I have 2015 cooper s convertible - had servicing done at reputable nondealer shop due to check engine light on

Servicing done: "thermostat housing leaking. need to start with replacing thermostat with water pipe, bleeding system and retesting for any further damage to engine. " - also - replace breather hose, replace belt pulley on coolant pump, replace drive belt , CONTROL ARM BUSHING - Remove & Replace - Hatchback Both

also had overdue servicing done - Removing and installing/replacing both front brake discs, Replacing both spring struts at front, Remove and install/replace both rear shock absorbers - Repaired bolt holes for exhaust under brace - Rusted bolts broke off. 1 hole was not repaired

After repair the car smelled a lot like gas inside - I drove it home (picked up after hours so couldn't have them look). This continued - but better each day - but after a week I brought it back to them and they did not smell anything and it was OK but I still smell gas in the car occasionally. Seems to be worst if i drive for a bit and then stop and get out somewhere and when i get back in it smells.

The repair shop's only explanation was that on the last item above - they used a LOT of rust preventative and he thought that might be what I was smelling.
Any ideas on what could be causing this gas smell? I would take to them or the dealer but most of the time I don't smell it.

Thanks for any help you can provide
Eric

 

Ask dealership to spray some rust preventative on a rag to see if it matches the smell in your car.

 

good idea - thanks!

 

still having the problem intermittently a month after the servicing - would the rust preventative still smell after that much time?

 

Are you noticing it only when you've just started the car? Could just be from a cold start as they run a lil rich.

 

@elbmd:
Does it smell when you open the hood? Does the smell come from the cabin filter area? Unless they sprayed into the battery compartment (behind which the opening to the cabin filter is) or inside the cabin, I doubt any volatile liquid inside the engine bay would last very long if the car is used.

Also: I twice happenened to leave a full fuel canister (made of PP) in the trunk for a couple of weeks in spring. The cap was tight (no spillage) but still some smell escaped and "settled" inside the cabin. After removing the canister, there was a light gasoline smell in the cabin for a few weeks. The smell was permanent and gradually diminishing. It never increased, let alone come back. Once it was gone, it was gone for good.

PS.: What was the reason for the check engine light coming on, i.e. what code was thrown? None of the things listed under "service done" would cause a check engine light. At most (if at all) engine overheated could have been the case but it would go away by itself once the engine cooled off.