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Mysterious gas fumes

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Old Sep 22, 2012 | 11:09 AM
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XJ.89.Limited's Avatar
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From: Nazareth/Pen Argyl, Pennsylvania
Year: 1989
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Default Mysterious gas fumes

So about once a week I'll smell a strong gas smell coming from the rear of my jeep. I looked under it multiple times and can't seem to find any gas leaks that would cause the smell. It doesn't matter if I just filled up or if I have to fill up again. I never see wet spots on the ground either. It's really odd. Are there any common areas to check for a leak?
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Old Sep 22, 2012 | 12:30 PM
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Did you check if your gas cap is sealing properly? Just a thought.
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Old Sep 22, 2012 | 12:47 PM
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Did you check by the filler neck and where the neck attaches to the tank?
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Old Sep 22, 2012 | 12:53 PM
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From: Nazareth/Pen Argyl, Pennsylvania
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Yup, checked both of those. I could probably give a harder look, but when I looked before i saw no wetness or anything.
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Old Sep 22, 2012 | 01:15 PM
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Originally Posted by XJ.89.Limited
Yup, checked both of those. I could probably give a harder look, but when I looked before i saw no wetness or anything.
If it's just the vapor escaping you won't see anything wet. You may want to just get you nose up close and personal next time you smell anything. Hope you can find it.
Good Luck
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Old Sep 22, 2012 | 01:38 PM
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From: Nazareth/Pen Argyl, Pennsylvania
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Yeah, I'm planning on it. Just usually when I smell it I have to leave right away to get to work or college, haha. It always seems to smell when I don't have time to take a look.
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Old Sep 22, 2012 | 02:07 PM
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Might check the vapor recovery canister and lines too.
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Old Sep 22, 2012 | 03:53 PM
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About a month ago found the line from the top of the gas tank to the canister above the rear axle was rusted through.

Last edited by IRONMIKE; Sep 22, 2012 at 11:51 PM.
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Old Sep 22, 2012 | 06:03 PM
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Originally Posted by XJ.89.Limited
Yeah, I'm planning on it. Just usually when I smell it I have to leave right away to get to work or college, haha. It always seems to smell when I don't have time to take a look.
In the long run you might be better off to take the time if you smell a fuel leak. I would hate to see that someones rig or even worst someone got hurt because a fuel leak. Just thinking of you and yours. This is something you want to find sooner rather then later.
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Old Sep 22, 2012 | 09:24 PM
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From: Nazareth/Pen Argyl, Pennsylvania
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Yeah, I know. I keep an eye on it and check it every chance I get. I have some time tomorrow, I'll crawl under it then and take a look at everything. I had an idea of maybe the fuel regulator having old seals and letting vapors escape. After all, it is 23 years old. How much would a new fuel regulator cost? I might just replace it if it's not too expensive. I imagine it's pretty worn out. The fuel pump also, but that's within the tank.
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