HI, I have a Peugeot 206 2004. For the past couple of months I have had a really strong smell of petrol while driving it seems to be alot worst with the windows down mainly the drivers side windows. This lead me to believe that it may be leaking fumes from the petrol cap. Though I had a friend rev it up while stationary and I tried to smell if it was coming from there but nothing. It also seems like I am getting a low mpg but there are no visible signs of leakage. I have changed the air filter and checked the spark plugs they were a pale brown colour so that seemed fine. I don't understand where it is coming from but while driving the smell is unbareable. Any ideas for the source of the problem would be much appreciated. Unfortunately I'm not in the financial position to take it to the garage at the moment.

Engines only need three things to start.

1. Fuel (we know you have that)
2. Compression (we assume nothing happened since the last time it ran)
3. A spark at the right time (this is the likely culprit)

https://www.google.com/search?q=Peugeot+Partner+van+1.4+petrol%2C+crank+no+start

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EVAP system problem

A strong smell of petrol means a strong possibility of fire so it is very important to find the cause and cure it.

Any significant leak would leave evidence on a clean smooth floor but if the smell isn't strong when the car is running but stationary and there is no evidence underneath then there is a distinct possibility it only leaks while being driven.

While being driven the engine will move around on the flexible engine mounts as a reaction to acceleration and deceleration and a few feet of fuel pipe near the front will be flexing because of that. It is possible a joint might be leaking a little or a crack in a pipe is opening as the engine moves.

A strong fuel smell indicates a leak and unless the leak is directly on the floor there will be evidence though a good light and a degree of patience will be needed - and of course being at eye level with the area being inspected.

Could be an oil leak leaking on the exhaust.

Have a mechanic locate the leak, this is dangerous. A pot of water will absorb gas vapors, to keep it from spilling put a towel in it.

dont drive car get fuel line checked

Thanks for choosing FixYa and welcome. You may need to purchase a new cap first. You need to go to that same area and look under the vehicle. Check out all your gas lines, some run to the tank and the others come from the tank to the front of the vehicle. You may have a leak. Check the gas tank also and make sure nothing is punctured. You could have a clogged fuel filter if you haven't changed it in awhile. It needs changed between 30,000-50,000, give or take in that range.

check your idle air control valve aicv controls your idle ,stalling loss of power

check power steering fluid in engine bay

Hi there, just under the rear seats is where the fuel tank sender unit is and sometimes the seal will leak out strong smell of petrol, you need to remove the rear seats and the sender unit cap and check the seal, may need replacing, hope this helps.