strong fuel smell from underside of vehicle below charcoal canister.

1998 TOYOTA CAMRY
119,850 MILES • 6 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
Avatar
FERRARI
  • MEMBER
  • 18 POSTS
what is most common problem? No check engine light. I'm smelling a strong gasoline odor coming from underneath the car, below the charcoal canister. Nothing is noticeably wet with gas or stained. There is no check engine light on. What are the possible causes?
Nov 23, 2011 at 12:49 AM
Advertisement
Avatar
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 110,194 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Check for cracked, disconnected, or broken vacuum hoses to the canister. Also, check for cracks in the canister itself.
Nov 23, 2011 at 12:58 AM
Avatar
FERRARI
  • MEMBER
  • 18 POSTS
All the hoses are Ok. Because of the location,the cannister is hard to check for cracks. If there was anything else wrong wouldn't it come up as a check engine light?
Nov 23, 2011 at 1:30 AM
Avatar
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 110,194 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
One would hope so, but that isn't always the case. If that is where the smell is coming from, you should check it. NOTE: If you overfill the fuel tank, raw fuel can get to the canister too. It should set an EVAP code, but...
Nov 23, 2011 at 3:53 AM
Avatar
RASMATAZ
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 75,992 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
C/Canister could be saturated with fuel
Nov 23, 2011 at 3:57 AM
Avatar
FERRARI
  • MEMBER
  • 18 POSTS
Thanks for replies.I don't ever top off the tank with fuel.I've read though that the cannister must be positioned lower than the gas tank for any fuel to ever enter it. My cannister is positioned higher than the tank in the engine compartment.Where do I start? Change out all the hoses first before getting into the big money?
Nov 23, 2011 at 2:59 PM
Avatar
MHPAUTOS
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 31,937 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Do the scan as not all codes will set a check light, remove the canister and check that it is not full of fuel, check that the purge valve is working correctly.
Nov 26, 2011 at 7:24 AM
Join 2CarPros for free, one of the most advanced car repair communities on the internet. From first-time drivers to seasoned mechanics, everyone is welcome to reply, share details, and get better answers. You can add a temporary image or video first; uploads are limited to 20 MB.
Ask a Free Question
Repair Safety Notice: This information is for general instructional purposes only. Vehicle repair can be dangerous. Verify all information, follow manufacturer service procedures, use proper tools and safety equipment, and consult a qualified repair shop when needed.