Fuel Smell

[K Stokes]

Hi,



Smell gas at the rear of my wife's Trac for a couple of weeks now, (no check engine light.) After searching here and online I found a couple of possible causes: gas cap, split rubber line from the filler neck, evap canister, and the purge valve. Couple of questions for the forum:



1. The rubber line appears to be "S" shaped. Is that a preformed line or can I just buy some 1/2" or 5/8" (which ever it is) fuel line and replace it?



2. Ive read some place that if you remove the evap canister or purge valve that you need to do a drive cycle test which calls for a OBD II monitor to monitor PIDs: ECT, EVAPDC, FL1, and TP MODE for 30 mins. Does this test really need to be performed, (esp. since I dont have a OBD II monitor)



As always thank for your assistance in advance!

 

[EddieS'04]

Since you have no check engine light yet. You can remove any hose or component for replacment. With out having to clear the code or do a drive cycle. After the light comes on, you will.

 

[Todd Z]

Look in the Drivers side wheel well... there are hoses and elbowes in there, They can fall appart



Todd Z

 

[K Stokes]

UPDATE:



Dropped the spare, and removed the bracket holding the evap canister(s) (looked like two linked together by a hose) the elbow coming from the tank was missing, (good call Todd...)



I replaced the elbow and have a 50% reduction in the smell...but it's still there. It appears to be coming from the rear of the vehicle. After dropping the spare and crawling under the Trac there was a faint whiff of fuel smell.



After taking the evap. canisters out and putting them back in the smell was gone. Took it out for a test drive, and after parking for about 10 mins. the smell came back :banghead: The purge vavle looked to be in good shape, and stil no check engine light...



Thanks for your help so far...

 

[K Stokes]

UPDATE II



Changed out the fuel pump, fingers crossed seems to have corrected the problem. Pump was $240 from O'Reily's and took about 3 hours to put in. Not a hard job...just a lotta little PITA things...like removing the hose from the filler neck. Tank is only held in with 2 bolts; one each holding the T straps. Make sure you have the right tool to remove the fuel lines, and that the tank is as empty as you can get it...



I hold a post online that showed how to remove the tank...it was very helpful.



Thanks to Ret. Navy Guy for putting me on the right track