Gas smell front end

[foskco87]

So I tried searching obviously, found a lot of people have had issues with a gas smell coming from the rear end, often fixed by a new gas cap. I have been noticing a strong gas smell coming from the front of my truck...like through the grill. Did a walk around smell test and couldnt detect any smell near the rear.

Anyone know what could be causing this? I've heard that the charcoal cannister can cause this but thats about it. Note that it is not an exhaust smell, it is a raw gasoline smell.

 

[JayRolla]

In my experiences when gas is that strong you are leaking somewhere. Check all fuel injectors, fuel rail and incoming and return fuel lines for leaks.

 

[foskco87]

Thanks, I've had a look around...cant seem to find any leaks. I do notice a slight smell coming from the charcoal cannister. I know nothing about this but I suppose that is the source. Im guessing it will need to be replaced? Thanks for the tips btw.

 

[Sierra946]

I'd check the injectors and the fuel rail. My #4 cylinder fuel injector was leaking from the top o-ring where the fuel rail hooks up. Had to take off the plenum to find it though. Only way to see it on the driver side.

 

[tacojeff]

The charcoal canister can smell if it gets fuel in it through the vent line. If you recently had a full tank and were off camber at all, or possibly topped the tank off a few too many times when you filled up. Either way, when mine filled up I unhooked the hose, let it dry out, and it hasn't smelled since.

 

[soundmanlpte]

I had the same issues but that is because I had recently taken off a fuel rail. Had to special order the grommets. Not just the o rings. In order to fix it.

I would not expect an o ring to start leaking out of the blue. Although it would cost you $30 and 2 hours to replace all o rings and grommets on the injectors.

I have heard of charcoal canister causing this. I might start there.

 

[foskco87]

The charcoal canister can smell if it gets fuel in it through the vent line. If you recently had a full tank and were off camber at all, or possibly topped the tank off a few too many times when you filled up. Either way, when mine filled up I unhooked the hose, let it dry out, and it hasn't smelled since.

Thanks for the feedback. Just curious, which hose did you disconnect? Is the vent line the one that goes to the air filter box? The thing is I have not overfilled my truck at all so Im not sure how that would gave caused it, but the smell definitely seems to be coming from around the charcoal cannister.

 

[foskco87]

So incase anyone cares or has this problem in the future... It was indeed a leaking fuel injector. The one on the passenger side near the firewall. My mechanic ended up replacing the injector. Not a huge deal but I was almost convinced at first it was the charcoal canister, which would have cost a lot more to replace so I am happy. I think I was always checking the injectors when the engine was warm, because that's when I was smelling it. But I think the gas was evaporating as soon as it leaked out from the heat and I couldnt see it. The last time I checked it when it was cold and rev'd the engine a few times and sure enough I could see gas leaking out. New Injector. No gas smell anymore.