Strong gasoline odor around the truck

[got2haul]

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?

[beastie_3]

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

[SmithersUSMC]

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.

[velojym]

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

 

[SmithersUSMC]

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

[beastie_3]

Maybe, until something catches fire...

[Grim 82]

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.

[got2haul]

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.

[zieg85]

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

[beastie_3]

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.

[VileZambonie]

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

[got2haul]

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.

[VileZambonie]

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

[got2haul]

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