Gas smell

87TR, Today while at 1/4 tank fuel showing I smelled fuel vapor on drivers side by the gas filler in the engine compartment by the vapor filter area, (the black filter that has a spring in the end that you can see and has one large hose attached to it). I checked the fuel filter and check valve / pressure regulator and found no leaks. Put TR up in the air and looked over everything in the fuel system. Found the tin cover for the fuel pump area had three angle brackets cracked from the frame. Repaired with new angle brackets etc., welded to the chassis drilled and tapped. Did notice my cam cover gaskets wet a little with oil. I am not happy about it since they were replaced spring of 2005 when the engine out service was done. Does any one have any idea where the vapors are coming from sometimes. Vapor smell just started but I must say I usually keep the tanks above 1/2 tank most of the time. I have a full tank now and the vapors are gone from what I can tell. Is there a vapor system I need to look at / service? My vapor reclaim cans etc. are on the right rear not where the smell is coming from. Another question, can the cam cover gaskets be serviced with the engine in? It looks like there is enough room but I have never done it. I think I should check it see if the shop who did the heavy major engine out work, belts, gaskets, hoses, etc. will cover it. they should last longer than two years.

 

The small return line on the fill neck tube? Or the return lines from the pressure return side from the fuel distributors? Please describe which return lines. There is a small braided line that appears to be a down drain line to atmosphere. Where do I get the braided lines from. Buy in rolls and cut to length?

 

Thank you for the information and tip on the tank nipples / hose removal etc. Interesting thing now that I have a full tank the fuel smell has gone away. Drove 1.5 hours today Sunday, no smell at all. When we did the engine out major service, I instructed to change everything that needed to be done including all maintenance items. I consider hoses to be maintenance items.

 

Checked the fuel lines look good and dry. The filters and pressure regulator / check valves were changed spring 2005. The braded stainless steel lines that feed the distributors were not. The hard tubing line from the tank pumps look good. I will keep checking them as part of my rounds when checking oil, water etc.

I have a feeling the problem is in my return lines but now that I have full tanks the fuel smell is gone. I do not know where the vapor is comming from at this time.

 

What fuel / vapor hose should I get. I want to change all of them. Is there a service kit with all of them? Suggestions on how to get to them. I assume remove drivers side rear tire and access panel?

Thank you,

Greg

 

The hose comes from the drain nipple at the gas cap area fixture. It drains what is spilled into the fill area to the ground directly.