say, the problem is fully solved.
Regarding a specific bulletin??? doubt it bro, please try to do it yourself, that's my .02 cents....... the dealer called me yesterday as a courtesy called, explained everything that happened and apologized to me....
Like I said, it's not a place where you can put your hands, BUT, you can fit in a screw driver and do it, it seems to me they're so untight that it should be leeking all the time regardless........
You will not get any C E L, or problems with the car, so unless you smell it, you won't catch it.
I decided to make it more clear.....so here are some pics

PICS

[awdrev]

pics posted - GL