My wife mentioned to me today that she's smelled gas (and maybe oil) 3-4 different times over the last couple of weeks when she gets into her '02 4Runner.

I've checked it a couple of times myself, but haven't been able to notice it. She called today to tell me she smelled gas again after getting in the vehicle after it had been sitting in the sun. Also, she is fairly certain that the last times the gas smell was noticeable was after it had been in the sun for a while.

There's no signs of any fluid leaking on the ground (even after it has been sitting in the driveway all weekend).

I don't think this is related, but a few weeks ago, the engine began to overheat while she was driving it - she pulled over and I had her let it cool down then take it to a nearby shop (I was at work across town at the time). They determined the coolant was low due to a faulty radiator cap and suggested replacing it along with the thermostat, since the overheating may have potentially damaged it or shortened its lifespan. After quoting me $300 for the job, I decided to save about $250 and do it myself - which I did the following weekend.

Also, I realized that it had been quite some time since I had changed the oil, so I took care of that at the same time. And by some time, I mean about 11 mos and ~12k miles. I nearly always change it between 5-6k miles (max), but this time it totally slipped my mind. Good thing I use Mobil 1 and PureOne filters, I guess.

Now here's the part where I feel get to feel pretty dumb...
* About a week after that, we managed to nearly run the tank dry (we were trying to pick up the kids from the sitter after being detained late at a company event) and I was quite proud of myself for a) not actually having run out after ~40 miles w/the gas light on, and b) managing to squeeze just over 20 gallons into the (allegedly) 18 gallon tank without spilling a single drop on the ground.

My initial thought was that maybe a breather vent was malfunctioning, but I don't know if 'overfilling' the tank would cause any issues there. I doubt the other things could have anything to do with the gas smell, but wanted to through them out to avoid forgetting to mention anything potentially relevant.

Thoughts?

Every vehicle I have does that; I've always chalked it up to the fact that vehicles will probably run a little rich upon first starting up. My 4Runner does it too.

Squeezing in as much gas as possible after the gas pump stops, could be part of your problem. There is space in the gas tank for the gas to expand when it gets hot, such as sitting in the Sun on a hot day.

When you overfill the gas tank and fill that space that was meant for gas expansion, then the gas expands into the evaporative emissions charcoal canister. When that becomes filled with gas, it will then leak out of the canister, which can be smelled.

The bigger issue is that eventually flooding the charcoal canister with gas, will ruin the charcoal's ability to absorb the evaporative gas fumes from the gas tank, which will set a check-engine light, and is a somewhat expensive part to replace.

yeah I won't tell you anything you don't know about some of those things...

But, to your question. Where is it that you are smelling gas? In the vehicle? From the exhaust? Under the hood?

I'm pretty sure I have seen quite a few "gas smell" threads. I'll see if I can find them again. In the mean time might try a google search with t4r.org or yotatech.com in the search bar.

edit:
Fixed gas smell 2001 4 Runner
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-ge...ll-idle-2.html
need more info to determine if either one these is relevant for you

I had O rings shrink when that happened i smelled gas and there was some underneath the car

I haven't been able to notice it myself, but my wife said she smelled it inside the cab. However, she didn't check around outside or under the hood, so I couldn't even say at this point which end of the vehicle it might be coming from.

That said, the particular time I completely overfilled the tank, it was at night and only about 50° F, and we burned at least a gallon on the way home right after filling up. That's not to say it isn't possibly related, and but just wanted to point out that I didn't overfill it at noon when it was 110 out, and then park it in the driveway (our other car, maybe :-).

Anyway, thanks all for the pointers so far - I think now I have somewhere to start looking. I'll post an update once I have more info or when I get stuck.

I notice a gasoline smell maybe once a year, once every two years, I usually check under the hood for anything obvious but I never find anything. I had a buddy that had this issue on his avalon, turned out to be the orings around the injectors, he had the orings replaced and never had the issue again.

-Ian

True.
When the gas pump shuts off (and you hear gas gurgling) stop pumping. Don't try to squeeze in more gas.

Same issue. Strong smell coming from under the hood. If my 4runner runs normally and has no start up, idling, or misfire issues, and if the fuel smell only happens randomly (1 out of 6 startups), do you think this is more of an o-ring issue on the fuel injectors?

Turns out the mechanic who replaced my starter left some bolt loose that lead to leaking fuel. They fixed it and apologized.

Their resolution is Good but it does make one wonder about taking things there again. Continued Luck.

I’d suggest checking the fuel lines, connections, and fuel injectors. If you see any wet spots or strange colors, there might be a leak.
Also, check the evaporative emissions system, including the charcoal canister. If the canister is full or broken, it could release gas smells into the car. Look for any damage or wear on the canister and its hoses.
Plus, check the cabin air filter and vents.