1998 Chevy Suburban Gas Smell Near Gas Tank

JP98SUBURUBAN

MEMBER
1998 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN
V8
4WD
AUTOMATIC
132,000 MILES

We have had this problem for at least 6 months. A little history: The fuel pump was replaced at a firestone shop about 8 months ago.

A gas smell is very strong upon filling the tank, then goes away after about a day or so. As the tank emptys, the smell gets stronger.

We took the vehicle in to Firestone as we thought the problem might be related to the replaced fuel pump. They performed a smoke test and told us we needed a new gas tank. The reason given was that there was rust on the top of the tank near the fuel pump and some of the vents.

The gas tank has been replaced and we are experiencing the same problem.

We took the vehicle back to Firestone, they smoke tested again and said they could not find a problem. Suggested we need to let the gas level drop further than the 3/4 mark since more vapors seem to be escaping after the fuel level drops.

Before dropping the vehicle off again. Can you provide some information to help me make an educated decision on any further repairs that are suggested? This already cost me $800.00 for the new gas tank.

Thank you very much

1 Reply

PEAR69

MECHANIC
1,482 POSTS

The filler tube may be rotted, or the filler hose and/or vent hose may be bad or loose. The fuel pump assembly may not be seated properly. The feed and return fuel lines that go into the fuel pump assembly are flexible. Sometimes they can rub through, check to see if this has happened -- also these lines have o-rings that seal them -- sometimes the o-rings are not seated properly or they may fail. If the o-rings are the problem, the gas would be spraying all over the place, but it doesn't hurt to check to be sure.