Gas smell inside - especially while stopped, Found the gas smell problem Options

[celicalibre]

Recently smelled gas inside the car and found the problem. Noticed that it happened with the vent in "outside air" position and when I stopped for a traffic light for a moment. Otherwise when in motion did not smell.

Checked all the obvious hoses, connections, underneath etc and was stumped for awhile. Smell would not occur as strong when the vent in "recycle inside air" position which was my major clue. So must be picking up the odor from outside front ventilation. Checking under the hood could never smell anything.

Finally looked at the PC valve which looked fine looking down at it, but not easy to view well as at rear top of engine near the firewall. When I removed it, the problem was obvious. The bottom half of the valve was missing and the valve was not seating firmly -- appears like it was "cooked" and bottom part became brittle and either fell apart or when having the oil changed someone went to check the PCV valve and broke it - then they just stuck the top part back in. No way to tell for sure.

Replaced the whole valve (caution, you may have to purchase two parts from part store) - problem solved!

P.S. The world would be a better place if everyone could go "topless" in a 6GC - best therapy in the world!