For maybe the last week of so when I get in the Jeep first thing in the morning, start the car, roll down the window - I smell gas.

The car drives fine but at idle it seems just a tiny bit 'rough'. The tach look normal.

I have not yet looked at whatever computer codes might be registered - but we have had a "small evap leak" for years which no one has ever been able to pinpoint.

Any thoughts on where to begin appreciated.

 

 

I had that issue with an 88 i used to have. Turned out to be a leaky fuel injector seal. The hot manifold was boiling off the liquid so there was no drips. Really had to look to see the tiny stream of fuel coming out.

 

Mine turned out to be the injector itself leaking. It was weeping gas out the rusty body.

 

My 89 had a gas smell. Also turned out to be the stock two piece injectors. Switched to the Bosch 746 injectors out of a Volvo immediately. Didn't drive one mile further with leaking injectors. Jeep might burn up tomorrow but certainly not going to drive with a known fire starter.

It's actually weird how often I think this while driving.

"Hope somebody doesn't run into my jeep" or "What if my Jeep just caught fire right now".

Yeah, I have anxiety issues.

 

Carry a suitable extinguisher for liquid fuels. Anxiety reduced.

OP, given the relatively high pressure fuel injection systems use, they can pump out a lot of fuel if your leak gets worse.

I would start from cold, key on without starting and off again(the system will build pressure), search for the leak, about once a minute key on and off again to keep the pressure up until you find the leak. Toucan Sam has all the tools you'll need to get started.

 

Just had the gas smell,, fuel line where the clamp bolts to the manifold,, common leak area.