Fuel smell inside vehicle

Hi,

Noticed recently that I have a smell of petrol inside the vehicle whilst the engine is running but the car is stationery, I have to switch the air ducting to recirculating as opposed to external input to stop this smell, doesnt take long before the windows steam up, When the bonnet is popped there is a slight wiff of fuel but nothing more than expected from a petrol engine. I have not had the management light come on yet so I am unable to diagnose any issues, on the subject of reading fault codes is it true that a cheap as chips reader is as good as a more expensive one ? and has anyone else has similar issues with an interior petrol smell?

Cheers Nic

The steel pipes from the tank to the engine do corrode, especially at the tank and along the right inner longitudinal chassis rail. First point of call and sooner rather than later!! If they are ok then a more in depth invest needed. Is the fuel cap sealing properly? Was the car brimmed last refuel ? Double check the eng bay pipework.

As Mick says, check for fuel leaks, right at the upwards bend in the pipe beneath the driver's feet is where mine went.
Also, the spout on the fuel tank goes porous at the top because wet mud lies on top, and gets between the rubber filler pipe and the steel spout and rusts through. Prevents the tank pressurising, and leaks when the tank is full.

You shouldn't be able to smell petrol at all when the engine is running unless there is a leak, the fuel system is sealed and vented through a charcoal filter alongside the alternator to absorb any fumes.