Gas smell turns out to be pressure regulator

[BWCAVibe]

I was checking the threads here in the past for gas smell inside my '04 GT (101K). Early last week, three times all of a sudden while warming up in -20 to -28 F temps, there was a strong gas smell in the vehicle, and also when I opened the hood. I had to take it in because I needed it for a trip, instead of looking at it myself. Turns out it was the pressure regulator. Apparently, the regulator and fuel rail needed to be replaced together because of some "clips" that did not appear to the mechanic to be reusable. Anyway, the damage was not too bad. One thing that apparently is different between the 6 speed GT and the base Vibes of that year is the pressure regulator in the base versions is located with the fuel pump in the tank. I guess the Yamaha-modified 1.8 in the GT's are only in 3% of the vehicles, so the Haynes manual does not show those things, like the drive belt being slightly longer. Anyway, knowledge for someone else with the same problem.

[joatmon]

Glad you got it fixed before something blew up, and thanks for posting the info on it

[Water boy]

Always glad to get a "final report". Helps others during the troubleshooting time. Thanks.

[BWCAVibe]

One more thing worth mentioning. I also had the injectors cleaned, carbon deposits, throttle plate(s) and plenum cleaned at the same time. All I can say is WOW!, quite a difference in performance. Worth the price, I think. I will be interested to see how much it changes the mileage.

[Chiadog]

I also had the injectors cleaned, carbon deposits, throttle plate(s) and plenum cleaned at the same time.

Can you tell us what procedure was used to clean the injectors, etc.? Thanks for the info!

[BWCAVibe]

The invoice from the garage states "Motorvac Cleaning Chemical and Motorvac Plenum Cleaner" I think the products are Napa brand (MV3 and MV4 on the invoice).