fuel filter

[money_greenmx3]

my mx3 smells alot like gas when it runs if i changed the fuel filter will this help abit of do i has an exhaust leak and need to change the exhaust

[Mi|<E]

Determine where it smells like gas before replacing parts, the fuel filter removes particulates from
the gas and does not modify its odor. As for whether 'you has' exhaust leak inspect the exhaust
pipe front to back for black sooty deposits. Those indicate that there is an exhaust leak. Take
some pictures of where you locate the leaks, it makes it much easier to help.

[PilotSmack89]

As far as the exhaust leak, I discovered one fun way to find out where it is:

Seafoam.

Dual benefits here:
1) Clean out the intake and valves
2) All that smoke is really thick, so it's pretty obvious to see where the leak is. Especially if you have the car on jackstands, and a buddy to press the accelerator for you.

I had the same problem, gas smell, mostly prominent on startup. Seafoamed it, found a small hole about an inch in front of the cat. Fixed it, gas smell gone.