Petrol Smell and Engine trouble :-(

[greenlight]

Hello all. I've read many posts regards to fuel or engine smells coming through the vents, but not for my model Vectra. So I thought I'd post a new thread to make sure I've got it covered. I've got a 2004 Vectra LS 1.8 Petrol and since last Friday I can smell what I think is petrol or something very similar coming through the vents. Now, if I don't turn the fan on or leave it on cold air, I can't smell it. It's only when the heat is turned up, it's really noticeable. It did this a while back, but somehow cleared itself up. Any ideas what it could be? Also, my Dad as got a Vectra 2005 Life 1.8 Petrol (Facelift Version) and when the car is started up in the morning, or after any cold start, the engine appears to be all over the place. The rev counter needle moves up and down and the engine doesn't idle, it's jumping everywhere. If you put your foot on the gas, it's got no power. Strangely, if you turn off the engine while this is happening and immediately start it again, it corrects itself. Regardless, once the engine is hot, the car regains full power and is like **** off a shovel. I just don't get it. Any ideas what the problem could be. Thanks in advance for your help. David.

[viper8]

this is the same kind of problem i have got with my car .that your dad has with his .

[viper8]

http://www.vectra-c.com/forum/showth...going-to-stall

[paz_badboy4life]

swap your MAF sensor with your dads. see if that makes a difference.

[Ben50n]

Fumes smell could be a leaking exhaust flexi pipe??

Do you get the EML with the rough running? If so, have the codes read.

Erratic tick over can be caused by a few things, try cleaning the MAF and throttle bodies.

Also check that the alternator is producing around 14 volts with the car running, the engine management will increase the revs to try and generate more power.

[greenlight]

No EML with the rough running, but I'm going to try swapping the MAF sensor and Coil Pack over tomorrow on my Dads cars, see if that solves it. I'm assuming the parts are identical? With my car, I've found the source of the petrol fumes. The second injector from the left is soaking wet, while the others are bone dry. Does that mean the injector has to be replaced or can it be repaired and is it dangerous to drive in this condition? I've only had this car since November 7th last year, and I've already spend £500 ish since then on getting things fixed, the last being the Window wiper Linkage assembly had to be replaced as it fell to pieces. It's a good job the car is immaculate inside and out.

[burnswood]

I had a similar thing - mines is a 1.9 diesel - could smell fumes when stuck in traffic. WHen i turned the fans off no smell , when i hit the button for recirculating the air - no fume smells. Had a good look under bonnet - couldnt see anything of the ordinary. Then i checked the cabin filter - it had fallen out of place (as i have a broken clip) - taped it up back in place and no smell. Don't know if this applies to your petrol but maybe worth a look just to see