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Fuel leak.

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Old Jan 15, 2019 | 11:30 AM
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Default 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!
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Old Jan 15, 2019 | 01:14 PM
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From: Syracuse, NY
Year: 1996
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Are we talking about a 96?
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Old Jan 15, 2019 | 01:28 PM
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yes we are
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Old Jan 15, 2019 | 02:42 PM
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Year: 1996
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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.
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Old Jan 15, 2019 | 02:55 PM
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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.
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Old Jan 15, 2019 | 06:14 PM
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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.
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Old Jan 15, 2019 | 08:09 PM
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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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Old Jan 15, 2019 | 08:18 PM
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Year: 1996
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Ask for a "Fuel Tank Lock Ring" Usually they come with the lock ring and o-ring together. Or a "Fuel Tank Seal" that is the o-ring.
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Old Jan 15, 2019 | 08:33 PM
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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
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Old Jan 15, 2019 | 10:24 PM
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My money is on the little hose between the tank and the fuel filter, and maybe the end of the hose forward of the fuel filter. I have a 96 and replaced those last year due to age.
good luck!
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Old Jan 15, 2019 | 11:14 PM
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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
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Old Jan 16, 2019 | 12:14 AM
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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.
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Old Jan 16, 2019 | 07:07 AM
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So im going to be in it for about a 6 pack if i drink fast then...
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Old Jan 16, 2019 | 09:58 AM
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Make sure to have a jar to catch all the fuel that comes out of the filter.
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Old Jan 16, 2019 | 10:51 AM
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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?
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