Fuel leak.
2 questions on this one, what could be the cause for me smelling a strong odor of fuel on the back of my jeep, and is the fuel pump gaset really the same as an old small block chevy gasket that goes on the side of the block, im confused on how this will seal on the tank without an o-ring. Thanks for the help!
CF Veteran
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 2,139
Likes: 93
From: Syracuse, NY
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0L
I'm not sure I fully understood your question. But I ask about the 96 because it will have the fuel assembly and lock-ring mounted on the front of the tank (not on the top like 97+ cherokees). The benefit is that it is easier to service/replace. The downside is that if there is a leak at the lock-ring, then fuel will want to come out, because the fuel level can easily be above the level of the lock-ring. In the lock-ring is a large rubber o-ring that creates the seal between the fuel pump assemble face plate and the fuel tank. If it is degraded or was installed improperly, a leak can occur there easily. You would probably see evidence of the leak in the form of wetness around the lock-ring.
As far as the small bock Chevy comparison, I couldn't say. This doesn't have much to do with the motor. I'm talking about the fuel tank and fuel pump assembly.
Perhaps you meant the oil filter adapter and the o-ring that seals between it and the engine block. I don't know, but that would not be related to the fuel pump assembly.
As far as the small bock Chevy comparison, I couldn't say. This doesn't have much to do with the motor. I'm talking about the fuel tank and fuel pump assembly.
Perhaps you meant the oil filter adapter and the o-ring that seals between it and the engine block. I don't know, but that would not be related to the fuel pump assembly.
CF Veteran
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 3,700
Likes: 238
From: Groton, MA
Year: 1995
Model: Cherokee(XJ)
Engine: I6 4.0L
It's very possible that one of the rubber hoses rotted out at the fuel tank area. I'd do some "noggin' pokin'" and see if you can find the source of the smell or see anything that's out of sorts.
The local Jeep specialty shop noted that my 95's lines are rotting and need to be replaced in the near future - the 96 is basically the same setup.
The local Jeep specialty shop noted that my 95's lines are rotting and need to be replaced in the near future - the 96 is basically the same setup.
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 84
Likes: 1
From: bayou vista
Year: 92
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
on my 92, there's a fuel filter on the drivers side frame back near the tank and it's got rubber hoses on either side. one of them ruptured once and was dripping gas. might give it a look.
Thank you everyone, and I was referring to the fuel pump gasket every part store I've been to shows a block mounted fuel pump not in the tank I thought it was odd that it would have a block mounted fuel pump hahaha
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I will, i apprecieate the help, now to drop the tank and see whats leaking, i got no fuel coming out of the tank just the smell that filled my house when it was in the garage one night
Well ran it to a little above half tank and no more smell, guess im replacing the hose and the gasket just to be safe, question now is how many beers this job requires to do hahaha
If it's just hose it's only half a beer, so you really ought a do the fuel filter as well if it hasn't been done. That should get you up to about 2 beers if you stretch it. Gasket needs a looksee to ascertain if it's the culprit. Dunno about those so much, yet.
Luckily i inherited some mechanical ability hahaha ive got plenty of mason jars and shop towels too so we will see how it goes, anyone run any filter they like better than Wix? Also other than 12 hole injectors and an adjustable fuel pressure regulator is there any other fuel system upgrades anyone can reccomend?



