Gas Smell
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,248
Likes: 0
Fuel line leak checks.
With the engine running, from under the truck, check to see if the leak is not from the fuel pump or fuel hose.
Also check the fuel hoses and carburator near the carburator.
Check for fuel leaks at the accelerator pump on the carburator.
Check the fuel filter and hoses at this area also.
Check the rubber fuel line at the tank.
Check the rubber hose at the at the filler tube for leaks.
Check the fuel tank for pin holes or leaks.
Finally, follow the fuel line from the fuel tank to the engine compartment.
Also check the fuel hoses and carburator near the carburator.
Check for fuel leaks at the accelerator pump on the carburator.
Check the fuel filter and hoses at this area also.
Check the rubber fuel line at the tank.
Check the rubber hose at the at the filler tube for leaks.
Check the fuel tank for pin holes or leaks.
Finally, follow the fuel line from the fuel tank to the engine compartment.
New User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Evanston
I am going through this situation now too. I could smell the fuel from my 73 F250 from about 20 yards away- Nothing obvious in the engine compartment. No puddles under the truck. When I looked underneath at the tank, it seems like the area around the sending unit was leaking. Take a look at the top of your tank- this may be happening to you too.
Quick question for everyone- Would a fuel leak be enough to lower fuel pressure enough to keep the motor from running? Since I discovered the leaky fuel system, the truck doesn't start very easily (it usually starts on the first turn of the key), and it wants to die unless I give it extra throttle.
Bear in mind I drove it over 800 miles towing a car/trailer with no problems. When I got to my destination, the truck gave up. Lucky, I guess.
Quick question for everyone- Would a fuel leak be enough to lower fuel pressure enough to keep the motor from running? Since I discovered the leaky fuel system, the truck doesn't start very easily (it usually starts on the first turn of the key), and it wants to die unless I give it extra throttle.
Bear in mind I drove it over 800 miles towing a car/trailer with no problems. When I got to my destination, the truck gave up. Lucky, I guess.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 202
Likes: 0
From: southern Md
I wouldnt think so unless the leak is a part of a faulty carb. I guess if it was sucking air in the fuel line it would do that as well but I would think that would show up as a obvious leak.
Glenn
Glenn
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,398
Likes: 17
From: Hesperia, CA
I put up with the gas smell on my 77 F250 for years. I finally got under the thing and replaced the vapor line to the tank. No more fuel smell. It took about 15 minutes to fix some thing that I put up with for years.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 150
Likes: 0
From: Aiken SC
Maybe the seal around the sending unit has gone bad and is leting the smell out. Maybe even gas on a full tank. Look along the frame near the gas tank.
Richard
Richard
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Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,808
Likes: 0
From: Cincinnati Ohio
My 76 does the same thing, I know what it is though, I changed my tank and the new tank didnt have a place for the canister, when I run it and pull the cap off there is a bit of pressure. I guess when I get some spare cash I should get a new tank with the place for the canister.