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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => 73-87 Chevy & GMC Trucks => Topic started by: got2haul on March 24, 2011, 08:55:57 am

Title: Strong gasoline odor around the truck
Post by: got2haul on March 24, 2011, 08:55:57 am

Lately I’ve noticed a strong gasoline smell emanating from my stepside.  The fuel economy seems to be noticeably less, too (although that could be my imagination).  I see no leaks under the truck or obvious evidence under the hood.  The truck still runs strong with no stumbling.  I can detect the odor just walking up to the truck, and when it's parked in the garage, it's very strong.

Anyone have any ideas on what to look for to determine what could be causing the odor?

Title: Re: Strong gasoline odor around the truck
Post by: beastie_3 on March 24, 2011, 10:49:32 am

It could be a bad hose line in the tank vent or vent line

Title: Re: Strong gasoline odor around the truck
Post by: SmithersUSMC on March 24, 2011, 11:11:40 am

I noticed the same thing with my truck this past weekend.  After I got my bed off to clean up the frame.  I found the bottom of my tank wet with gasoline.  I don't know where the leak is coming from as of yet.

Title: Re: Strong gasoline odor around the truck
Post by: velojym on March 24, 2011, 11:54:14 am

I'd also put up a "no smoking" sign.

 ;D

Title: Re: Strong gasoline odor around the truck
Post by: SmithersUSMC on March 24, 2011, 12:06:52 pm

That's funny, I don't care who you are!

Title: Re: Strong gasoline odor around the truck
Post by: beastie_3 on March 24, 2011, 01:06:56 pm

Maybe, until something catches fire...

Title: Re: Strong gasoline odor around the truck
Post by: Grim 82 on March 24, 2011, 01:12:47 pm

Do you still have the plastic skid plate that goes at the front of the tank? I have seen those fill up with dirt and gravel between the plate and the tank and eventually wear a pinhole in the tank.

Title: Re: Strong gasoline odor around the truck
Post by: got2haul on March 24, 2011, 02:42:10 pm

I think the plate is still there, but I'll have to check to be sure.  Someone I was discussing this with today told me that the charcoal canister could be the culprit, so I'll check that and the lines connected to it later today.

Title: Re: Strong gasoline odor around the truck
Post by: zieg85 on March 24, 2011, 03:34:52 pm

Be prepared to purchase a new tank...I went with a poly plastic so it would never rust out again.

Title: Re: Strong gasoline odor around the truck
Post by: beastie_3 on March 24, 2011, 05:08:04 pm

are those poly tanks made of the same material as fuel jugs? Would there be a static electricity/spark issue with them as with the fuel jugs? I assume not, since they have been available for a while, just curious.

Title: Re: Strong gasoline odor around the truck
Post by: VileZambonie on March 24, 2011, 08:51:49 pm

Check the entire system over carefully. If you cannot find the source have someone with a smoke machine find the leak for you.

Title: Re: Strong gasoline odor around the truck
Post by: got2haul on March 24, 2011, 09:34:15 pm

Quote from: VileZambonie on March 24, 2011, 08:51:49 pm

Check the entire system over carefully. If you cannot find the source have someone with a smoke machine find the leak for you.

I haven't heard of a "smoke machine" in this context before.  Tell me about it.

Title: Re: Strong gasoline odor around the truck
Post by: VileZambonie on March 24, 2011, 11:08:28 pm

That's the primary use of my smoke machine - seek out leaks in evap systems. My smoke machine helps me make a lot of money. Many of your check engine light on complaints are caused by EVAP system malfunctions many of which are leaks easily detected with the smoke machine. It has many more uses than fuel though. Here's mine:

http://www.ntxtools.com/network-tool-warehouse/OTC-6525.html

Title: Re: Strong gasoline odor around the truck
Post by: got2haul on March 28, 2011, 12:38:11 pm

Turned out to be the fuel pump was leaking while the engine was running.