Hardcore gas smell in cab, unbearable at idle

Hi all, big time gas smell in the cab, gas mileage almost zero and no clue……I humbly admit that I know next to nothing about engines or cars so if possible I need some kind of direction. Thank you so much in advance

 

Any wet spots in your parking spot?

 

No sir, can’t seem to see anything on the ground

 

When you pop the hood with the engine running, see if you have any wet spots up top around the intake manifold and fuel rails.

 

So, as you may find in the newbie catch-up thread, two things:

Steering shaft seal has a penchant for blowing out. This is the seal that blocks air/dirt/smells/noise from entering where the steering shaft goes thru the firewall.

If you have a fuel leak in the engine bay, you'll totally smell it in the cab when that seal is blown, and the fact the fuel lines come up right by the steering shaft, I'm going to guess that's your prob - both your steering shaft seal is shot, but moreso, you've got a leak on one of your fuel lines in the engine bay, which is not where you want it - especially not above the bank 1 manifold.

If you could tell us where you live, maybe we can understand whether corrosion is playing a factor here. But I'm guessing your issue is with one of the soft lines leaking, and it should be plainly visible ad idle if the smell is that atrocious.

 

Sure thing, I’m in Northern California and thanks for the lead on the newbie catch-up thread!

 

You'll be wanting to check your lines over in this vicinity. Ignore the steel brake lines. This is from my '06 engine bay, which should be pretty similar.

​

 

To further this reply, here's the steering shaft seal thread you want to have a look at.

 

If I recall, this is the layout for the fuel system. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

You should have a check engine code set if the tank vent/EVAP line shown, or the canister, or the vent solenoid are cracked/malfunctioning. Do you have a light on? This line needs to keep a solid amount of vacuum pressure (not too little, not too much) for the emissions system to work correctly. Troubleshooting EVAP issues suuuuuuuucks

I don't remember the order of the supply/return on the fuel lines. You'll want to trace them all the way from just under the cab, up to where they meet the fuel rail to check for leaks. Wrap a paper towel around it and run it up/down the lines as far as you can and see if anything transfers. The non-metal lines should meet metal at some point.

 

Yep looks about the same so I’ll go out and look right now!

 

And yes, it was like the second I smelled gas the check engine light came on

 

Any local chain auto parts store will look up codes for you and usually give you a printout also.

Please go to the store, or if you have a code reader, or want to buy one for $30 or something, whatever - get the codes stored, so we have a direction to run in.

Meanwhile, if it is EVAP, It'll probably be an issue with the larger hose in the engine bay I clearly point at as EVAP line. Check all three anyway, just to make sure none have burst/split/and none are unplugged.

But seriously, find out what codes are set.

 

Going to do that tonight and get the code read, thanks so much

 

EVAP tube should only have vapor in it.

If you're seeing physical drainage, like you rub your fingers in that puddle and it smells like gas, focus on the gas lines. Try what I mention with the paper towel to find the source. Most modern vehicles use quick-connect lines, so try to push/pull the line firmly but not aggressively to see if they're tight. This may just be a case of a connection loosening and needing to be snappedback together.

 

Troutguy where in norcal you located?