I just bought a 1998 accord with 266,000 miles, 4cyl 5 speed. The owner gave me a 2" stack of maintinance records also. The car is in great shape. I'm getting a gas smell from the drivers side of the car coming from underneath. There are no visible signs of gas from the lines or on the ground. The gas cap is holding pressure. It also seems to only do this when it is below a half tank. I figured with 266,000 on the clock maybe the charcoal canister might need to be replaced.
Any suggestions? Thanks.

 

There's a vent for the charcoal can that empties under the car.

There's a possibility one of it's tubes got messed up or you may have an exhaust leak.

 

Thanks. I am going to pull everything down saturday and give it a closer look.

 

Does the check engine light work? If you smell gas, the system isn't sealed and it should set a trouble code. If you pull codes and find a p1457 or p1456, you have a leak somewhere.

The other possibitly is the tank itself has a really small crack that leaks a small amount of fuel when you fill it up. I suppose when the computer tests the EVAP system, it may hold vacuum long enough to pass the test. It would have to be a small crack though.

 

Yes, check engine light does work. Checked for codes and nothing shows up. I am pulling everything down saturday and hopefully it is something small. Sounds like I will pulling down a gas tank also. Many Thanks.

 

I add a problem with our 99 Honda accord ex 4cyl for almost a year on gas fumes. Didn't want to take it to dealership because I was afraid I would be taken for a ride. I had codes p1739 in 1/18/07, then p1456 2/3/07 again 3/3/07. No gas smell. Several months later gas fumes from under rear driver wheel. Really noticeable during Texas summers in garage, got worse, couldn't leave window or moonroof open.

Took it to local auto shop, drop gas tank (and all rear suspension) no leak, did pressure check, test, check, etc, and couldn’t find anything.

Brought new code reader, still no codes, each time we came home I opened hood & check for leaks, fumes, smell, nothing, jack up vehicle, and every time it seem to be coming from EVAP area.

Finally told to dealership, and they replaced two parts (not sure if both were needed) but happy they found the problem.

1. 17012-S84-A01 EVAP system bypass solenoid valve
2. 17371-S84-A01 2-way valve

I did notice on another forum that both parts were replaced for a p1457, I never got that code. I keep a history on all my vehicles and didn't ever note that code.

I hope this helps someone else

Now for my next project, a nagging P740 that keeps being read on code reader but never activates the Check Engine Light (CEL).

 

Hate to dig this one up but what was the fix?

 

read the post above

 

Funny. one or both. then...

 

Test and replace what is bad.............

 

How

 

Have a hand help vac pump/gauge, volt meter and a manual? Just one page of testing. If you don't have a manual, suggest getting one for things like this and a ton of other things.......automanualsource should work for you, it will be the best ~$27 you ever spend.

Phootbag also had some great information about this

https://honda-tech.com/forums/showth...oto=nextnewest

 

My friend had this on his 98 ex v6 and got the p1456 code. He smelled gas 3 or 4 time on a 10 mile or so drive. He had purchased a gas cap from auto-zone and tried that. Same thing after a reset and almost a tank of gas...P1456 again and the smell. We swapped gas caps from my 99 ex 4cyl. and now I smell gas for the first time ever and got the p1456 code after 60 or so miles. We are going to get him an oem gas cap and should be all set. Thanks for the help.