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I wouldn't think water would be the best way of cleaning out spilled petrol. You need somethink like a ge-greaser. Can can buy spay cleaner which would be easier to control where it goes, as you want to keep the electricals water free.

J

Are you sure the smell is coming from under the bonnet and not the boot?
The usual culprit is tiny cracks on the filler pipes in the boot, or a loose connection somewhere.