Hi everyone, I'm new here, from Hong Kong. Got a black on black 01, still stock, but you guys are reaaaally tempting me!!!

Anyways, I've been noticing the strong smell of gas coming out near the rear wheel on the drivers side (our right side), which is the side opposite to the fuel filler, which I checked and is properly tightened. The problem seems to be on and off, but when its there its real strong.

Also I get about 13mpg spending an hour on the highway and an hour stuck in traffic each day... I run 93 octane (or so they tell me, there is only one type available here). Just extra info, not sure if this is related to the issue or not.

Anyone heard of similar issues? Thanks!

 

I never experienced this with my o1 430. But something similar in another car , i had to change my fuel filter yours might be bad. Theirs a thread i think in neloc section where you can ask a lex tech. question about problems with your car. Hope this helps you ouy somewhat.

 

If you smell gas, grab a fire extinguisher and make a bee line to your nearest competent garage.

Do not go anywhere but a good garage, and take a fire extinguisher.

The smell of gas is not something to be taken lightly!

 

My daughter's car (not a Lexus) had the smell of gasoline after it was parked, but didn't exhibit any dripping gasoline. I changed the gas cap but no change.

Eventually found that it had a crack in the gas tank. That can happen if the tank is exposed beneath and you run over something. A dangerous situation, that I think might happen to anyone. Suggest you see your dealer right away.

 

Get it looked at right away by a professional and qualified mechanic. Gasoline fumes are extremely explosive. Cars burn really easy.

 

Could be an 02 sensor, I had one out in my car and it ran way too rich making it smell like gas and get horrible mileage.

 

I could have sworn I replied to this.. anyways.

I doubt its the O2 sensor a the problem is not consistent. Also the smell comes from the left rear wheel. The exhaust gasses don't smell of fuel. Also engine still runs nice and smooth. Poor fuel economy probably related to the mountainous terrain and traffic here.

Considering its been happening on and off I assume the heat of the exhaust and brakes are not enough to ignite the low concentration of fumes, but I'll have it looked at again.

Are there any known problems for the LS430 such as cracked gas tanks or anything? The car does not appear to leak anything though.

I have posted this in the help thread in the NELOC forum - thanks for the responses.