Fuel smell question

[ChuckH]

This seems like a strange condition but I have noticed it consistently on the last 4 fuel ups and occasionally in the past. After I fuel up my Silverado(2001), when I get back in the cab there is the smell of gas in the cab, sometimes stronger than others. It seems to linger for a 2-3 hours after. I am not sure where the smell is coming in from, sometimes it seems like the vents but I can not be sure. I am careful not to step in any gas on the ground. But tonight my daughter got in my truck before me after about 1.5 hours after i filled up and instantly said it smells like gas. I also noticed over the last 4-6 tanks that my gas mileage is about 1.5mpg less than previous. Used to get 16.5-17 now 14.8-15.5. Can anyone shed any light on this strange happening. Also after the smell subsides, I really don't notice it too much until I fill up again. Every once and a while I get the hint of a gas smell while driving but it is faint and short lived. Thanks

[citydriver]

Almost sounds like the Emmisions Vapor Canister may be saturated..just a guess

Does your SES (check Engine) light come on..could also check the clamps on the FILL/VENT tubes to the tank

[AlanTDickey]

Sniffing fuel is cool!

[awdvkd]

I hope you don't smoke.

[Guest 007FL]

I had a problem once with the fuelvapor reirc system on a Mitsubishi that resulted in the same "after-fillup" odor, but as citydriver suggested it threw a code.

 

Have you tried filling only half way? I'd hope it wasn't a pinhole leak at the top of the tank.

[ChuckH]

No warning lights have come on yet regarding this. I have actually noticed the smell while filling up before the tank is full, so it seems to start right after i pop the cap and start fueling

[AZ-Z71]

Maybe you vent hose is kinked?

 

Does the cap want to blow off when you loosen it? Maybe a faulty cap, although I thought it would throw a code for that too??

[jhm]

I would not screw around very long trying to find it. You know fuel and electronics dont mix, not to mention breathing those fumes will make you start thinking you should be at home polishing the silverware!

[snoman]

Yeah but you can smell gasoline long before it is harmful to breath or it will burn.

[jhm]

He say's it lingers 2-3 hours, I think that is enough time to do some damage!

[snoman]

I a hot humid day a little gasoline vapor goes a long why and can linger for a long time. I suspect he has a bad vent line on tank and it is near a car vent and being siphoned in. Try rolling up windows completely with airflow on high and see if odor persists

[ChuckH]

Called two dealerships and neither has a clue. Guess I will bring it in and have the fuel filter changed which it is time and have them look at the complete fuel system to make sure there are no leaks or kinks. Thanks for the responses,

[orbitron]

Possible Fuel Pressure Regulator...