Hi,

I know there are posts on smell but I could use some direction. I inherited this car from my brother (175k) and am decent w8th cars but my experience is limited to my suburu, so this is a new adventure.
What I have noticed:
-gas smell outside of car right after driving
**see a small puddle around middle fuel injector in front- o rings?
- Not great gas mileage (16 combo city/hwy driving)
-p0171 code ( light hasn't returned)
-doesn't seem like v6 power, & occasional rough start- more like a super short hesitation
-oil leaks , lots
- pretty sure power steering rack is leaking as well as rear strut.
- front dog bone mounts look worn and lower mount looks rough from leaks
-occasional knock in front when turning. I could guess

what I have done/ has been done recently

* replaced air filter
*checked cleaned maf
*cleaned IAC valve ( pintle? Was ok, but it was pretty dirty overall?)

* replaced cracked fuel regulator hose harness (didnt know then if I needed to depressurize fuel before replacing- ?)
* replaced lower intake manifold & valve cover gaskets
*replaced wires but not sure if plugs were done, wondering how big a hassle(rear 3) /how worth it to check/ replace?
* I have new oil pan gasket but it looks like a PIA

basically I just need this as a second car &/or until I can replace my outback, so I don't want to dump $ but I want it to be safe and efficient. And I really hate the smell. Plus i will need to pass emissions soon.. any thoughts are appreciated.
Liz

Closed duplicate thread with the same post in it. Please open only one thread for a given issue.

If you don't know when the plugs were done, do the plugs. The rear ones, while a bit of a pain, aren't THAT bad. You can get to them without moving the engine or taking other stuff off.

Another culprit to several of your symptoms described above is the MAF sensor.

For good measure: if you don't know the age or condition of the fuel pressure regulator replace it. Not necessarily to solve your symptoms (although it might help), but rather to eliminate a chance of an old one letting fuel into the upper intake.

Thank you, I'll do the plugs and check the other 2- prob will just replace both.

Cool, let us know how it goes, and if you have any more questions etc.

Actually, it'* harder to remove the ignition wires from the rear plugs than removing the rear plugs....a double ball swivel setup gets in there easy for removal........you install the plugs with a rubber hose attached to the porcelain, because it'* hard to get down behind there just by hand.....

You said the lower intake gaskets were replaced? Then there should be no puddle anywhere on top of that engine, unless someone spilled something....

I usually see leaks from the fuel lines where they come together at the joints.......just moving/flexing them a little and they may leak.....

If you smell gas then check your return line from the gas tank...it may be rusted through in some spots. I'm referring to the evap system.