2004 Ford Taurus Gas odor from car and no leaks

COYOTERUN01

MEMBER
2004 FORD TAURUS
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
65,547 MILES

Ok here is my question. Car has a strange gasoline smell coming from it. Never smell it while it is running only after car has been sitting for awhile. It is not very strong and is hard to place where it is coming from. It is not strong in any one particular area. Smell is worse when car sits over night or when you add gas to tank that day.
Also as of late the vehicle seems to have lost performance. Especially bad under load. No check engine lights have come on and mpg is still the same as before. No spills or leaks found on ground.

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,755 POSTS

Chances are there is a leak in the EVAP system. This system is responsible for maintaining fumes from the fuel tank so they don't enter the atmosphere. It could be a fuel cap, a rusted filler tube, hose.

To start checking, you could have the EVAP system fogged to see if there is a leak. Fog is placed onto the system and then it will leak out if there is a leak.

Also, keep in mind, gas will evaporate, so seeing puddles on the ground usually won't happen.