What's this around my gas filler door?

[97tbird]

I guess it's something to do with gas, but i wonder why?? the gas cap feels tight and closes with normal "clicks"; doesn't seem to leak...is this the left over gas that spills into the area around the gas cap (when i finish pumping) which then gets swished around? the inner side of the door also looks the same...

 

[simple_gifts]

is the "finger hole" upstream, could be just dirt making its way out of a positive pressurized cavity.

 

[97tbird]

Originally Posted By: simple_gifts
is the "finger hole" upstream,....


what do you mean, exactly? (sorry)
Thanks for the reply.

 

[simple_gifts]

that little bend in the metal you put your finger in to open the filler door.

 

[defektes]

clean it out well and see if it comes back. Could just be some crp moving around with air.

 

[Warstud]

I'm guessing you have a exhaust leak and it's coming up through around the filler neck.

 

[tom slick]

I get that on all of my vehicles. I don't know or care what it is, I just clean it off.

 

[97tbird]

oh ok -
That exhaust leak thing scared me a bit-

I don't have any other signs afaik - and they didn't find anything amiss with exhaust related stuff when they replaced the cats a few days ago; they checked it all out... and there are no funny smells or anything either...

I'll just clean it and see if it comes back...
Thanks.

 

[crinkles]

your little car is going through puberty. time to talk about the birds and bees.

 

[97tbird]

Ew.

 

[CivicFan]

There is a drain hole behind the gas door. Looks like there is airflow that's kicking up dirt. Looks like the gas cover is sagging and there is an opening on the top that is allowing the dirt to escape and deposit on the outside.