Hi all, new Jaguar XJ owner here, i hope I am posting in the correct place, I have just bought a 1997 XJ and I have noticed a really strong smell of fuel when driving, it’s so strong it’s been making my eyes nip. I have looked under the bonnet and there is no sign of a leak. Can anyone please suggest what could be causing it. The car is in great shape and drives amazingly however it is using a load of fuel, I notice when I accelerate the smell becomes worse.

Any help would be appreciated.

Many thanks.

 

Your car is what is known as an X308 (it is a V8 isn't it?), this forums is for XJ6's up to 1987. The one you want is here: https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/xj-xj8-xjr-x308-27/

However, you obviously have a fuel leak somewhere, likely in the engine bay if you are smelling it while driving. There is a supply and return hose either the hoses or the joints could be leaking. There is also a fuel pressure regulator, check for leaks there. You could either have a leaking hose, or O ring at a connection.

It doesn't take much fuel to smell, so I'd start by wrapping each fuel hose connection one at a time in paper towel while the engine is running and see if you can find any wetness. It shouldn't take long, wrap the joint, wait a min and then inspect the towel. It helps if you have a dark one, rather than a white kitchen towels, as it makes any liquid easier to spot. Do that to the fuel pressure regulator too. You'll need to remove the plastic covers and look at the injectors too. They could be leaking at the fuel rail.