I would bet on a rusted fuel sender unit- they are notorious for rust on wagons.

I offer this advice because 6 months ago, my 245 wagon developed a gas smell seemingly out of nowhere.

My hunch: Does is smell like it's coming from the ventilation system when you drive? Where the AC comes out in the middle of the dash?

First, with the car running, or as soon as you smell the gas, pull over. Leave the car running. Open the hood and look for the fuel pressure regulator. Here's a link to a photo of a 240 engine

http://www.240glt.com/megasquirt/8.jpg

You are looking pretty much smack in the middle of that picture for the Fuel Pressure Regulator. Has a black tube running out of it. Top of your engine, about the size of a small 8oz can of tomato paste. My hunch is that with the car running, you will see this "wet" and leaking fuel. The diaphram inside of it goes.
About $45 bucks. Get the Bosch made one if you can. 5 minute fix with a screw driver and wrench.

Looking at this after the car is off might not show you the leak, as the fuel will evaporate very quickly with the engine hot. With it running, you will see it leaking if it's the problem. Replace it immediately if that's the case.
--
89 245 'loaded' with a Great Pyrenees

Hello,


I'm sorry to hear about the poison gasoline fumes saturating your vehicle. I myself just fixed a leak yesterday.

After a nap, you should go outside to your car and smell at each tire. The tire that smells the most like gas is where the leak is at. Most likely you will get the most odor at the drivers rear wheel, that is where the fuel pump is at and a leaking pump is common.

Otherwise continue to search. The leak will only aggravate and may leave you stranded (and sickened).


Goatman

Changing spark plugs is not likely to cure the gas smell. Look things over carefully under the hood, under the car where the pump and filter are located (driver's side under the back seat) and under the gas tank. Look for wet spots or staining. You may have to lift the plywood floorboard (two phillips screws located in front of the lift up section) and prop it up with a screwdriver or whatever is handy to examine the area where the "tank unit" is installed--I've seen many Volvos with the unit rusted enough to leak (especially after a fill-up). Also lift the rear right side panel behind the wheel well to expose the fill tube and tank vent hoses.