Smelling fuel after putting fuel in the tank

Tiny
BETTY DAVIS
  • MEMBER
  • 1996 TOYOTA COROLLA
  • 0.8L
  • 4 CYL
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 8,001 MILES
Started smelling fuel one day after getting gas. By time I got home about 5 minutes. I was having little problem it was timing belt got fix. Still smell when over $15.00.
Tuesday, November 24th, 2020 AT 7:18 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,724 POSTS
Hi,

If you notice the smell only when you exceed a specific amount of fuel being added, then chances are the tank has a leak.

It is possible, based on where you live, rust may have caused a leak. Also, it isn't uncommon for the seal where the pump is mounted to leak.

If you look at pic 1, I circled where the pump mounts and highlighted where the filler tube enters the tank. Crawl under the vehicle and inspect around where the filler tube enters for evidence of a leak. Also, check the filler itself for possible rust issues

Next, you can not see the pump mount from under the vehicle, so we need to check it a different way. If you remove the rear seat, there is a service port that can be removed to replace the pump. Remove it and inspect around where the pump mounts for evidence of leaks. (See Pic 2)

I am basing this on the idea that it only smells when you add fuel over a certain level. If that is wrong, let me know.

Also, let me know what you find or if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe.
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Tuesday, November 24th, 2020 AT 7:55 PM

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